Early Years Deputy Manager

YMCA BCG; Brighton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's service organization in Brighton is seeking a passionate deputy manager to lead and deliver high-quality childcare services in their nursery. Ideal candidates will be dynamic and have a strong desire to help children develop. Responsibilities include supporting nursery staff, ensuring best practices, and providing leadership. Comprehensive benefits include wellbeing support, annual leave, and career progression opportunities. Interested applicants should submit a YMCA Application form before the closing date of January 2, 2026.

Benefits

24/7 Confidential Employee Assistance Programme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

SimplyHealth cash plan

Staff discount for childcare

Ongoing CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Dynamic and ambitious individual with a passion for childcare.
• Experience in nursery management or similar roles.
• Ability to provide leadership to nursery staff.

Responsibilities

• Support in delivering exceptional childcare services.
• Provide leadership and maintain high-quality education and care.
• Work closely with the Nursery Manager to ensure good practice.

Skills

Leadership

Childcare knowledge

Teamworking

Communication

Job description

Job Overview

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: YMCA Hayes Lane Day Nursery, Stourbridge, DY9 8QJ

Successful applicants may receive a £1,000 payment after they have been in the role for 6 months. To be eligible for a payment, you must either:

• not have worked in a nursery before,
• have worked in a nursery before but not in the last 6 months,
• have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months but on a temporary contract

YMCA Hayes Lane offers a homely, caring environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old. We can offer day care places in flexible sessions, all year round, 8am – 6pm Monday‑Friday.

Role Summary

We are looking for a dynamic, ambitious and passionate deputy manager to support in delivering an exceptional childcare service to the local community. Motivated by the desire to help children develop, you will be part of a team providing and maintaining high quality education and care for the children.

As part of the Nursery management team, you will provide leadership within the setting, displaying a positive example to nursery staff, and work closely with the Nursery Manager to ensure good practice.

Benefits

• 24/7 Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Wellbeing Support
• Access to our IMHR Plus online portal, offering discounts at major brands and retailers
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays, and an increase based on length of service
• SimplyHealth cash plan e.g. dental care, physiotherapy, diagnostic consultation, tests, scans and more
• Staff discount for childcare at our YMCA nurseries, YGym membership, and Coffee at the Clock purchases
• Life Assurance scheme
• Ongoing opportunities for CPD & various career progression routes

Requirements

It is a requirement that the successful applicant will complete an enhanced DBS check before taking up the role.

Application Process

Closing Date: 2nd January 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply by submitting a YMCA Application form as soon as possible to ensure you are considered. You can email [e-mail] for support. We do not accept CVs.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Therefore, we encourage and support the recruitment, retention and career development of people from as wide a range as possible of ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds.

YMCA BCG is a trauma‑informed organisation; we recognise and understand the widespread impact of trauma on individuals to shape policies, practices, and culture. We are sensitive and responsive to the needs of those who have endured trauma to prevent its recurrence among clients and staff.