Senior Nursery Manager – Lead a Nursery Through Its Most Exciting Chapter Yet
Location: Sandbach Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Full-time, 40 hours per week across Monday - Friday
Start your new role with a smile — enjoy our Welcome Bonus! £1000 ( for Full-time applications)
All payments are made after successful completion of probation and where there are no performance concerns.
Please note: all payments will be subject to deductions
Ready to lead a nursery that's ready to flourish?
We're looking for an inspirational leader to take the reins of a well-established nursery in Sandbach that's entering an exciting new chapter. With a committed team, significant investment, and a major renovation underway, this is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact and leave your mark on a nursery with enormous potential.
This role is perfect for someone who thrives on leading positive change. Someone who sees opportunity where others see challenge, enjoys bringing people together around a shared vision, and knows how to build confidence, consistency and excellence.
What makes this opportunity different?
The foundations are already in place.
You'll inherit a capable, experienced team who genuinely care about delivering high-quality early years education. What they need now is an inspirational leader who can provide the guidance, direction and support to help them reach their full potential.
The nursery is currently on a turnaround journey, backed by a wider group that is fully invested in its success. Alongside substantial refurbishment works creating an exceptional environment for children and families, you'll be supported by experienced Senior Managers and Nursery Managers from neighbouring settings who understand the journey and are committed to helping you succeed.
If you've successfully led improvement, supported a nursery through Ofsted, or enjoy taking good teams to great, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The Role
As Senior Nursery Manager, you will:
· Lead, inspire and develop a passionate team of early years professionals.
· Create a positive, high-performing culture built on trust, accountability and collaboration.
· Drive continuous quality improvement across all areas of nursery operations.
· Prepare for and confidently lead future Ofsted inspections.
· Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
· Build strong relationships with children, families and the local community.
· Champion exceptional teaching, learning and child development.
· Manage occupancy, budgets, recruitment and overall nursery performance.
· Work collaboratively with the wider leadership team, drawing on the support and expertise of neighbouring nursery managers.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
· An experienced Nursery Manager with a proven track record of leading successful teams.
· Qualified to Level 3 or above in Early Years (Level 5 or Degree desirable).
· Experienced in leading improvement or turnaround environments where culture and quality have needed rebuilding.
· Confident in preparing for and managing Ofsted inspections, with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements.
· Passionate about delivering exceptional childcare and education.
· A visible, approachable and inspirational leader who develops others.
· Commercially aware with excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
The leadership qualities that will make you successful:
· You inspire people through coaching, mentoring and leading by example.
· You recognise the strengths within existing teams and know how to build confidence while raising expectations.
· You bring structure, consistency and clear direction without losing warmth and compassion.
· You remain calm, resilient and solutions-focused during periods of change.
· You're excited by the opportunity to create something special and leave a lasting legacy.
What You'll Receive
We believe exceptional leaders deserve exceptional support. That's why we offer:
· Competitive salary.
· Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
· Genuine opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.
· Hands-on support from an experienced network of local Nursery Managers and senior leaders.
· Workplace pension.
· Staff wellbeing initiatives.
· Childcare discount (where applicable).
· The opportunity to lead a beautifully renovated nursery as it enters an exciting new chapter.
Lead the Next Chapter
This is more than a Senior Nursery Manager position.
It's an opportunity to lead meaningful change, inspire an experienced team, guide a nursery through an exciting transformation and create a setting that children, families and colleagues are proud to be part of.
If you're an ambitious leader who enjoys building cultures, developing people and making a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of this exciting Sandbach nursery.
At Ashbourne Day Nurseries, we’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Childcare
- Company pension
- Store discount
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
