Early Years Operations Manager
3 days ago
Cheshire West and Chester
Early Years Regional Director We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Regional Director to join our growing nursery group. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader with strong operational experience within early years education to oversee multiple nursery settings across the North of England and drive excellence across the organisation. About the Role As Regional Director , you will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operational performance of several nurseries within the group. You will lead and support individual Operations Managers and Nursery Managers to ensure high standards of care, education, compliance, occupancy, staff performance, and customer satisfaction are consistently achieved. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent organisational, people management, and strategic planning skills. Key Responsibilities • Oversee the daily operations of multiple nursery settings across the group, • Lead, mentor, and support individual Operations Managers and Nursery Managers, • Ensure all nurseries maintain compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding, health & safety, and statutory requirements, • Monitor nursery performance including occupancy, staffing, budgets, and parent satisfaction, • Drive operational efficiency and implement best practices across all settings, • Support recruitment, retention, and development of high-performing teams, • Conduct regular site visits, audits, and operational reviews, • Work closely with senior leadership to support business growth and strategic objectives, • Manage escalated operational issues and provide effective solutions, • Promote a positive culture focused on high-quality childcare and team wellbeing Requirements • Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role within the nursery or early years sector, • Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding requirements, • Experience managing multiple sites or settings, • Excellent leadership and people management skills, • Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and performance targets, • Ability to build strong relationships with staff, parents, and stakeholders#, • Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between settings What We Offer • 75% childcare discount to support working families, • Paycare Medical Cover – including dental, optical, and same-day GP access, • MyGym / MyActive discounts – save on gym memberships and fitness gear, • Paycare Perks – discounts at over 300 high street retailers, • Recommend a Friend – earn up to £1,500 per referral, • Ongoing training and development, with a clear pathway to Operations Manager, • 33 days holiday including bank holidays, • Employer pension contributions, • Car allowance and business mileage contribution, • Safeguarding Commitment, • We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete: • Enhanced DBS check, • Employment references, • Qualification verification, • Right to work checks, • Full safer recruitment compliance All offers are subject to satisfactory clearance in line with our Safeguarding Policy.