Job Description

Step Into a Senior Role That Shapes the Future of Early Years

At Creative Explorers, we're expanding with purpose. We're building a team of experienced early years leaders who are ready to raise standards, not just maintain them.

We're looking for a Deputy Manager who's ready to be a core part of our management team, bringing operational clarity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to practice that goes beyond the ordinary.

This Role Is For You If You:

Have significant early years leadership experience and are confident managing teams Want to play a strategic role in day-to-day operations and long-term improvements Thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment where your ideas are welcomed Want to help shape not just a room, but a whole setting Are driven by children's outcomes, staff development, and quality culture

What You'll Be Responsible For

Leading staff teams across rooms, driving consistency and quality Supporting site operations, family communication, and daily logistics Acting as a key safeguarding lead alongside the Parent Engagement Manager Mentoring team leaders and supporting peer development Delivering the EYFS with confidence, creativity, and high expectations Embedding our internal Elevate programme to continuously raise practice
This is not a stepping-stone role. You'll be trusted, supported, and challenged as part of our on-the-ground leadership.

What We're Looking For

Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5 or above strongly preferred) Minimum 2-3 years in a senior leadership or Deputy Manager role Confident knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, inspections, and health and safety Demonstrated ability to lead teams, support colleagues, and manage change Excellent verbal and written communication with both staff and families A proactive, organised mindset with a calm, confident leadership style

Why Creative Explorers?

We don't believe in "good enough". Our staff development is a core part of our mission, not an afterthought.

Our Elevate programme gives leaders like you the tools to grow others and yourself. From learning walks and reflective team meetings to specialist training and CPD, you'll never stop developing your leadership.

We also lead initiatives that matter, such as our Nourish programme, rethinking how food, wellbeing and learning intersect in early years.

Our Culture and Values

We teach our children to be Curious, Confident, Kind, and Brave, and we expect the same from our team.
That means:

Trying new things Leading with integrity Supporting each other Putting the children at the centre of every decision

What You'll Get

50% childcare discount Extra annual leave for every year of service (up to 3 additional days) Paid Birthday leave Paid Christmas closure 200 referral bonus Staff wellbeing and hardship support fund Social events and team celebrations A clear route into senior leadership roles as we grow

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Deputy or senior leader looking to have more impact, more say, and more support, we'd love to hear from you.

Send us your CV today. Let's explore what leadership could really look like.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events
Work Location: In person