Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Maidstone is looking for an experienced professional to oversee daily operations and maintain educational standards. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 or higher qualification in early years education and experience in leadership roles within an early years setting. This position offers competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and unique benefits to support staff wellbeing.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience within an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience ideally as an Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence and curriculum development.
• Experience in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and health and safety protocols.

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.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team.
• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

Level 3 qualification or above in early years education

Job description

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.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or above in early years education.
• Experience within an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience ideally as 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.

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. 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 partnership with BBC Children in Need offers community involvement and fundraising opportunities.

Busy Bees London Mottingham is rated Good by Ofsted, accommodates 69 children, and offers a supportive environment with free parking for staff, complimentary lunches, and a fantastic outdoor area. Families receive support throughout the day.

Benefits and Wellbeing

• 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 our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive – offering huge retail discounts and a wellbeing hub with resources to support your 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 the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees