Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in Eastbourne is looking for an experienced Nursery Manager for a 12-month maternity cover. The role involves leading a team to provide high-quality childcare, adhering to early years standards. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 childcare qualification and experience in a managerial role. Benefits include a bonus, childcare discounts, and extensive holiday. This is a chance to make a positive impact on children's lives while progressing your career.

Benefits

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

Childcare discount

Up to 33 days holiday

Professional training and development

Access to well-being resources

Cycle to Work scheme

Workplace pension

Qualifications

• Experience as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
• Strong focus on high-quality childcare and early education.

Responsibilities

• Drive excellence and motivate your team.
• Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.

Skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3

Job description

Overview

Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover – 12 Months) – Busy Bees Droitwich

Are you an experienced Nursery Manager or Deputy ready to step into a leadership role? Busy Bees, the UK’s leading nursery group, is seeking a passionate and dedicated Nursery Manager (12-month maternity cover) to join our friendly team at our Droitwich nursery. If you hold a Level 3 childcare qualification and have at least two years of leadership experience within an early years setting, this could be the perfect opportunity to develop your career while making a real difference in the lives of children.

About Busy Bees

• Busy Bees is the UK’s largest and most respected childcare provider, with nearly 400 nurseries nationwide and many more overseas.
• Our mission is simple: to give every child the best start in life.
• We are proud of our award-winning workplace culture, where every colleague is supported, valued, and given the opportunity to thrive.

About Busy Bees Droitwich

• Ofsted-rated “Good” with a capacity of 86 children.
• Recently refurbished, featuring spacious rooms and a large outdoor play area.
• Exciting Forest School programme launching soon.
• Strong community links, including intergenerational projects with a local care home.
• Great transport connections: a 10-minute walk from the train station, easy access by local bus routes, and free staff parking.
• Flexible working option: 4-day work week available.

Why Work With Busy Bees?

As a Nursery Manager, you’ll lead a passionate team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality childcare and education in line with the EYFS framework. You’ll inspire your colleagues, build strong relationships with parents, and create a safe, stimulating, and fun environment where children can flourish. You’ll also be introduced to our Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity, independence, and confidence in every child.

Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Childcare discount
• Up to 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off– our gift to you!
• Professional training, ongoing development, and career progression opportunities
• Access to our ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, including retail discounts
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Financial wellbeing support through Salary Finance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Workplace pension via Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

Contract

This is a fixed-term maternity cover contract (12 months)– an excellent opportunity for a current Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager ready to take the next step.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire: Drive excellence and motivate your team.
• Quality Improvement: Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
• Compliance: Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Professional Development: Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.

About you / Qualifications

• We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Nursery Manager whose primary goal is to deliver the highest standards of childcare and early years education.
• You will be resourceful, commercially minded, have strong leadership ability and excellent communication skills.
• You will have strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail and be able to prioritise your workload effectively.

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.

Apply now and be part of our dynamic team!