Deputy Nursery Manager

Bright Horizons Early Education & Preschool; Bromley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% childcare discount

Bonus up to £1,500

Enhanced parental leave

25 days + bank holidays leave

Pension

Job summary

Bright Horizons Shortlands Day Nursery and Pre School is seeking a Deputy Manager to lead and inspire the team, ensuring high standards of care and education. You will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and oversee safeguarding policies while supporting staff development and nursery operations in Bromley.

The role requires a Full time, fixed term contract from November 2026 to December 2027, with a salary from £36,088 to £47,112 per year plus a 75% childcare discount and a range of benefits,

Qualifications

• Experience in an Early Years leadership role (Deputy Manager/Assistant Manager or similar).
• Experience participating in regulatory inspections leading to Good/Outstanding outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care and education.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and oversee safeguarding policies.
• Support succession planning, training and professional development of staff.
• Contribute to budgeting, occupancy growth and strong partnerships with parents and professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Communication

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

Nursery - Bright Horizons Shortlands Day Nursery and Pre School

Salary – From £36,088 to £47,112 per annum (dependent on qualification/s and experience)

Role Type – Full time Fixed Term Contract from November 2026 to December 2027

Location – Bromley

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 Shortlands Bromley nursery.

The Benefits

• Childcare discount of 75% for first child*
• Competitive bonus of up to £1,500, awarded in line with Ofsted inspection outcomes
• 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

Bright 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.