THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL RECEIVE £3000 WELCOME BONUS!!!
RELOCATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE!
Nursery Manager
Location: Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom Devon
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Salary: £35,000 per annum
This Nursery Needs a Leader, Not Just a manager!
We’re looking for someone who can lead with energy, inspire a team, and create a place where children feel excited to learn and explore every day.
We’re searching for an experienced Early Years leader to take the reins of our busy 42-place nursery and help shape something really special. Someone who understands that great childcare isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating meaningful experiences, supporting passionate Educators, and building an environment where children thrive both indoors and outdoors.
You’ll be confident leading a team through the day-to-day challenges of nursery life, while maintaining high standards, achieving strong Ofsted outcomes, managing budgets and funding, and helping the nursery continue to grow through a great reputation and strong relationships with families.
Most importantly, you’ll genuinely value outdoor learning, muddy boots, imaginative play, adventure, confidence-building, and giving children the freedom to learn beyond four walls.
With at least five years’ experience in Early Years and proven leadership experience, you’ll bring vision, positivity, and the drive to take the nursery forward.
If you’re ready to lead a team, make a real impact, and create an inspiring place for children to grow, we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe great childcare starts with great people. Since 1990, we have been creating inspiring early years environments where children thrive and colleagues are valued, supported, and given room to grow. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, every team member has a voice, a stake in our success, and real opportunities to shape their future.
With more than 30 nurseries across the South of England, we offer rewarding opportunities for Apprentices, Nursery Practitioners, Nursery Managers, and Casual Staff who share our passion for outstanding early years care.
Proud winners of the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development and recognised as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025, we are proud to be a place where people love to work and children love to learn.
About the nursery
Tops Prince Rock Nursery is a 42-place day nursery and preschool in Plymouth, close to the River Plym and Tothill Park. Our Ofsted GOOD nursery offers bright, open-plan learning spaces, a secure garden with an allotment and climbing equipment.
Children benefit from regular outdoor exploration and enriching activities including cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, and tooth brushing. As part of the UK’s leading eco-sustainable childcare group, we encourage children to learn through play while developing respect for the environment and the world around them.
Why You’ll Love Working with Us
At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.
- £3000 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
- Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
- Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
- Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many more)
- Health & wellbeing support- NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
- A generous holiday allowance- including your birthday off & a wellbeing day!
As well as many more exciting benefits! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website
What does the role involve?
- Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
- Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
- Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
- Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
- Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
- Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
- Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns
- Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
- Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
- Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
- Planning age-appropriate annual events and activities
- Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback
What are we looking for?
- A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
- Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
- Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures
Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:
- Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
- Be eligible to work in regulated roles- not on the Children’s Barred List.
- Successfully complete background and reference checks.
At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
Apply Now
Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries
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