Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Childcare; Lightwater; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Lightwater is seeking a visionary Nursery Manager to establish a brand-new nursery. You'll shape the culture, build a passionate team, and create engaging learning experiences for children. The role requires a recognised Early Years qualification and proven leadership experience in early education. Competitive salary starts from £45,000 with additional benefits including holiday, wellbeing support, and significant childcare discounts. Join us to make a lasting impact in early years education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Birthday off

Childcare discount

Up to 33 days holiday

Enhanced family leave

Wellbeing support

Cycle to Work scheme

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to inspire a team.
• Commitment to high-quality early education and engaging learning experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a passionate team.
• Elevate educational programs and operational processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Build relationships with parents and the community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Resource Management

Education

Recognised Early Years Qualification (NNEB, BTEC, CACHE, or NVQ Level 3)

Job description

Overview

Build Something Amazing from Day One at Busy Bees! This is your chance to lead, shape, and create something truly special. Busy Bees is opening a brand-new nursery in West End, Guildford this Winter, and we’re looking for a visionary Nursery Manager to set the tone and establish excellence from day one, giving our children the best start in life. You won’t just be joining a nursery—you’ll be building a nurturing, inspiring environment for up to 110 children, where their learning and growth will be guided by your leadership, expertise, and creativity.

Your Opportunity to Make a Mark as a Nursery Manager

• Shape the nursery’s culture & vision – From the first day, your ideas will bring this brand-new setting to life
• Build a passionate team – Lead, inspire, and develop educators who share your dedication
• Create engaging learning experiences – Set up activities, spaces, and routines that nurture young minds
• Drive innovation – Implement fresh approaches that make your nursery a beacon of excellence in early childhood education

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary – from £45,000 per annum, plus up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Birthday off – Because YOU deserve a special day!
• Significant childcare discount – Supporting your family while shaping young futures
• Up to 33 days holiday – Including bank holidays!
• Enhanced family leave & wellbeing support – Plus menopause support through Peppy
• Cycle to Work scheme – Because a healthy commute is a happy commute
• Travel opportunities – Gain international experience and discover new childcare practices

Why Busy Bees?

You’ll be valued, celebrated, and empowered to create something extraordinary. Lead a forward-thinking nursery where your vision matters. Work in a beautifully designed setting that inspires both children and educators.

Your Key Responsibilities as a Nursery Manager

• Lead & Inspire – Drive excellence, empower your team, and cultivate a culture of passion and innovation
• Quality Improvement – Elevate educational programs, refine operational processes, and maintain exceptional standards
• Compliance & Safety – Ensure a secure, nurturing space that meets all regulatory requirements
• Financial Oversight – Manage budgets and resources effectively to drive sustainability and growth
• Engagement & Community – Build strong, lasting relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community
• Professional Development – Support, mentor, and nurture your team, fostering a culture of growth and excellence

About You

• Committed to Excellence – Your top priority is delivering outstanding childcare and early years education
• Resourceful & Business-Savvy – You balance commercial awareness with heartfelt leadership
• Inspiring Leader & Communicator – You motivate your team and build strong relationships with staff and families
• Highly Organised & Detail-Oriented – You thrive in a dynamic environment, managing priorities with precision

Qualifications & Experience

• Recognised Early Years Qualification – NNEB, BTEC Nat Dip, CACHE Dip in Childcare, or NVQ Level 3
• Proven Experience – Previous leadership as a Nursery Manager or Assistant Nursery Manager
• Strong Leadership & Communication Skills – Inspire and support a team to create a nurturing environment
• Commitment to High-Quality Early Education – Passionate about fostering engaging learning experiences

This is more than a job—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set up a nursery from the ground up and create a legacy of excellence, joy, and discovery. Be part of something new—lead boldly, inspire deeply, and thrive with Busy Bees!