Area Manager – Early Years (7 Sites, £60k+ Bonus)

About the role

We are partnering with one of the UK’s top five nursery groups to recruit an Area Manager for their high‑performing region covering Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. You will oversee up to seven premium early‑years settings, driving educational excellence and commercial performance.

Key responsibilities

• Take full operational, financial and educational accountability for up to seven nurseries.
• Lead, coach and develop Nursery Managers, building succession plans.
• Ensure all settings work towards or maintain Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
• Deliver regional EBITDA targets, optimise occupancy and manage budgets.
• Champion compliance, safer recruitment and safeguarding practices across the region.

Required profile

• Proven experience as an Early Years Area Manager or Senior/Cluster Nursery Manager overseeing multiple sites.
• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Degree, EYPS or EYITT highly desirable).
• Strong knowledge of EYFS framework, Ofsted inspection criteria and safer recruitment.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly between sites.

Required skills

• Leadership and people‑management experience in multi‑site early‑years settings.
• Financial management and budgeting skills.
• Understanding of compliance and safeguarding standards.

What we offer

• Basic salary up to £60,000 per year.
• £6,000 car allowance.
• Performance‑related bonus up to £8,000.
• £5,000 welcome bonus.
• Group pension, private healthcare and childcare discounts.