Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; Leeds; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonus

Holiday allowance

Birthday off

Childcare discount

Central support

Leadership training

Career progression

Family leave

Wellbeing support

Cycle to work

Private medical insurance

Global exchange

Job summary

Busy Bees Leeds Colton Mill is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations with full accountability for education quality, safeguarding, staff leadership, and performance. You’ll shape the team, culture, and practice within a supported regional framework.

The role requires a Level 3 childcare qualification and at least two years in leadership within early years settings, with strong EYFS expertise and a passion for nurturing young minds.

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.
• Track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards.
• Child-centred approach with high expectations for quality.

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

EYFS expertise

Regulatory compliance

Team development

Community engagement

Education

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

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Leedsd Colton Mill – Leading Nursery Group in the UK!

Salary: Up to £45,000 DOE plus 25% annual salary bonus We are looking for an amazing Nursery Manager to ignite fun and learning for our children! With your Level 3 childcare qualification and two years of leadership in early years settings, we want you to bring your vibrant energy and EYFS expertise to our team. Exciting rewards await your passion for nurturing young minds!

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

• Dedicated and supportive team committed to providing high-quality care, learning and experiences for every child.
• Conveniently located just off the M1 at Junction 46, on Stile Hill Way.
• Easy access to Leeds City Centre, approximately a 20-minute drive away.
• Excellent public transport links, with a nearby bus stop served by routes 19, 19A and 22.
• Free on-site parking available for added convenience.

About The Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday inlusive 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.

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

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.