Deputy Manager

Bright Horizons UK; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in Edinburgh seeks a Deputy Manager to lead and inspire a team in delivering exceptional care and education. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and experience in leadership roles. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits including childcare discounts and professional development opportunities, within a supportive and inclusive culture.

Benefits

Childcare discount of 75% for first child

Enhanced parental leave

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension

Financial and wellbeing benefits

Professional development programme access

Qualifications

• Experience participating in regulatory inspections leading to 'Good' or 'Outstanding' outcomes.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a team.
• Willingness to undergo a PVG Check.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Contribute to succession planning and team professional development.

Skills

Full and relevant Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Experience within an Early Years leadership role

Strong knowledge of Safeguarding and Child Protection

Confident decision maker

Ability to develop trust with colleagues and parents

Strong communication techniques

Education

Level 3 or above Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery – Annandale

Salary – From £32,510 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Location – Edinburgh

Are 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 Annandale Street nursery.

Bright Horizons Annandale Street is a welcoming nursery located in the heart of Edinburgh, just off Leith Walk. The setting supports children from 3 months to 5 years and is led by a highly qualified, long‑standing team passionate about creating a nurturing, fun, and educational environment. Each age group enjoys its own dedicated space, plus access to a calming sensory room and a beautiful garden with age‑specific play areas. The nursery embraces diversity with a multicultural staff and offers enriching experiences like cooking activities and outdoor learning. Commuting is easy, with excellent transport links nearby—including train, tram, and bus routes—and on‑site car parking

Our Benefits

• From £32,510 per annum
• Childcare discount of 75% for first child
• Enhanced parental leave
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure. Ability to also purchase additional leave*
• Pension
• Financial and wellbeing benefits including 24/7 virtual GP appointments, early access to wages, and more
• Professional development programme access for every stage of your career, including access to a careers coach

*Subject to T&Cs

The Role

As 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 for

• 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

We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all ages and backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. Please note, due to our sector all roles are subject to an PVG Check.

If you want to make a difference, with a company who has been voted Great Place to Work every year since 2006, apply today!

We look forward to receiving your application!

If you experience any problems, please [e-mail] we will be happy to help.