Senior Nursery Manager

£3000 Welcome Bonus or RELOCATION PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

Senior Nursery Manager

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom Hampshire

Job type: Full Time Permanent

Salary: £40,000 Annum

Why Join Tops Day Nurseries?

At Tops Day Nurseries, we’ve been shaping futures since 1990. As the UK’s largest employee-owned childcare group, we know that valuing people is the key to success. When you join us, you become more than an employee you become a co-owner with a voice, opportunities to grow, and a share in our success.

With over 30 nurseries across the South of England, we provide outstanding early years education and childcare for babies, toddlers, and preschool children. With opportunities for Apprenticeship, Nursery practitioners, Nursery Managers & Casual staff, we are always looking for passionate individuals to join us.

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

About the Nursery Manager Role

Do you have Early Years Leadership experience and looking for a fresh new challenge?

As a Nursery Manager, you’ll help create a safe, educational, and fun environment for the children in our care. You’ll supervise children, ensure their safety, and organize activities such as games, crafts, and educational tasks. While some days might be challenging, you’ll also laugh, have fun, and make lasting memories with our children during one of the most important development stages of their lives!

About the Nursery

Tops Lakeside Nursery is a 61 place Day Nursery & Pre-School situated in Cosham, Portsmouth. The nursery run several extra-curricular activities including Tops Forest School, cooking school, Boogie Mites, yoga, meditation and much more!

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Tops Day Nurseries, we believe in rewarding our team for their hard work and dedication. Here are some of the fantastic benefits you’ll enjoy as part of our family.

• £3000 Welcome Bonus to kick-start your journey with us
• Annual Bonus Scheme: As an Employee-Owned Company, you’ll share in our success. Each May, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a bonus from our profit shares.
• Relocation support of up to £3,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Up to 60% childcare discount at Tops Day Nurseries
• Exclusive discounts & rewards via Blue Light Card and Each Person platform (gyms, cinema, shopping, travel & many 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! You can view the full list on our page or Careers website

What does the role involve?

• Proven experience in managing nursery settings effectively
• Excellent communication with children, staff, and parents
• Creativity in planning engaging, educational activities
• Positive attitude to foster a secure, happy environment
• Interviewing potential candidates from recruitment
• Managing and maintaining the nursery budget
• Coordinating marketing materials and campaigns
• Overseeing facility and equipment maintenance
• Providing updates to parents on child progress and behaviour
• Handling enrolment, payment, and policy enquiries
• Planning age-appropriate annual events and activities
• Preparing for Ofsted inspections and implementing feedback

What are we looking for?

• A minimum of a Level 3 Early Years Qualification is required.
• Have a solid knowledge of the EYFS
• Have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures

Important Safeguarding Information
Because this role involves regulated activity with children, all candidates must:

• Hold (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service. If you don’t yet have one, you’ll need to cover the cost.
• 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

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