Nursery Manager

Busy Bees Nurseries; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

33 days holiday incl bank holidays

Birthday off

50% childcare discount

Central HR & support

Leadership training & progression

Family leave & return to work bonus

Mental health support

Cycle to work scheme

Private medical insurance

Global Talent exchange programme

Job summary

Busy Bees Milton Keynes Oldbrook is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead the team, shape the experience for children and families, and drive outstanding early years provision with the support of a trusted national nursery group.

You will ensure EYFS compliance, safeguard standards, coach and develop staff, and build strong relationships with families and the local community while working with regional leadership to hit quality and occupancy targets.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Excellent knowledge of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards.

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

Staff management

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted requirements

Education

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

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Milton Keynes Oldbrook – Leading Nursery Group in the UK!

Salary £44,000 plus up to 25% annual salary bonus

Lead. Inspire. Grow. Make a difference.

Are you an experienced early years leader ready to take the next step in your career?

At Busy Bees, we believe great nurseries start with great leaders. As a Nursery Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead your own team, shape the experience for children and families, and make a real difference every day with the support of a trusted national nursery group behind you.

Why Busy Bees?

• Grow your career We’re passionate about developing our people. From leadership training to clear progression pathways, we’ll support you to build your skills and take your career wherever you want it to go.
• Lead and inspire your team Create a positive, inclusive environment where your team can thrive. You’ll coach, motivate and develop your colleagues, helping them reach their full potential.
• Make your mark Every Busy Bees nursery is unique. We’ll give you the autonomy to lead your nursery, bring your ideas to life and create an environment where children can learn, explore and flourish.
• Make a difference You’ll play a key role in giving children the best possible start in life, while building strong relationships with families and your local community.
• Never feel like you're doing it alone You’ll have the backing of your Nursery Support and Regional teams, giving you access to guidance, expertise and resources whenever you need them.

About the Benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Up to 33 days holiday inclusive 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

• 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.