Nursery Manager

About Early Years Ltd.; Woking; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Holiday allowance

Birthday off

Childcare discount

Central support

Leadership development

Career progression

Family leave

Wellbeing support

Pension plan

Private medical insurance

Global Talent exchange

Job summary

Busy Bees Worplesdon is seeking a Senior Nursery Manager to lead day-to-day operations, ensuring high-quality education, safeguarding, and strong staff leadership. You’ll shape the setting, backed by regional and central support, with a focus on delivering exceptional care and growth opportunities for your team.

The role offers flexible hours (32-40 hours over 4 days) and a salary up to £52,500 per annum DOE, with bonus potential up to 25%.

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
• A track record of improving outcomes and maintaining high standards

Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire: Drive excellence and motivate your team.
• Quality Improvement: Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
• Compliance: Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Professional Development: Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.

Skills

Nursery leadership

Team leadership

EYFS knowledge

Ofsted knowledge

Quality improvement

Job description

Join Our Team at Busy Bees Worplesdon– Leading Nursery Group in the UK

Salary - Up to £52,500 per annum DOE + up to 25% annual salary bonus

Fleixble working avaialble - 32-40 hours over 4 days options

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

Nestled in a truly idyllic rural setting, Busy Bees Worplesdon is a unique 64-place nursery surrounded by beautiful woodland and open countryside in the charming village of Worplesdon, conveniently located between Guildford and Woking.

Set within four beautifully converted single-storey barns, our nursery offers bright, spacious learning environments that flow seamlessly into purpose-designed outdoor play areas. Children enjoy an exceptional early years experience, with endless opportunities for adventure, discovery and hands‑on learning.

What makes Noah’s Ark truly special is our incredible outdoor provision. From exploring our private onsite farm and meeting the animals, to daily woodland walks and engaging Forest School sessions, children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and a love of nature through safe, enriching play.

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: Key Responsibilities:

• Lead & Inspire: Drive excellence and motivate your team.
• Quality Improvement: Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
• Compliance: Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
• Financial Oversight: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Professional Development: Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.

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