Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in the UK seeks an Assistant Centre Director to support the Centre Director in daily operations and maintain high educational standards. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in early years education, relevant leadership experience, and a commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment. Responsibilities include curriculum development, staff mentorship, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This is a fantastic opportunity to empower a team dedicated to early childhood education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Ongoing professional development

Menopause support

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience in early years settings, preferably as Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and educational excellence.
• Ability to maintain compliance with regulatory standards and health protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in daily operations and educational standards.
• Lead and mentor staff to ensure a cohesive team.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational Skills

Mentorship

Education

Approved Level 3 qualification in early years education

Job description

Role 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.

This role is fixed term for 6 months.

About Us

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, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.

About our Nursery

Busy Bees Derby Oakwood, rated "Good" by Ofsted, provides a nurturing environment where your little one can thrive with a capacity of 110 children. Our nursery features a fantastic range of fun-filled activities and engaging resources that ensure children come on leaps and bounds during their time with us. At Busy Bees, we recognize the importance of outdoor play. That's why our large, refurbished garden is divided into three areas catering to different age groups, allowing children to explore their imagination and take safe risks under adult supervision while enjoying the fresh air. Conveniently located on Smalley Drive in Oakwood, our nursery is just a 13-minute drive from Derby City Centre. For public transport users, there's a bus stop nearby on Hallgate Close serving bus route 26, and another just a 5-minute walk away on Smalley Drive end, serving bus route 32. Free parking is available for staff. The fun doesn’t stop there! Every Tuesday, ‘Super Star Sports’ visits for toddlers and preschoolers, offering engaging football sessions that keep your little one active and entertained.

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge 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 your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
• Opportunities to travel to other countries, experience different cultures and learn new practices.

But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array huge of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Join our supportive and collaborative work environment, learn from experienced colleagues, and make meaningful connections. If you are ready to make a positive impact in the field of early childhood education and childcare, we encourage you to apply for the Nursery Manager position at Busy Bees. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and take the next step in your career.

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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 a 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!