HEAD OF GROWTH, ADMISSIONS AND OPERATIONS

Job Title: Head of growth, Admissions and Operations
Location: East Molesey
Reporting To: Owner / Director
Contract Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, based on experience

About Us:

We are a single-site, Froebelian-inspired nursery with a Christian ethos, dedicated to providing exceptional early years education. As we prepare to expand to 2–3 sites, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Growth, Admissions and Operations to lead this growth while upholding operational excellence and educational quality.

Role Overview:

This leadership role will oversee the strategic and operational development of our nursery group. You will guide our expansion journey and ensure high standards across each setting, focusing on three key areas:

1.

Business Development

2.

Operations

3.

Admissions

4.

Team Leadership & Engagement

Key Responsibilities:

1. Business Development

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Conduct market research, site assessments, and feasibility studies to identify new opportunities.

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Lead the growth from a single-site setting to a small group of 2–3 high-quality nurseries.

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Oversee onboarding and integration of new settings into the group embedding our processes and systems.

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Develop and implement marketing strategies to drive sustained enrollment growth and ensure full occupancy.

2. General Operations

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Ensure efficient, day-to-day management of nursery sites, including administration, facilities, and regulatory compliance.

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Maintain and improve operational systems and processes to uphold excellence, efficiency and consistency across the Nursery(s)

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Lead Ofsted readiness across sites to achieve Outstanding ratings.

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Support the Nursery office team with event planning and logistics

3. Admissions

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Manage the admissions pipeline with the Nursery office to achieve strong conversion rates and ensure settings operate at full occupancy.

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Ensure a consistently excellent experience for prospective and current families, aiming for 5-star feedback and high levels of parent satisfaction.

4. Team Leadership & Engagement

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Promote a positive, professional, and values-led culture with strong staff retention.

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Champion safeguarding, well-being, and the Christian and Froebelian ethos across all areas of the nursery.

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HR support and recruitment support where needed

Person Specification:

Essential

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Proven leadership experience in multi-site nursery or early years operations.

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Track record of successful business development or nursery expansion.

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In-depth knowledge of EYFS, Ofsted frameworks, and safeguarding regulations.

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Strong skills in team leadership, admissions strategy, and operational delivery.

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Excellent interpersonal, communication, and strategic decision-making skills.

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Highly organised with an attention to detail and a strong decision maker.

Desirable

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Understanding of Froebelian, play-based, or child-led education approaches.

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Relevant qualification in Early Years Education, Leadership, or Business Management.

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Experience working in a Christian or values-based educational setting.

What We Offer:

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A pivotal leadership role in a growing early years organisation.

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Opportunity to shape the strategic direction and ethos of the nursery group.

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Supportive, values-led environment with a commitment to your professional development.

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Competitive salary and benefits package.

Salary of £55,000–£65,000 per annum, depending on experience. Additional benefits package and growth potential as we expand