There is a big difference between managing a nursery and truly leading one.
Tiny Tots Recruitment is looking for an inspiring Nursery Manager to take responsibility for an established early years setting in Greater Manchester.
This is a permanent, full-time opportunity for an experienced early years leader who wants to create a nursery culture where children feel they belong, practitioners enjoy coming to work and everyone is encouraged to keep learning.
The setting forms part of an independent, family-run nursery group with a strong focus on creating individual environments rather than making every nursery look and feel the same. Children are viewed as capable, curious learners and are encouraged to develop confidence and independence through meaningful early experiences.
As Nursery Manager, you will have the autonomy to lead your setting while having the support and development opportunities that come from being part of a wider nursery organisation.
What you'll be doing:
Taking overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery Providing visible, supportive and inspiring leadership to the team Maintaining excellent standards of care, education and safeguarding Ensuring the nursery operates in line with the EYFS and Ofsted requirements Creating a positive culture where practitioners feel valued and supported Recruiting, developing and retaining a strong early years team Coaching Room Leaders and senior practitioners to develop their leadership skills Monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and children's experiences Ensuring staffing levels and deployment are managed effectively Building trusted relationships with parents and carers Promoting inclusive practice and ensuring every child receives appropriate support Managing nursery resources, staffing and operational requirements Driving continuous improvement across the setting Supporting occupancy and maintaining strong relationships within the local community Ensuring safeguarding remains at the heart of nursery practice
What we're looking for:
A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification as a minimum Previous Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager or substantial senior leadership experience Strong working knowledge of the EYFS Excellent understanding of safeguarding and regulatory requirements Proven experience leading and developing an early years team Confidence managing the operational side of a nursery Strong communication and relationship-building skills A leadership style that combines high expectations with genuine support The ability to identify areas for improvement and turn ideas into action A real passion for creating high-quality early childhood experiences
What's on offer:
£34,000 to £38,000 per year Permanent, full-time employment Up to 50% discounted childcare Company pension Ongoing CPD and professional training Excellent opportunities for internal career progression Fully funded development opportunities Long service recognition, including increased holiday entitlement Staff recognition and reward initiatives Annual staff awards celebration Team-building events throughout the year Employee referral programme Free on-site parking Discounted or free food Support from an established wider nursery team
Professional development is a genuine part of the culture here. The organisation funds qualifications including Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years programmes, SENDCo development and Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner training, alongside ongoing career support. Its own careers information also highlights internal progression and recognition for employees who go above and beyond.
The nursery group's approach is centred around children being capable and curious learners, with individual settings offering different experiences including Forest School, Montessori approaches, curiosity-led practice and specialist activities.
If you're looking for a Nursery Manager job in Manchester or Greater Manchester and want a role where you can genuinely influence the culture, quality and direction of a nursery, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Tiny Tots Recruitment for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.