Founding Nursery Manager

Leatherhead, Surrey | Help establish, lead and grow a new nursery

Revenue-linked earning potential
Are you an experienced Nursery Manager with an entrepreneurial mindset? Would you like to help build a nursery from the beginning, lead its daily operation and benefit financially as it grows?
We’re seeking a Founding Nursery Manager to help establish

This is an opportunity to shape the setting’s educational approach, build your team and take a leading role in developing a successful nursery.

The opportunity

We provide the premises and business funding. You bring the early years expertise, leadership and initiative to help turn the proposed setting into a welcoming, well-run nursery.

You will work closely with the business owner during development and launch, then take responsibility for daily nursery operations within agreed budgets and responsibilities. You will have substantial input into the curriculum, learning environment, recruitment and parent experience.

The proposed premises offer approximately 800 sq ft of open-plan space, excluding separate toilets and a kitchenette, with an independent entrance, enclosed courtyard and a large park directly opposite. We are initially exploring provision for children aged 2–5, subject to feasibility, registration and the necessary approvals.

Pay and participation in the business

We want someone who is motivated by the opportunity to help build and grow the setting.

The remuneration package will include a personal entitlement to an agreed percentage of the nursery’s revenue.

This means your earning potential will be linked to the income the location generates. As enrolment and revenue grow, your remuneration could increase substantially.

Earnings above the guaranteed element will depend on actual business performance.

• No personal capital investment is required.
• You will have meaningful responsibility and influence over the nursery’s development.
• Revenue-linked remuneration will apply to this location while you fulfil the agreed role, under written terms.
• This is an employed leadership role with revenue-linked remuneration; it does not include ownership shares.

Your role before opening

Working with the owner and relevant professional advisers, you will help put the foundations of the nursery in place:

• Develop a practical opening plan, timetable, staffing structure and resource budget.
• Assess the proposed layout and advise on age groups, suitable capacity, learning zones and outdoor provision.
• Support Ofsted registration preparation, documentation and readiness for the registration visit.
• Design the nursery’s curriculum and educational approach, aligned with the EYFS and the needs of the intended age group.
• Establish daily routines, assessment arrangements and approaches to supporting children’s development.
• Develop and implement safeguarding, welfare and operational policies.
• Recruit the team and coordinate suitability checks, induction and training.
• Select appropriate furniture, equipment and learning resources within the agreed budget.
• Establish systems for enquiries, admissions, settling-in, parent communication and record keeping.
• Help promote the nursery, conduct prospective-parent viewings and build initial enrolment.

Your role once open

You will lead the daily operation and ongoing development of the Nursery, including:

• Delivering high standards of care, education and safeguarding.
• Embedding the curriculum and coaching staff to deliver it effectively.
• Recruiting, supporting and supervising the team.
• Managing staffing rotas and deployment to meet children’s needs and applicable requirements.
• Building trusting relationships with parents and carers.
• Supporting inclusion, SEND provision and partnership with relevant professionals.
• Overseeing procedures for meals, allergies, medication, accidents, toileting, rest and safe collection.
• Managing purchasing and operating resources within agreed budgets.
• Monitoring occupancy, responding to enquiries and supporting sustainable growth.
• Maintaining accurate records and readiness for inspection.
• Reviewing quality and implementing improvements as the nursery develops.

Essential experience and qualities

We are looking for someone who has:

• Previous experience managing a nursery.
• A full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification or above, suitable for the role.
• Demonstrable experience developing and implementing an early years curriculum, including supporting staff to deliver it and reviewing its effectiveness.
• Strong practical knowledge of the EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted expectations.
• Experience recruiting, developing and leading a team.
• An understanding of nursery staffing, budgets, occupancy and funded childcare.
• The ability to turn plans into clear systems, routines and actions.
• An entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, resourceful and comfortable taking responsibility in a developing business.
• A commitment to putting children’s wellbeing and educational experience at the centre of decisions.

Experience opening a nursery, supporting a new registration or leading a significant improvement programme would be particularly valuable.

Support and responsibilities

The owner will retain responsibility for business ownership, funding and strategic decisions, and will arrange appropriate professional advice on premises, planning, legal and other specialist matters.
You will lead the nursery’s educational and operational development, working within an agreed division of responsibilities. You will not be expected to establish the setting without support.
The project is currently at the development stage. The opening date, working hours and progression from the paid launch phase into ongoing management will be agreed as feasibility and approvals progress.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short covering statement explaining:

• Your nursery management experience.
• A curriculum you have helped develop and implement.
• Any experience opening a setting or building a team.
• Why the opportunity to help establish and grow a nursery appeals to you.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to view the building, discuss the proposed remuneration package and explain how they would approach the first 90 days.

Appointment will be subject to appropriate references, suitability and safeguarding checks, and right-to-work checks.