Nursery Manager - Up to £50k Package

Nursery Manager – Up to £50K Package

We are delighted to be partnering with a highly respected Nursery, renowned for its nurturing ethos, strong parent partnerships, and joyful, play-based approach to learning, to recruit an experienced and passionate Nursery Manager for a busy setting in the a quaint town near Reading, Berkshire.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a dedicated early years professional to play a pivotal role in leading a brand-new nursery from the ground up — shaping its culture, building a talented team, and creating an inspiring environment where children can thrive.

• Be part of an exciting new chapter — help open and establish a brand new, high-quality early years setting.
• Work within a close-knit, independent organisation that values wellbeing, creativity, and genuine relationships.
• Use your experience and vision to shape the nursery’s culture, curriculum, and community presence from day one.
• Enjoy autonomy and support in equal measure — with opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

What will you be doing?

As Nursery Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind the successful launch and ongoing success of this new setting — inspiring your team, supporting families, and ensuring every child feels valued and encouraged to flourish.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Start-Up Management – Oversee the opening of the new nursery, ensuring compliance, staffing, and setup align with the nursery’s ethos and standards.
• Educational Leadership – Champion a play-based curriculum that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and creativity.
• Team Development – Recruit, motivate, and mentor staff to deliver exceptional care and uphold the nursery’s warm, inclusive ethos.
• Operational Excellence – Manage all aspects of daily operations, including staffing, compliance, and health & safety, ensuring a smooth and joyful learning environment.
• Parent Partnerships – Build strong, trusting relationships with families, communicating with warmth and celebrating children’s progress.
• Quality & Growth – Maintain high standards across all areas, promoting continuous improvement and sustainable growth.
• Safeguarding & Compliance – Ensure all policies and procedures meet Ofsted and Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements.

Who are we looking for?

We’re seeking a confident, compassionate, and forward-thinking leader with proven management experience and a genuine passion for early childhood education.

Essential qualifications and experience include:

• Proven leadership experience in a nursery or early years setting
• A recognised Level 3 qualification or higher in Early Years Education
• Strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, and EYFS frameworks
• Excellent communication, organisation, and people management skills
• Experience in opening or developing a nursery setting (desirable)
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and inspection readiness

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive Salary – Up to £40k salary + Benefits
• Professional Development – Ongoing leadership training and personal growth opportunities
• Supportive Environment – A caring, community-focused culture that celebrates creativity and individuality
• Wellbeing Focus – A positive, balanced workplace that values respect, teamwork, and fulfilment
• Career Opportunity – The chance to build and lead a brand-new nursery, shaping its success from day one

If you’re an inspirational Nursery Manager who leads with warmth, integrity, and vision - and you’re ready to take on the rewarding challenge of leading a growing nursery setting - we’d love to hear from you.