Nursery Manager

Kindred Nurseries; Wheathampstead, St Albans; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An early years education provider in Wheathampstead seeks an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a dedicated team and ensure high standards of childcare. The role offers a competitive salary between £33,012 and £37,138.50 annually, along with bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package. Candidates should possess significant leadership experience and a relevant childcare qualification. Join a supportive environment that values career development and teamwork.

Benefits

Birthday Off

Fully Paid Sick Days

Cashback Healthcare Plan

Retail Discounts

Recognition & Reward Scheme

50% Childcare Discount

24/7 Virtual GP Access

24/7 Counselling Support

Discounted Gym Membership

Personal Financial Advisor Access

Pension Discovery

Learning Platform Access

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading and managing a team within early years.
• Sound knowledge of EYFS and OFSTED guidelines.
• Full and relevant Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification or higher.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of early years professionals to provide high standards of care.
• Maintain an organized and safe nursery environment.
• Ensure nursery compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service experience

Time management

Education

Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification or higher

Job description

Nursery Manager

Location: Kindred Wheathampstead, St Albans, AL4 8BW

Contract Type: Full-time

Contract Length: Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week

Salary: £33,012 - £37,138.50 per annum (plus quarterly and annual bonuses)

Benefits: Birthday Off, 6 Fully Paid Sick Days, Cashback Healthcare Plan, Retail Discounts, Recognition & Reward Scheme, 50% Childcare Discount, 24/7 Virtual GP Access, 24/7 Counselling Support, Discounted Gym Membership, Personal Financial Advisor Access, Pension Discovery, Learning Platform Access

Join the Kindred Family – Lead, Inspire, and Make a Difference

Are you an experienced early years professional with a passion for leadership and delivering outstanding childcare? At Kindred, our Nursery Managers are at the heart of our nurseries, creating supportive and inspiring environments for children and staff alike.

We offer a competitive salary, career progression opportunities, quarterly and annual bonuses, and the chance to develop within a company that truly values its leaders. You’ll manage and improve your nursery, lead a talented team, and play a key role in shaping children’s early education while helping your team thrive.

If you’re ambitious, driven, and passionate about early years education, we’d love to meet you.

About Kindred

Kindred is a family of inspiring nurseries and preschools with a distinct home‑from‑home environment. By creating days filled with unique moments and opportunities, we enrich children’s development during their early years.

Our mission is creating inspiring worlds full of awe and wonder for little ones to grow and thrive in.

Our values guide all we do:

• Always Learning – Continuously developing ourselves and our teams
• Inspirational – Creating magic in every action
• Family Feel – Making everyone feel part of our incredible family

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, and Room Leaders to ensure high standards of Early Years care and education
• Maintain an organised, safe, and stimulating nursery environment
• Keep accurate records and ensure procedures are followed across the nursery
• Build and maintain a reputation as the nursery of choice for children and staff
• Model and monitor best practice in line with regulatory guidelines
• Inspire and support your team, overseeing inductions, mentoring, and ongoing development
• Ensure the nursery runs efficiently, meets KPIs, budgets, and targets, and is prepared for audits and inspections

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility and central to every aspect of your role.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the nursery
• Lead by example, modelling good practice and creating a shared vision
• Supervise, support, and allocate tasks to your team
• Conduct regular supervisions and performance discussions
• Manage recruitment, interviews, and induction of new staff
• Respond to complaints or concerns raised by parents or colleagues
• Conduct nursery tours confidently, promoting available spaces
• Ensure compliance with statutory guidelines, company policies, procedures, and risk assessments

Other Responsibilities

• Actively deliver and participate in staff meetings, training, parent sessions, and marketing events (including evenings or weekends)
• Support wider company projects, training sessions, and meetings at other locations including Head Office

What You’ll Need

Essential

• Proven experience in leading and managing a team within early years
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Outstanding customer service and time management
• Full and relevant Early Years Level 3 Childcare Qualification or higher
• Sound knowledge of EYFS and OFSTED guidelines

Why Join Kindred?

At Kindred, we’re more than a nursery group – we’re a family.

• Supportive & Inclusive Culture – Strong relationships and team collaboration
• Career Development – Structured training, mentorship, and clear progression pathways
• Work-Life Balance – Structured hours and supportive leadership environment
• Competitive Pay & Benefits – Salary, bonuses, and generous benefits package
• Award-Winning Employer – A workplace our team proudly recommends

Our Recruitment Process

• Interviews: Rolling interviews
• Expected Start Date: ASAP

Our process includes:

• Video interview followed by a face‑to‑face interview at the nursery
• A fully supervised ‘Stay and Play’ session
• Background checks including References and Enhanced DBS in line with our Safer Recruitment Policy

Ready to Start Your Kindred Journey?

To apply for the Nursery Manager position, please click the “Apply” button, complete the application form, and upload your CV along with a short cover letter explaining your interest in leading a Kindred nursery.

We aim to respond to all applicants within 2–5 working days. Thank you for considering a career with Kindred.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.