Nursery Manager

About Early Years Ltd.; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

Up to 33 days holiday

Your birthday off

Childcare discount

Central support

Leadership development

Progression paths

Family leave & return bonus

Wellbeing support & EAP

Cycle to work scheme

Private medical insurance

Global Talent exchange programme

Job summary

Busy Bees Guildford Fitzsimmons Place seeks a senior nursery leader responsible for day-to-day operations, education quality, safeguarding, and performance. You will shape the team, culture, and practice with strong regional and central support to drive excellence.

Lead on staff development, governance, and outcomes while maintaining occupancy and delivering high-quality childcare in a supportive environment. Flexible 4-day work week with 40 hours.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Nursery leadership

Team development

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted requirements

Independent & collaborative

Education

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

Job description

Role Overview:

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Guildford Fitzsimmons– Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum DOE

Flexible working over 4 days available - 40 hours

About Busy Bees

Busy Bees is the UK’s leading early years providers, with nurseries dedicated to giving children the very best start in life through safe, caring, and high-quality early education.

What this means for you is the chance to lead your nursery with real confidence, backed by a large, supportive organisation that helps you focus on what you do best. You’ll benefit from strong operational support, ongoing training, and clear progression opportunities to grow your career.

You’ll also have the freedom to shape your setting in a way that reflects your leadership style and makes a real difference in your local community. If you’re a passionate early years professional ready for your next step, this is your opportunity to grow with us.

About the role

This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, including quality of education, staff leadership, safeguarding, and operational performance.

You will have the autonomy to shape your team, culture, and practice, supported by a dedicated regional and central support structure.

About Our Nursery

Busy Bees Guildford Fitzsimmons Place accommodates 124 children and features a longstanding team dedicated to providing the best start in life for every child. Ofsted rated Good. Conveniently located, the nursery is just a two-minute walk from the nearest bus stop and a 10-minute walk from the train station, making it easily accessible. During your lunch break, you can enjoy the nearby town, which is also a 10-minute walk away, or take a quick five-minute stroll to the river. We offer free parking for staff.

At Busy Bees Fitzsimmons, we're proud to be one of Guildford's most respected nurseries, with a strong reputation for excellence, exceptional outcomes, and a genuine commitment to providing outstanding early years education.

About the Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday inlclusive of bank holidays
• Your birthday off – our gift to you!
• Substantial Childcare discount
• Full central support (HR, Recruitment, Quality, Safety etc)
• Access to high quality training and leadership development
• Clear progression pathways into area management and wider operational roles
• Enhanced family leave & return to work bonus
• Menopause & Mental health support, financial wellbeing tools, and a 24/7 Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme & easy access pension plan
• Discounted Private Medical insurance
• Opportunities to travel internationally and explore best practise in early years with 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.