Nursery Manager in Popley, Hampshire

Nursery Manager - Up to £53,000 - Basingstoke

Are you an experienced early years professional looking for an exciting new challenge with the opportunity to progress into a multi-site leadership role? We are recruiting for an ambitious and experienced Nursery Manager to lead a large, established nursery in Basingstoke.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated Nursery Manager to take responsibility for a busy setting caring for up to 125 children, while developing their career towards a wider operational management position.

The role will initially be based in Basingstoke until August 2027. Following this, the position will transition into a Field Manager role, overseeing several nursery settings across Kingston-upon-Thames, Surbiton, Andover, Basingstoke, Farnham and Fleet.

As Nursery Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the setting, ensuring children receive outstanding care and education while creating a positive and supportive environment for colleagues and families.

You will lead, inspire and develop the staff team, driving performance, employee engagement and retention. The Nursery Manager will also act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring all safeguarding procedures and regulatory requirements are consistently followed.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the daily operations and performance of the nursery.
• Leading, motivating and developing a high-performing staff team.
• Maintaining excellent safeguarding and child protection standards.
• Ensuring compliance with EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Building strong relationships with parents, colleagues and external professionals.
• Supporting recruitment, training and staff development.
• Improving occupancy, revenue and overall nursery performance.
• Ensuring budgets, staffing levels and ratios are effectively managed.

What we are looking for:

The ideal Nursery Manager will hold a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification or above, alongside previous experience in a senior early years leadership position.

You should have a strong understanding of safeguarding, EYFS and regulatory requirements, with experience leading teams and delivering positive inspection outcomes.

We are looking for a confident and commercially aware Nursery Manager who can make decisions, manage change and build strong working relationships. Experience achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes would be highly desirable.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary between £40,993 and £53,634, depending on experience and qualifications.
• 100% childcare discount for your first child.
• Bonus of up to £6,000.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Paid Christmas closure.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Pension and financial wellbeing benefits.
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities.

If you are an experienced Nursery Manager ready for your next challenge and interested in progressing into a multi-site management role, we would love to hear from you!