Deputy Manager

Bright Horizons Family Solutions, LLC.; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare discount 75%

Enhanced parental leave

25 days annual leave

Pension

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Bright Horizons Elsie Inglis nursery in Edinburgh is seeking a Deputy Manager to lead and inspire a team, delivering exceptional care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years.

You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, oversee day-to-day operations, maintain safeguarding policies, support staff development, and build strong partnerships with parents and local authorities while contributing to nursery budgets and occupancy targets.

Qualifications

• Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification.
• Experience within an Early Years leadership role (ideally as a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Third in Charge or similar)
• Experience of participating with a regulatory inspection, leading to a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ outcome
• Confident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to others
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with children
• Ability to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/carers
• Ability to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adults

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exception care and education.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing day to day running of the nursery and management of safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Contribute to succession planning, training, and supporting team professional development plans.
• Maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals (such as the Local Authority).
• Support the commercial success of the nursery through retention, occupancy growth, and maintaining budgets.

Skills

Leadership experience

Decision making

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery – Elsie InglisSalary – From £34,299 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)Location – EdinburghAre you looking to work for an organisation whose culture is driven by our HEART principles – Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? Where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help to make a difference to the next generation? Somewhere you can say: “I did that.”We’re looking for a Deputy Manager to join our Elsie Inglis nursery. Nestled within the historic former Elsie Inglis maternity hospital, in the heart of Abbeyhill and just a short walk from Holyrood Park, our welcoming one‑storey nursery is full of warmth and character. With vibrant playrooms and children aged 3 months to 5 years, Elsie’s is a place where curiosity thrives, laughter echoes, and every day feels a little bit special.Our team is a wonderful blend of long‑standing staff and fresh faces — all friendly, supportive, and united by one shared purpose: giving children the very best start in lifeOur BenefitsFrom £34,299 per annumChildcare discount of 75% for first child * T&C's applyEnhanced parental leave25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*PensionFinancial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and moreProfessional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach*Subject to T&CsThe RoleAs a Deputy Manager, you will lead, mentor, support, and inspire a team to deliver exception care and education. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing day to day running of the nursery and management of safeguarding and child protection policies. You will contribute to succession planning, training, and supporting team professional development plans, maintain strong partnerships with colleagues, parents, and other professionals (such as the Local Authority), and support the commercial success of the nursery through retention, occupancy growth, and maintaining budgets.What we’re looking forFull and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualificationExperience within an Early Years leadership role (ideally as a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, Third in Charge or similar)Experience of participating with a regulatory inspection, leading to a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ outcomeConfident decision maker, with previous experience providing support and leadership to othersStrong knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding, Child Protection, and the wider legislative requirements for working with childrenAbility to develop trust and strong working partnerships with both colleagues and parents/ carersAbility to use a variety of communication techniques with both children and adultsBright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including a PVG check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.INDNHBright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants.Proud to be a Great Place to Work for 20 years. Apply today!We look forward to receiving your application!