Early Years Manager

We're looking for an experienced Early Years Manager to lead our Happy Days Nursery & Preschool in Portsmouth. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact by shaping a high-quality, learning environment where children can thrive, while building a rewarding leadership career within a supportive and forward-thinking organisation at an exciting time of growth. Early Years Manager Up to £39,000 per annum plus generous onboarding bonus Portsmouth Full-time We offer a supportive and flexible working environment designed to help you succeed in your role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a leader within the nursery, you'll be empowered to shape both your team's success and your own professional journey. You'll lead the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care and education. By inspiring your team and fostering strong relationships with families, you'll create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where every child can flourish. Why join us? Portsmouth nurseryis awell-established nursery with a strong community presence and a dedicated team. The nursery is entering an exciting new phase, focused on strengthening leadership, enhancing quality, and building an environment where both children and staff can truly thrive. This is a great opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a growing setting. With increased interest in the local area and continued development plans, you'll play a central role in shaping the nursery's future and making a lasting difference. We invest in you as much as you invest in the children and your team. You'll benefit from structured training, leadership mentoring, and clear progression pathways, supporting your continued growth and career advancement. What you'll do:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the nursery in line with EYFS and Ofsted standards
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of practitioners to deliver outstanding childcare
• Manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively
• Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and the local community
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain a safe, nurturing environment
What we're looking for:
• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years/Childcare
• Proven leadership experience in an early years setting
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
• Excellent organisational, communication, and people management skills
• A proactive, approachable leadership style and passion for high-quality care
We\'rebuilding a workplace where our colleagues thrive We offer a range of meaningful benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our benefitsaren'tjustperks, they'repart of a culture that puts people first and we continue to build our range of benefits designed to support health,wellbeingand satisfaction of our workforce. Some of these include:
• Pension & Life Assurance
• Perfomance related bonus
• In addition to20 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays and more!
• Anadditionalday each year to celebrate something personal to you
• Funded DBS Update Service
• Funded Blue Light Card Membership
• Access to digital GP 24/7with on-demand counselling services
• Extensive Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
• Recognition and celebration for Long Service
Subject to eligibility criteria Up to anadditionalfour gifted days off during Christmas closedown, an additional four days to your annual leave entitlement, pro rata Safeguarding commitment: Happy Days Nurseries are committed to the safety and wellbeing of the children in our care. All successful candidates will undergo the required vetting process.


• Level 3 (or above) qualification in Early Years/Childcare
• Proven leadership experience in an early years setting
• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
• Excellent organisational, communication, and people management skills
• A proactive, approachable leadership style and passion for high-quality care
  
  Up to £39,000 per annum plus generous onboarding bonus
Portsmouth Full-time We offer a supportive and flexible working environment designed to help you succeed in your role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a leader within the nursery, you'll be empowered to shape both your team's success and your own professional journey. You'll lead the day-to-day running of the nursery, ensuring the highest standards of care and education. By inspiring your team and fostering strong relationships with families, you'll create a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where every child can flourish. Why join us? Portsmouth nurseryis awell-established nursery with a strong community presence and a dedicated team. The nursery is entering an exciting new phase, focused on strengthening leadership, enhancing quality, and building an environment where both children and staff can truly thrive. This is a great opportunity to take on a key leadership role within a growing setting. With increased interest in the local area and continued development plans, you'll play a central role in shaping the nursery's future and making a lasting difference. We invest in you as much as you invest in the children and your team. You'll benefit from structured training, leadership mentoring, and clear progression pathways, supporting your continued growth and career advancement., We offer a range of meaningful benefits designed to support your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. Our benefitsaren'tjustperks, they'repart of a culture that puts people first and we continue to build our range of benefits designed to support health,wellbeingand satisfaction of our workforce. Some of these include:
• Pension & Life Assurance
• Perfomance related bonus
• In addition to20 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays and more!
• Anadditionalday each year to celebrate something personal to you
• Funded DBS Update Service
• Funded Blue Light Card Membership
• Access to digital GP 24/7with on-demand counselling services
• Extensive Health and Wellbeing services through the SPARK APP
• Recognition and celebration for Long Service
Subject to eligibility criteria Up to anadditionalfour gifted days off during Christmas closedown, an additional four days to your annual leave entitlement, pro rata