Assistant Nursery Manager

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

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Westwick is seeking a passionate Assistant Centre Director to support daily operations and educational excellence. You will lead a team, develop engaging curriculum, and ensure compliance with regulations. The role requires a Level 3 qualification and prior experience in early years education. Join a supportive environment dedicated to children's growth and your professional development with great benefits including competitive salary and more.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Employee Assistance Programme

Up to 28 days holiday

50% childcare discount

Flexible working days

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in an early years setting with leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record of educational excellence.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and health/safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Support Centre Director in daily operations.
• Develop and deliver curriculum tailored to children.
• Ensure compliance and maintain health standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff.
• Enhance customer satisfaction and promote a positive experience.
• Assist with administrative tasks including scheduling and payroll.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

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.

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

Join our exceptional team at Busy Bees in Cambridge Westwick, an Ofsted-rated Outstanding nursery with a capacity of 131 children. Our unique farm nursery features a Forest School and outdoor learning environment, promoting a holistic approach to education that gives children the best head start in their development. We have excellent links to the guided bus from the city, Huntington, and St Ives, making our location convenient for staff and families alike. We offer free lunch and free parking for our team, along with flexible working days to support a healthy work‑life balance. This is a fantastic opportunity to further your career in early childhood education within a nurturing and innovative environment.

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 of retail discounts that help your money go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcases the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area shares 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 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!