Nursery Manager

Busy Bees; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus 25%

33 days holiday

Your birthday off

50% childcare discount

Central HR support

Leadership training

Career progression

Family leave & bonus

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work

Private medical insurance

Global opportunities

Job summary

Busy Bees Mansfield Vicar Water is seeking a Centre Director to lead a vibrant nursery in Mansfield. The role involves inspiring a team, shaping high‑quality early years practice and ensuring children and families experience exceptional care.

You will lead with confidence, champion the Bee Curious Curriculum and work with regional teams to achieve quality and occupancy targets. This is a senior, impact‑driven leadership position within the UK’s leading nursery group.

Qualifications

• Proven Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager experience in a high‑quality setting.
• Strong leadership and ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team to deliver outstanding early years provision.
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding and regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning and outcomes for children.
• Manage staffing, recruitment, performance and development.
• Build strong relationships with families and the local community.
• Work with regional leadership to deliver quality and occupancy targets.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Education

NNEB / BTEC Nat Dip / CACHE Dip / NVQ Level 3

Job description

Role Overview: Join Busy Bees Mansfield Vicar Water - Part of the UK's Leading Nursery Group!

Salary up to £38,000 + up to 25% annual salary bonus

Lead. Inspire. Grow. Make a difference.

Are you a passionate early years leader ready to take the next exciting step in your career? Do you have the vision, drive and enthusiasm to inspire a team and lead a nursery where children, colleagues and families truly thrive?

At Busy Bees, we believe that great nurseries start with great leaders. As Centre Director at Mansfield Vicar Water, you'll have the opportunity to make your mark, bring your ideas to life and create an environment where your team feels inspired, children flourish and families feel confident in the care we provide.

And you won't be doing it alone. With the backing, expertise and resources of the UK's leading nursery group, you'll have everything you need to lead with confidence and take your career further.

Why Busy Bees?

Being a Centre Director is about more than running a nursery. It's about inspiring people, creating opportunities and making a lasting difference. Here's how we'll support you:

Grow your career

We're committed to helping our people reach their full potential. With access to leadership training, professional development and clear progression pathways, we'll help you take your career wherever you want it to go.

Lead a team that shines

Create a positive, inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and supported. You'll have the opportunity to coach, motivate and develop your team, bringing out the very best in every colleague.

Make your mark

Every Busy Bees nursery has its own personality. We'll give you the autonomy to lead your setting, champion new ideas and shape an environment where children can learn, explore and flourish.

Make a real difference

You'll play an important role in giving children the best possible start in life, building meaningful relationships with families and becoming a valued part of your local community.

We've got your back

From HR and recruitment to quality and operational support, our Nursery Support and Regional teams are here to help. You'll have a network of experts behind you, so you can focus on what matters most - leading your nursery.

Get to know Busy Bees Mansfield Vicar Water

At Busy Bees Mansfield Vicar Water, we're proud to offer a warm, welcoming, home-from-home environment where children are encouraged to be curious, explore their interests and grow in confidence.

Set back from the main road, our converted nursery provides a nurturing space for children to learn, play and discover, supported by a passionate and dedicated team.

As Centre Director, you'll be at the heart of everything that makes this nursery special. You'll inspire and empower your colleagues, champion our Bee Curious Curriculum and drive high-quality early years practice. With your leadership, you'll create a positive environment where children thrive, colleagues feel proud of what they do and families know their children are in safe hands.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of a nursery, develop a brilliant team and make a difference that lasts.

The Busy Bees Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus - rewarding your success and performance.

• Up to 33 days' holiday, inclusive of bank holidays.

• Your birthday off - our gift to you!

• 50% childcare discount - helping make family life a little easier.

• Dedicated central support across HR, Recruitment, Quality, Safety and more.

• Leadership training and development - invest in yourself and your future.

• Clear career progression pathways into Area Management and wider operational roles.

• Enhanced family leave and return-to-work bonus.

• Health and wellbeing support, including menopause and mental health support, financial wellbeing tools and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• Cycle to Work scheme and pension plan.

• Discounted private medical insurance.

• Global opportunities - explore early years best practice and travel internationally through our Global Talent Exchange Programme.

Role Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursery team to deliver outstanding early years provision
• Ensure full compliance with EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory standards
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and outcomes for children
• Manage staffing, recruitment, performance, and development
• Build strong relationships with families and the local community
• Work closely with regional leadership to deliver quality and occupancy targets

Required Qualifications

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Proven experience as a Nursery Manager or Deputy Manager in a high-quality setting
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements
• A track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider leadership structure
• A child-centred approach with high expectations for quality

Qualifications and Experience

• NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3.
• Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
• A focus on delivering high-quality childcare and early education.