Nursery Area Manager

One of our valued childcare clients is seeking a confident, driven and nurturing Area Manager to oversee a small group of nurseries across Yorkshire, covering the Sheffield, Wakefield, Rotherham and Huddersfield areas. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early years leader to step into a regional leadership role with a progressive and supportive organisation.Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations across multiple nursery settings, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality care and education.
• Lead, support and mentor nursery leadership teams, ensuring performance targets and standards are met.
• Promote a positive team culture across all settings, with clear communication and purposeful leadership.
• Drive compliance with all company procedures, Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, health and safety and GDPR requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate performance across settings, identifying and implementing improvements where required.
• Use Microsoft Office tools to produce accurate reports and maintain clear records.
• Regular travel across Yorkshire is required, so a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate advocate for early years, with a strong understanding of child development and inclusive practice.
• Proven nursery leadership experience, including managing inspections with Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
• Confident with budgeting, financial reporting, and business planning (or a willingness to develop these skills).
• A natural leader, capable of inspiring, developing and empowering teams.
• Strong organisational skills, with an unwavering commitment to compliance and quality.
• Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence.
• An understanding of sustainability and a commitment to delivering strong outcomes for children.

Qualifications & Experience

• A graduate childcare-related degree is preferred, though candidates with a foundation degree or Level 3 qualification will be considered based on experience.
• At least two years’ experience in a nursery leadership or multi-site management role.
• Enhanced DBS required (can be processed as part of the recruitment process).

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid working: choose between 4 days on-site and 1 from home, or compress your hours across 4 longer days with one working from home.
• Autonomy to lead with purpose, make an impact and shape a quality-first childcare environment.
• A people-first culture that values kindness, inclusivity and support.
• A strong benefits package including one free childcare place.