Nursery Manager

About the role

A full-time, on-site Nursery Manager is needed to lead the day-to-day operation of a branch, ensuring it opens, runs and closes safely and smoothly each day. The role covers early years provision under the EYFS framework, a bilingual Arabic and English programme and the Reggio Emilia approach, and acts as the branch's Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor classroom practice through learning walks and observations, giving practitioners clear, developmental feedback.
• Lead, coach and support the team of early years practitioners, including induction, appraisals and training needs.
• Build and manage staffing schedules, breaks and cover arrangements while maintaining correct adult to child ratios.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, recording safeguarding and child protection concerns and referring them on where required.
• Maintain KHDA and regulatory compliance, including licensing documents, staff files, attested qualifications, health and safety records and inspection readiness.
• Oversee health and safety, including risk assessments, fire drills, accident and incident logs and coordination with the branch nurse.
• Track each child's development and progress, and support children with additional learning needs with parents and inclusion partners.
• Build relationships with families through daily contact, termly meetings, parent workshops and the Parent App, and handle complaints per the GGN Complaints Policy.
• Support admissions through tours, enquiry follow-up and occupancy monitoring.
• Manage the branch budget, resource ordering, inventory and suppliers, including catering and cleaning services.
• Oversee the daily routine, chair staff meetings and training sessions, and lead continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Relevant qualification in Early Childhood Education or a related field, attested; leadership or management training required.
• At least three years' experience in UAE nursery management.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.
• Experience in bilingual or multicultural settings is highly beneficial.

Required skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practice.
• Familiarity with EYFS and child-centred pedagogies such as Reggio Emilia.
• Ability to manage teams, organise daily operations and maintain regulatory standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and ability to foster an inclusive, professional culture.