Nursery Manager

Busy Bees; Leeds; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

33 days holiday including bank/hbank?

Your birthday off

50% childcare discount

Central HR and Quality support

Leadership training and development

Clear progression into area management

Enhanced family leave and return-to‑工作

Cycle to work scheme

Private medical insurance discount

Global Talent exchange programme

Job summary

Busy Bees Leeds Colton Mill is seeking an inspiring Nursery Manager to lead an exceptional team and deliver high-quality early education. The role carries full day-to-day responsibility for quality of education, safeguarding, and operational performance.

The ideal candidate will hold Level 3 childcare qualifications with at least two years of leadership experience in an early years setting and a strong EYFS understanding.

Qualifications

• Level 3 childcare qualification is required.
• At least two years' leadership experience in an early years setting.
• Strong 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 closely with regional leadership to deliver quality and occupancy targets.

Skills

Leadership

EYFS knowledge

People development

Education

Level 3 childcare qualification

Job description

Role Overview:

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Leeds Colton Mill - Leading Nursery Group in the UK!

Salary: Up to £45,000 DOE plus 25% annual salary bonus

We're on the lookout for an inspiring and passionate Nursery Manager! ?

Are you ready to lead an amazing team, bring learning to life and create a nursery where little minds can flourish?

If you hold a Level 3 childcare qualification and have at least two years' leadership experience within an early years setting, we'd love to hear from you!

We're looking for someone who brings energy, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for early years, alongside a strong understanding of the EYFS. Someone who can inspire their team, create magical learning experiences and build an environment where children, families and colleagues feel valued and supported.

In return, you'll enjoy fantastic rewards, opportunities to develop your career and the chance to make a lasting difference to little lives every single day.

Ready to bring your leadership sparkle to Busy Bees? Your next adventure starts here!

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 ?

Our nursery offers a fantastic place to work, with a welcoming team, great transport connections and a convenient location. Here's what makes us a great place to grow your career:

• A fantastic team: Join a dedicated, friendly and supportive team who are passionate about delivering exceptional care, inspiring learning and memorable experiences for every child.

• Great location: Conveniently situated just off the M1 at Junction 46, on Stile Hill Way.

• Close to the city: Just approximately a 20-minute drive from Leeds City Centre.

• Excellent transport links: A nearby bus stop is served by routes 19, 19A and 22, making commuting by public transport easy.

• Free on-site parking: Enjoy the added convenience of free parking at the nursery.

With a supportive team, excellent accessibility and a great location, our nursery is a wonderful place to build your career, develop your skills and make a real difference every day!

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!
• 50% 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.