Regional Director - Early Years

Regional Director - Early Years

London & South East

Salary: £55,000–£70,000 + Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits

Lead a Region. Shape the Future

Compass Associates are delighted to be partnering with a leading national Early Years provider in the appointment of several Regional Directors across London and the South East.

This is not a traditional Regional Director opportunity.

Our client is seeking senior operational leaders capable of overseeing complex, multi-site regions, driving commercial performance, leading high-performing teams and delivering exceptional quality outcomes across Early Years settings.

You'll be joining one of the UK's largest childcare organisations at an exciting point in its journey, helping shape strategy, support operational excellence and develop outstanding nursery teams.

The Opportunity

As Regional Director, you'll take full accountability for a portfolio of nurseries, leading experienced Nursery Managers while balancing commercial success with exceptional care and education. You'll be responsible for:

• Leading a region of multiple nurseries with significant operational resposibility
• Owning financial performance, budgets, profitability and EBITDA growth
• Delivering people, commercial and quality KPIs
• Coaching and developing Nursery Managers and senior leadership teams
• Working alongside specialist quality teams to continually improve standards across the region
• Leading recruitment, succession planning and talent development
• Driving occupancy, customer experience and operational excellence
• Representing the organisation with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies, including Ofsted

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring strategic thinking alongside the ability to inspire teams on the ground.

Who We're Looking For

We're keen to speak with Regional Directors and senior multi-site operational leaders from the Early Years sector who can demonstrate measurable success across people, quality and commercial performance.

You'll ideally have:

• Significant multi-site operational leadership experience within Early Years
• Responsibility for multiple nursery budgets and financial performance
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements
• Experience leading large teams across numerous locations
• A proven track record of improving commercial and operational performance
• Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills
• The confidence and presence to influence at every level of the organisation

Most importantly, you'll be able to evidence tangible achievements - not just responsibilities - with examples of improved performance, stronger teams and successful operational outcomes.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK's leading Early Years organisations in a genuinely strategic regional leadership position.

You'll benefit from:

• A high-profile leadership role with significant influence
• A collaborative executive leadership team
• Autonomy to shape the performance of your region
• Excellent long-term career progression
• Competitive salary, car allowance and comprehensive benefits
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact across multiple nursery communities

Salary & Benefits

• £55,000–£70,000 basic salary (experience dependent)
• Car allowance
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Ongoing professional development and career progression

Interested?

If you're an ambitious Regional Director looking for a role where you'll genuinely influence commercial success, operational excellence and the future of Early Years education, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Kane Pfeiffer at Compass Associates.