Job Description

St Austell, Saint Austell PL25, UK Posted 1 hour ago 32,115.20 per annum GBP / Year
Are you a confident, inspiring leader with a passion for early years excellence? Happy Days Nurseries is seeking a dynamic Nursery Manager to lead our Penrice setting in St Austell for a fixed term of 12 months, covering maternity leave. This purpose-built nursery features spacious rooms, a dedicated baby suite, and a large outdoor area where children truly shine.



About the Role



As Nursery Manager, you'll be responsible for the overall leadership, safety, and commercial success of the nursery during this 12-month period. You'll lead a dedicated team to deliver exceptional childcare, drive occupancy, and uphold our SHINE values: Support, Honesty, Inspiration, Nurturing and Empowerment.



This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll:


Champion high standards of care, safeguarding, and education Manage operational planning, staffing, and compliance Build strong relationships with families and the wider community Mentor and develop your team, supporting succession and growth Represent Happy Days with professionalism and pride

What You'll Bring



We're looking for a natural leader with:


A recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification (EYQL-defined) Level 3 Safeguarding and Paediatric First Aid Proven experience managing a nursery or early years setting Strong commercial acumen and budget management skills Excellent communication, organisation, and decision-making abilities A deep understanding of EYFS, Ofsted, and statutory frameworks A passion for developing others and driving continuous improvement

Key Responsibilities


Oversee day-to-day nursery operations, ensuring compliance and quality Lead and support staff through induction, supervision, and appraisal Manage enquiries, tours, enrolments, and parent partnerships Promote our "Where Children Shine" curriculum and learning ethos Prepare for and lead Ofsted inspections and regulatory visits Drive occupancy and commercial performance through effective marketing Collaborate with our Support Centre and contribute to group-wide initiatives




Rewarding Careers



Here at Happy Days we're building a workplace where our colleagues thrive.



We believe that when our colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired, they can truly thrive--and so can the children in their care. That's why our employee reward and benefits programme is carefully curated to reflect our SHINE values: Support, Honesty, Inspire, Nurture, and Empower.



We offer a range of meaningful benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our benefits aren't just perks--they're part of a culture that puts people first. They support us build a workplace where you're empowered to thrive every day and where you'll feel valued.




Salary 32,115.20 per annum 50% childcare discount Blue Light Card Membership Life Assurance Christmas On Us - Up to 4 gifted days off during Christmas closedown Health and Wellbeing services through SPARK Ongoing professional development and career growth A supportive, inclusive team culture A chance to be part of a nursery where children are truly at the heart of everything we do




"Happy Days Nurseries are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care, as such the successful post holder will be required to undergo a robust vetting process, including an enhanced DBS Check and Reference History Checks"



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