Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; Basingstoke and Deane; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK seeks an Assistant Centre Director in Basingstoke to support the Centre Director in managing operations and maintaining educational standards. Ideal candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in early years education and experience in leadership roles. This position offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment focused on children's growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Enhanced family leave

Mental Health support

Financial support options

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in early years settings and leadership roles.
• Proven track record in curriculum development.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in daily operations.
• Develop and deliver high-quality curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Enhance customer satisfaction through exceptional service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational Skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification in early years education

Job description

Overview

Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UK. Are you a passionate leader with a background in early childhood education and management? As an Assistant Centre Director at Busy Bees, you will support the Centre Director in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and wants to make a difference in the lives of children while leading a team towards educational excellence.

About Busy Bees

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners. Our Charitable Commitment through our partnership with BBC Children in Need offers opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children\'s lives.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Chineham in Basingstoke, rated Good by Ofsted, is a purpose-built, single-storey nursery with a capacity of 98 children. It is conveniently located with easy access to the M3 and M4 motorways and close to Basingstoke train station. We are just a five-minute walk or a two-minute drive away from Chineham Business Park. The nursery offers ample parking for staff and visitors, and there is a bus service linking the town to Chineham village for families. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment that supports each child\'s growth and development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Hive benefits and wellbeing hub with discounts across a range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it\'s our gift to you
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
• Opportunities to travel to other countries, experience different cultures and learn new practices
• Access to Hive Benefits and Wellbeing platform with extensive discounts and wellbeing resources

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in overseeing the daily operations and maintaining educational standards.
• Assist in developing and delivering an engaging, high-quality curriculum tailored to the needs of children.
• Ensure the centre complies with all relevant regulatory requirements and maintains high safety and health standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team.
• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service and promoting a positive centre experience for families.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including scheduling, payroll, and recruitment.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning to ensure sustainability.

Ideal Candidate

• An approved Level 3 qualification or above in early years education.
• Experience within an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience ideally as either Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence and curriculum development.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with a focus on teamwork.
• Experience in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and health and safety protocols.

Lead with passion and help create a nurturing learning environment—apply now!