Nursery Manager

About Early Years Ltd.; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25% annual salary bonus

Up to 33 days holiday including bank

Birthday off

Childcare discount

Professional development & training

Hive benefits platform

Wellbeing & EAP

Cycle to Work

Discounted private medical insurance

International travel opportunities

Job summary

Busy Bees Childwall in Liverpool is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager ready to progress into a full Nursery Manager role. This development opportunity offers autonomy, strong regional support, and a clear path to leadership within a successful national provider.

You will lead a high-performing team, ensure high-quality care and education, and drive improvements while maintaining compliance with EYFS and Ofsted standards. Salary up to £40,000 and flexible 4-day weeks are available.

Qualifications

• Strong, proven performance in a Deputy Nursery Manager role preferably supernumery
• Experience supporting inspections or quality improvement work
• Ambition to step into full nursery leadership
• Ability to lead teams, influence practice, and manage responsibility

Responsibilities

• Step into full Nursery Manager responsibility for a well-supported setting
• Lead and develop a high-performing early years team
• Ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement in practice and outcomes for children
• Take ownership of staffing, performance, and day-to-day operations
• Build strong relationships with families and your local community
• Work with regional leadership to support quality and occupancy goals

Skills

Strong leadership

Team leadership

EYFS knowledge

Inspection support

Communication skills

Education

NNEB

BTEC Nat Dip

CACHE Dip in Childcare

NVQ Level 3

Job description

Nursery Manager (Development Opportunity for High-Performing Deputies) – Liverpool | Busy Bees Childwall

Role Overview:

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum doe

Flexible working options: 40 hours over 4 days

About us

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 opportunity and why this role is different

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Nursery Manager who is ready to progress into a full Nursery Manager role.

You will take full leadership responsibility for a nursery, supported by a strong regional team and central support teams.

We are looking for someone who is already performing at a high level in a deputy role and is ready to step into broader ownership, decision-making, and leadership accountability.

You will be trusted with autonomy from day one, supported by a strong regional and central structure designed to help you succeed, not micro-manage you.

About Our Nursery

Our welcoming Liverpool nursery is rated “Good” by Ofsted, with bright rooms, secure outdoor play areas, and excellent links to the city centre. You’ll be supported by a long-standing, passionate team in a setting designed for growth and success.

About the benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
  Up to 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)
  Your birthday off – our gift to you!
  Substantial childcare discount
  Ongoing professional development & training
  Access to our Hive benefits platform – with exclusive retail discounts and wellbeing resources
  Enhanced family leave & return-to-work bonus
  Menopause 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 practices in early years education with our talent exchange programme
• And that’s just the beginning! Our Hive Wellbeing Hub also offers mental health support, a dedicated Celebrating You space to recognise your achievements, and a Grow With Us programme to fuel your career ambitions.

Role Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities

• Step into full Nursery Manager responsibility for a well-supported setting
• Lead and develop a high-performing early years team
• Ensure high standards of care, education, safeguarding, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement in practice and outcomes for children
• Take ownership of staffing, performance, and day-to-day operations
• Build strong relationships with families and your local community
• Work with regional leadership to support quality and occupancy goals

Required Qualifications:

About you

We are looking for a Deputy Manager who is ready for progression and can demonstrate:

• Strong, proven performance in a Deputy Nursery Manager role preferably supernumery
• Confidence leading rooms, staff, or key areas of a setting
• Solid understanding of EYFS and Ofsted expectations
• Experience supporting inspections or quality improvement work
• The ability to lead teams, influence practice, and manage responsibility
• A clear ambition to step into full nursery leadership

You may already be acting up into manager responsibilities or leading significant areas of your current setting.

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.