Nursery Manager

Busy Bees; Norton-on-Derwent; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 25% annual bonus

Up to 33 days holiday

Birthday off

Employee childcare discount

Central HR support

Leadership development

Career progression

Pension & private medical

Job summary

Busy Bees is seeking a senior leader to take full control of a nursery’s day-to-day operations in the UK. The role emphasises quality of education, safeguarding, staffing, and strong operational performance in a leading early years group.

Based at Busy Bees Quedgeley in Gloucester, you will lead with confidence, supported by regional and central teams, and drive occupancy and educational outcomes while benefiting from an extensive support network and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Nursery Manager/Deputy in a high-quality setting.
• Strong leadership and staff development abilities.
• Excellent EYFS and Ofsted knowledge.
• Track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards.
• Child-centered approach with high quality childcare.

Responsibilities

• Lead nursery team to deliver outstanding early years.
• Ensure EYFS, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Drive improvements in teaching and learning outcomes.
• Manage staffing, recruitment, performance and development.
• Build strong relationships with families and community.
• Collaborate with regional leadership to achieve occupancy targets.

Skills

Nursery leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Childcare qualification (NNEB / NVQ3)

Job description

Role Overview:

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Quedgeley!– Leading Nursery Group in the UKSalary: Up to £45,000 per annum DOE and Up to 25% annual salary bonus

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

Busy Bees Quedgeley

is a purpose-built nursery located in the Quedgeley area of Gloucester.

Rated Good by Ofsted

Capacity for 105 children

Free on-site parking available for staff, making commuting convenient.

A rewarding and supportive workplace where our dedicated team can thrive

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.

Role 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.