Happy Hello! We are looking for a Nursery Leader (Nursery Manager) @ Happy Trails Play – Shinfield, Reading.
36–40 hours per week (We're happy to be flexible with the exact hours.)
Either...
An experienced Nursery Manager who wants the freedom, support and autonomy to lead an exceptional nursery.
Or...
A confident, high-performing Deputy Manager with at least four years' experience in a deputy leadership role, who knows they're ready to step up and lead their own nursery.
If you've spent years developing people, leading rooms, supporting a manager, driving standards and quietly thinking...
"I know I'm ready."
...this could be exactly the opportunity you've been waiting for.
We don't believe the best Nursery Leaders lead from behind a desk.
They lead from the nursery floor.
They're the person children run to with exciting news.
The person parents trust with what matters most.
The person colleagues naturally turn to for guidance, encouragement and support.
They're visible.
They're approachable.
They lead by example.
Because that's where great leadership happens.
We're looking for someone who wants to build a team that loves coming to work, children who can't wait to walk through the door each morning, and families who know they've found somewhere truly special.
You'll already have a strong understanding of what outstanding early years practice looks like and be passionate about developing people, maintaining exceptional standards and creating an inspiring culture.
Because exceptional nurseries aren't built by one person.
They're built by great teams with a shared purpose.
Ownership, not just responsibility
At Happy Trails Play, every nursery has its own personality.
We don't want someone who simply maintains standards.
We want someone who genuinely takes ownership.
Someone who nurtures their nursery.
Shapes its culture.
Develops its people.
Builds lasting relationships with families.
And creates a place where children flourish and colleagues are proud to belong.
The four qualities every Happy Trails Play Leader shares:
1. Whimsical
We believe childhood should feel magical.
Being whimsical isn't about grand gestures.
It's about seeing opportunities where others see routines.
Creating moments of awe.
Encouraging creativity.
Making ordinary days unforgettable.
You'll constantly ask:
"How can we make today even better?"
Because the smallest moments often leave the biggest memories.
2. Empathetic
Great leaders understand people before they lead them.
You'll build trust.
Listen carefully.
Coach with kindness.
Have honest conversations.
Celebrate success generously.
Challenge people positively.
You'll create an environment where colleagues feel safe, valued and inspired to become their very best.
3. A Desire to Learn
The very best leaders never stop learning.
We don't expect perfection.
We expect curiosity.
You'll actively seek feedback.
Embrace coaching.
Reflect on your leadership.
Learn from mistakes.
And continually look for ways to improve yourself and your nursery.
Whether you're already a Nursery Manager or preparing for your very first management role, we'll continue investing in your development.
4. Team Wellness
Happy teams create happy children.
Looking after wellbeing isn't an extra.
It's part of leadership.
You'll notice when someone needs encouragement.
Know when to challenge someone to grow.
Recognise when someone simply needs support.
Because people perform at their very best when they genuinely feel cared for.
What you'll spend your time doing
We've designed this role so you can focus on leadership.
Our central support team manages recruitment, nursery funding and much of the day-to-day administration, giving you more time to lead your people.
You'll spend approximately:
60% planning, coaching, developing your team and driving continuous improvement.
40% leading from the nursery floor alongside your colleagues.
Because leadership shouldn't disappear behind an office door.
You'll work closely with our Senior Leadership Team to embed the Happy Trails Play curriculum, maintain exceptional standards and continually improve outcomes for children.
Developing your Room Leaders will become one of your greatest priorities.
Through coaching, observations, one-to-ones and development planning, you'll help every member of your team become the very best version of themselves.
Most importantly...
You'll be visible.
Visible to children.
Visible to families.
Visible to your team.
Because we aren't looking for an office manager.
We're looking for a leader.
We're looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Experience as a Nursery Manager or at least four years as a successful Deputy Nursery Manager.
- Strong leadership and people development skills.
- The confidence to coach, support and hold people accountable.
- Excellent knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and compliance.
- A genuine passion for creating outstanding experiences for children.
- The ability to receive and act on constructive feedback professionally.
- A desire to keep learning and continually improve.
Most importantly...
We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys bringing out the very best in other people.
What you'll get
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (38 days total)
- A solid company pension
- A Discretionary annual performance bonus
- Lead a fully staffed, well-established nursery
- Dedicated Office Administrator to reduce administration
- Close support from our Operations Manager, Senior Nursery Manager, Directors and Founder
- Comprehensive training and induction
- Staff wellbeing programme
- 50% discounted childcare
- Company-funded staff parties and social events
- One-to-one leadership coaching
- Genuine autonomy with experienced support whenever you need it
- The opportunity to help shape one of Berkshire's most ambitious and forward-thinking nursery groups
If you're an experienced Nursery Manager looking for your next challenge...
Or you're an exceptional Deputy Manager who's ready to take the next step...
We'd love to hear from you.
Happy Trails Play is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. The safety and wellbeing of our children and colleagues is our highest priority. All appointments are subject to robust pre-employment checks, including satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check. Candidates must either be subscribed to the DBS Update Service (allowing us to carry out a status check) or be willing to undergo a new Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and funded by Happy Trails Play.
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee mentoring programme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Arborfield RG2 9DY: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Nursery: 5 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Level 3 Childcare Qualification (required)
Location:
- Arborfield RG2 9DY (required)
Work Location: In person
