Nursery Manager/Practitioner

Nursery Practitioner/Manager

Godalming, Surrey £40,000 - £45,000 per annum + up to 25% annual bonus Full Time | Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 6:00pm

Lead Something Extraordinary from Day One

Are you an ambitious Nursery Manager looking for more than just another management role?

We're looking for a passionate, entrepreneurial leader to launch and grow The Crèche , an exciting new childcare concept opening in the heart of Godalming. This is a rare opportunity to build a flagship nursery from the ground up, shape a positive culture, develop an outstanding team, and introduce local families to a fresh, flexible, pay-as-you-go childcare solution.

As a small, family-run business, we believe that exceptional childcare starts with exceptional people. We care deeply about our children and our team, creating an environment where both can thrive.

Our mission is simple: to become the UK's highest-quality and most flexible childcare provider , starting with our first nursery in Godalming.

What You'll Be Doing

As Nursery Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in bringing our vision to life. You'll:

• Recruit, onboard, motivate and develop a high-performing nursery team
• Create a warm, inclusive and inspiring environment for children, families and staff
• Lead the nursery through its opening phase and build a reputation for excellence within the local community
• Ensure the EYFS curriculum is delivered to the highest standards
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), promoting children's safety and wellbeing at all times
• Drive occupancy, growth and commercial success alongside the Directors
• Manage staffing, resources and day-to-day operations efficiently
• Build trusted relationships with parents, carers and community partners
• Work towards achieving an Outstanding Ofsted outcome

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong operational leadership with genuine passion for early years education.

You'll have:

• A full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)
• At least 2 years' experience as a Nursery Manager
• Strong working knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
• Experience leading and developing successful nursery teams
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A proven ability to build strong relationships with families and stakeholders
• A positive, hands-on and solutions-focused approach
• Confidence to take sole charge and make decisions
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Experience opening a new nursery or setting would be highly advantageous.

Why Join The Crèche?

This isn't just another management role. It's an opportunity to leave your mark on a business from the very beginning.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary of £40,000 - £45,000
• Up to 25% annual performance bonus
• Participation in our Share Programme
• Up to 35 days annual leave , including:
• 8 Bank Holidays
• 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year
• Your birthday off
• Childcare discount
• Access to professional development and training programmes
• Direct involvement in shaping the future of an exciting childcare brand