Nursery Manager | Early Years | Competitive Salary | Welcome Bonus | New Setting

Nursery Manager | East Devon | Early Years

Full-Time | Competitive Salary + Welcome Bonus
 

About the Nursery

We are excited to be opening a brand-new, purpose-built nursery and pre-school in Devon in September 2026.

Located within a thriving and expanding community on the outskirts of Exeter, the nursery has been designed to provide an exceptional environment where children can learn, grow, and flourish. The setting benefits from excellent transport links, nearby amenities, and a growing family population, making it an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and passionate leader to establish and shape a new nursery from the ground up.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational, and commercially minded Nursery Manager to lead our new nursery through its opening phase and beyond.

As Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, quality, and performance of the setting. You will work closely with senior leadership teams to ensure the nursery delivers outstanding care and education, achieves strong occupancy levels, maintains regulatory compliance, and creates an exceptional experience for children, families, and colleagues.

This is a unique opportunity to build a culture of excellence from the very beginning, developing a highly engaged team and creating a setting that becomes a valued part of the local community.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing nursery team.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture where colleagues feel valued and supported.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Recruit, induct, and retain talented colleagues to ensure the highest standards of care and education.
• Lead by example and act as a role model for professional practice and behaviour.
• Support succession planning and identify future leaders within the nursery team.

Quality of Care and Education

• Ensure outstanding outcomes for children through high-quality teaching, learning, and care.
• Maintain an excellent understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and ensure it is implemented effectively throughout the setting.
• Promote child-centred practice that supports children's emotional wellbeing, confidence, resilience, independence, and development.
• Monitor and evaluate practice to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure all children receive inclusive support that meets their individual learning and care needs.

Safeguarding and Compliance

• Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within the nursery.
• Ensure all safeguarding concerns are identified, reported, and managed appropriately and without delay.
• Maintain full compliance with Ofsted requirements, EYFS statutory guidance, health and safety legislation, and all relevant policies and procedures.
• Ensure robust safer recruitment, suitability, and safeguarding practices are embedded throughout the nursery.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Family Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and families.
• Create a welcoming and supportive environment where families feel informed, involved, and valued.
• Work collaboratively with external professionals and agencies to support children's development and wellbeing.
• Ensure families receive an outstanding customer experience from enquiry through to transition into school.

Commercial Performance

• Lead the nursery to achieve occupancy, revenue, and profitability targets.
• Manage budgets effectively and ensure financial performance aligns with business objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators and implement actions to improve outcomes.
• Ensure efficient staffing structures and effective resource management.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure operational systems are used effectively.

Community Engagement

• Develop strong relationships within the local community.
• Promote the nursery through networking, local events, and community partnerships.
• Act as an ambassador for the nursery and its values.
• Support initiatives that enhance the nursery's reputation and community impact.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed of changes in legislation, best practice, and developments within the early years sector.
• Drive a culture of reflective practice and continuous learning.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and support the achievement of ambitious standards.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education and Childcare.
• At least 5 years' experience working within the early years sector.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a nursery management or senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience of leading, motivating, and developing teams.
• Experience of managing budgets and achieving commercial objectives.
• Current safeguarding knowledge and commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Enhanced DBS clearance and willingness to join the DBS Update Service.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Level 5 qualification or above in Early Years, Leadership, Management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting a nursery through an Ofsted inspection.
• Experience opening a new nursery or managing significant growth and change.

Skills and Attributes

• Inspirational and visible leader.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capability.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Solution-focused and resilient.
• Passionate about achieving outstanding outcomes for children.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Organised, adaptable, and able to prioritise effectively.
• Able to challenge constructively while maintaining positive working relationships.

Accountability

The Nursery Manager is accountable for:

• The overall quality and effectiveness of the nursery.
• Regulatory compliance and safeguarding standards.
• Achievement of occupancy, revenue, and budget targets.
• Recruitment, retention, engagement, and development of colleagues.
• Delivery of exceptional care, education, and customer experience.
• Maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for children and families.

Safeguarding Statement

The successful candidate will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS clearance, and relevant safeguarding checks.

Location

This role is based in the Exeter region, with excellent road and rail links. It is easily commutable from Exeter, Honiton, Cullompton, Exmouth, Ottery St Mary, Broadclyst, Teignmouth, Sidmouth, Tiverton, Dawlish, Newton Abbot, Taunton and surrounding other East Devon areas, making it an accessible location across the region.

References

Compass Associates is acting as a recruitment partner on this position. If this role isn’t right for you but you know someone who would be a great fit, we offer £500 in vouchers for every successful recommendation.

Contact Details

If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Roberto on 023 9421 4486 or email [email protected].