Nursery Manager

Nursery Manager

Heathfield, Sussex

Full time, on-site

�35,000 - �37,000 per annum, immediate start available

An established early years group is seeking a new Nursery Manager. Recently rated GOOD by Ofsted, this group values its staff, encourages input from all employees, and fosters a collaborative environment. The position involves managing a 3-room nursery with 52 child placements. Due to the rural location, access to personal transportation is necessary. The team is friendly and supportive, prioritizing high-quality child care.

The group offers regular, ongoing training to support staff in their professional development and provides opportunities for employees to take ownership of their growth.

Job Role and Responsibilities:

• Overall management, planning, and development of the nursery, under the direction of the Operations Manager.


• Create an environment that ensures the well-being of all children attending the nursery.


• Lead, motivate, and develop the staff team.


• Identify training requirements for team members, liaising with the Deputy Manager to ensure delivery and evaluate effectiveness.


• Handle people management in collaboration with the Deputy Manager, including recruitment, induction, performance reviews, disciplinaries, grievances, and absence management.


• Ensure efficient financial management of the nursery to maintain commercial success.


• Produce a realistic annual nursery budget in conjunction with the Operations Manager and utilize monthly financial statements to stay on target.


• Communicate effectively with internal teams, parents/carers, and external agencies, demonstrating excellent customer service skills.


• Complete relevant office work and records to required standards and deadlines.


• Ensure the safeguarding, health, safety, and welfare of the children, including responsibility for child protection issues in liaison with appropriate agencies.


• Maintain adequate staffing levels in line with statutory ratio requirements, including arranging staff cover and rotas.


• Promote and apply equal opportunities policy throughout the nursery.

Person Specification:

• Nursery: 3 years (preferred)


• Childcare: 5 years (preferred)


• Work authorization in the United Kingdom (required)


• Work location: In person

Benefits Include:

• Everyday benefits discount card or gym membership


• An extra day's leave on your birthday


• 24/7 access to employee wellness program and counseling service


• Annual spa day for the whole team


• Annual fun team-building day


• Employee of the month rewards

Step Ahead is acting as an Employment Agency Step Ahead is committed to preventing discrimination in its recruitment practices by stimulating genuine equality of opportunity. This means that everyone is treated solely on the basis of competence and merit, regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexuality, ethnicity, racial, religious or disability considerations, and we welcome applications.