Senior Nursery Manager

Tops Day Nurseries Ltd; Poole; On-site; GBP 45,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery provider in Poole is seeking a Senior Nursery Manager to lead a dedicated team and ensure high standards of care and education. This full-time role offers a salary up to £55,000 annually, including performance bonuses and generous benefits such as a welcome bonus and relocation support. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and relevant managerial experience. Join us to make a real difference in children's early years development.

Benefits

£3000 Welcome Bonus

Relocation support up to £3,000

Up to £10,000 performance bonus

Up to 60% childcare discount

Health & wellbeing support

Generous holiday allowance including your birthday off

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification is required.
• Experience as a Nursery Manager or in a senior childcare role is necessary.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS safeguarding procedures & Ofsted standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily running of the nursery and ensure a nurturing environment.
• Design and deliver high-quality early years education.
• Build partnerships with parents through clear communication.
• Manage nursery budgets and ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of EYFS standards

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Senior Nursery Manager – Poole, Dorset

Location: Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom
Job type: Full Time Permanent
Contracted Hours: 40 hours per week

Salary Package: Up to £55,000 annually – base salary up to £45,000 (depending on experience) + up to £10,000 performance bonus.

Welcome Bonus and Relocation Support
• £3000 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey
• Up to £3,000 relocation support (T&Cs apply)

We’re proud to be recognized as a World’s Happiest Workplace 2025 and one of the Top 10 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK (2024).

The Role

A fantastic opportunity for an experienced Early Years leader to shape a well‑resourced, high‑potential setting. As Senior Nursery Manager, you’ll lead the team, manage daily operations, and uphold the highest standard of care and education.

About the Nursery

Tops Poole Nursery has 132 places and offers a range of extra‑curricular activities including before and after school clubs, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, tooth‑brushing, football fun, and more.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• £3000 Welcome Bonus to kick‑start your journey
• Relocation support up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply, not cumulative)
• Up to £10,000 performance bonus
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards through Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel and more)
• Health & wellbeing support – NHS prescriptions, optical care & dental treatment
• A generous holiday allowance – including your birthday off & a wellbeing day

As well as many more exciting benefits! View the full list on our careers page.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the daily running of the nursery, creating a safe, inspiring, and nurturing environment.
• Design and deliver high‑quality early years education and childcare experiences.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and staff through clear communication.
• Plan and deliver a vibrant calendar of events and activities that enrich children’s development.
• Recruit, develop, and support staff to maintain a motivated, high‑performing team.
• Manage nursery budgets, enrolments, and parent enquiries with professionalism.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted inspection standards and implement recommendations.
• Promote the nursery through marketing initiatives and outstanding customer care.
• Maintain facilities, equipment, and resources to the highest safety and effectiveness standards.

Key Requirements

• A minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification.
• Previous experience as a Nursery Manager or in a senior childcare role.
• Strong knowledge of EYFS safeguarding procedures & Ofsted standards.
• Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• A creative and confident approach to education and childcare.

Important Safeguarding Information

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service – you’ll need to cover the cost if not already held.
• Be eligible to work in regulated roles – not on the Children’s Barred List.
• Successfully complete background and reference checks.

At Tops Day Nurseries, we are an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Apply Now

Excited to make a difference? Take the next step in your career and join Tops Day Nurseries.