Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; Hawarden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent nursery group in the UK is seeking an Assistant Centre Director to support daily operations and maintain educational standards. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in early years education, experience in an early years setting, and strong leadership skills. This role offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a nurturing work environment that focuses on teamwork and educational excellence.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

50% childcare discount

Up to 28 days holiday per year

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience within an early years setting.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence.
• Experience in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in overseeing daily operations.
• Assist in delivering a high-quality curriculum.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning.

Skills

Leadership and supervisory experience

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification or above in early years education

Job description

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 Us

Busy Bees is the UK's leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and 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. 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 St Davids Park is a large nursery with a capacity of 129 children, catering to babies, toddlers, and preschool‑age children. The nursery offers spacious, light, and airy childcare rooms, creating a welcoming environment where children can learn and have fun. Separate spaces are provided for each age group, allowing children to develop at their own pace. There is also secure outdoor space available for play. Located about a five‑minute drive from the heart of Ewloe, the nursery is conveniently positioned near Lakeside Business Park and other local offices. The nearest bus stop, Sycamore Lodge, is a 10‑minute walk away and is served by Arriva buses 4 and 4S. The nursery also offers free parking. A key team member is Mary Rees‑Williams, a Level 3 Senior Educator with 32 years of experience at Busy Bees, making her the longest‑serving staff member after co‑founder Marg Randles. Mary has been an integral part of the nursery, providing consistent care and support to both children and the team.

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
• Access to Hive benefits and wellbeing platform, with retail discounts and wellbeing hub resources to support physical and mental health
• A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members
• A dedicated Grow with Us area sharing development opportunities and training designed to help you thrive and grow at Busy Bees

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 an 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! We encourage you to apply for the Nursery Manager position at Busy Bees to be part of our dynamic team and take the next step in your career.