Nursery Manager - Wickford

Nursery Manager - Wickford

Lead a thriving early years setting in Wickford, Essex as Nursery Manager with Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited. This full-time, permanent opportunity (4 days per week, 7:30am–6:30pm) offers a standout salary of £44,000–£47,000 and the chance to shape an inspiring nursery with a strong focus on outdoor learning and child-centred practice.

Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily nursery operations, ensuring outstanding quality of care, learning and safeguarding
- Lead, coach and develop the team to deliver excellent Early Years outcomes and consistent best practice
- Maintain compliance with EYFS, Ofsted requirements, health & safety, and internal policies
- Build strong relationships with parents/carers, supporting positive communication and engagement
- Manage occupancy, staffing levels, budgets and resources to meet performance targets

What You’ll Need
- Proven experience in a leadership role within an Early Years setting (e.g., Deputy Manager or Nursery Manager)
- Relevant Early Years qualification (e.g., Level 3+; management qualifications desirable)
- Strong understanding of EYFS, safeguarding procedures and Ofsted inspection frameworks
- Confident people management skills, with a calm, organised approach and a passion for outdoor learning

Why Apply
You’ll join a successful provider with a flagship setting and real scope to influence quality, culture and outcomes—supported by a competitive salary and a four-day working week.