Happy Days Nurseries & Pre-Schools
Early Years Operations Manager & Area Manager
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Early Years Operations Manager & Area Manager Opportunities
Are you an experienced leader looking for your next challenge? We are seeking ambitious, committed, and commercially minded professionals to join our growing organisation in two key leadership roles: Early Years Operations Manager and Area Manager.
These are exciting opportunities to play a pivotal role in shaping outstanding early years provision, supporting our Early Years Teams, and driving operational excellence across multiple settings.
Why Join Us?
At Happy Days Nurseries, you'll be part of a supportive, values-led organisation where you can make a real impact. You'll have the autonomy to lead, the support to succeed, and the opportunity to help shape the future of our nurseries, colleagues, and children.
Opportunities Available
Early Years Operations Manager
As an Early Years Operations Manager, you will provide strategic leadership to a portfolio of nurseries, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, strong financial performance, and exceptional standards of care and education.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and develop leadership teams
- Drive quality and performance across multiple nursery settings
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted and statutory requirements
- Monitor budgets, occupancy, and financial performance
- Lead improvement initiatives and support business growth
- Develop and coach leaders to maximise team performance
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Area Manager
As an Area Manager, you will lead and support a small cluster of nurseries, focusing on quality, people development, business growth, and operational success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Early Years Managers to achieve operational and educational excellence
- Deliver outstanding outcomes for children, families, and colleagues
- Drive occupancy, retention, and commercial performance
- Ensure consistent delivery of company values and standards
- Support recruitment, succession planning, and talent development
- Champion continuous improvement and operational efficiency
About You
We're looking for individuals who:
- Are passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for children
- Have significant leadership experience within the early years sector
- Possess a strong understanding of Ofsted requirements, EYFS and statutory regulations
- Have experience managing multiple sites, teams, or departments
- Demonstrate strong commercial awareness and operational expertise
- Are confident leaders who inspire and develop others
- Hold a relevant Early Years qualification (Level 3 minimum; higher qualifications desirable)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Car allowance (where applicable)
- Performance-related bonus opportunities
- Ongoing professional development and leadership training
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Employee wellbeing support
- Opportunities to influence and shape a growing organisation
- Funded CPD and leadership development that supports career progression
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If you're passionate about quality, people, and performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're an experienced early years leader with the vision, drive, and passion to make a difference, or ready for that next step in your Early Years career, we'd love to hear from you.
These roles are remote, so it’s essential to live within the geographical footprint of Happy Days Group, due to the expectation of regular travel within the group. Please note, this role is not limited to Greater London. It would cover the geographical footprint of Happy Days Group.
Apply today and help us create exceptional experiences for children, families, and teams across our nurseries.
Or for a confidential conversation about these opportunities, please email: Daniella.gokcay@happydaysnurseries.com
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
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