Nursery Operations Manager
Location: Wandsworth, London
Salary: $45000 - £50,000 per annum
Hours: 45 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Us
We are a premium childcare and early years education provider committed to delivering exceptional care, education, and family service. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards of safeguarding, compliance, staff development, and customer experience.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Nursery Operations Manager to work closely with our Nursery Manager, Zsanett, and the Directors to oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursery and ensure the highest standards of service, compliance, and operational excellence.
This is a senior leadership position ideal for an experienced nursery professional who combines strong operational management skills with excellent people leadership and commercial awareness.
The Role
The Nursery Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant operation of the nursery. The successful candidate will oversee operational performance, staffing, parent satisfaction, regulatory compliance, occupancy growth initiatives, and quality assurance across all areas of the setting.
The role requires a proactive leader who can support the management team, coach staff, resolve operational challenges, and continuously improve nursery performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Management
- Oversee the daily operation of the nursery and ensure smooth running of all departments.
- Work closely with the Nursery Manager and Directors to ensure high standards of care, education, health and safety, and customer service.
- Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where necessary.
- Ensure nursery policies and procedures are consistently followed.
- Lead operational planning and problem-solving to maintain service excellence.
- Support occupancy growth and retention strategies.
- Oversea weekly and daily staffing rota projection and staffing arrangement.
Leadership and Team Management
- Provide leadership, support, and guidance to nursery staff.
- Assist with recruitment, onboarding, induction, and retention of employees.
- Conduct supervision meetings and support performance management processes.
- Identify staff training needs and coordinate professional development.
- Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.
- Support disciplinary, grievance, capability, and absence management processes when required.
Safeguarding and Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with EYFS requirements, Ofsted regulations, safeguarding procedures, and statutory guidance.
- Maintain robust safeguarding practices across the nursery.
- Monitor compliance documentation, risk assessments, policies, and staff records.
- Prepare for Ofsted inspections and support continuous quality improvement.
- Ensure all required checks, certifications, and training remain current.
Parent and Customer Relations
- Maintain excellent relationships with families and prospective parents.
- Support parent enquiries, complaints, and feedback resolution.
- Ensure outstanding customer service standards are maintained.
- Assist with nursery tours and enrolment processes.
- Promote strong parent engagement and communication.
Financial and Commercial Responsibilities
- Support occupancy and revenue targets.
- Monitor staffing ratios and workforce deployment.
- Assist with budgeting and cost-control initiatives.
- Support fee collection processes and debt management.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
Health and Safety
- Ensure a safe environment for children, staff, and visitors.
- Oversee risk assessments and health and safety compliance.
- Ensure all incidents, accidents, and safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately.
- Promote best practices in hygiene, food safety, and infection control.
Quality Assurance
- Monitor quality of teaching, learning, and care provision.
- Conduct regular audits and quality assurance checks.
- Support implementation of continuous improvement plans.
- Ensure the nursery consistently exceeds parent expectations and regulatory standards.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
- At least 3 years' experience in a senior nursery leadership or management role.
- Strong understanding of EYFS, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
- Proven experience managing teams and operational performance.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office and nursery management systems.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable Requirements
- Level 5 qualification in Early Years, Leadership, or Management.
- Experience in a Deputy Manager, Nursery Manager, Operations Manager, or Area Manager role.
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training.
- Experience managing occupancy growth and business performance.
- Knowledge of employment law and HR procedures within childcare settings.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary up to £50,000 per annum.
- Supportive leadership team and positive working environment.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
- Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation.
- Company pension scheme.
- Staff childcare discount (where applicable).
- Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
How to Apply
If you are an ambitious and experienced nursery professional who is passionate about operational excellence and delivering outstanding childcare services, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment procedures.
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
