Assistant Nursery Manager

Busy Bees In Portishead; Bedford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nursery group in England is seeking an Assistant Centre Director to join their team in Bedford. This role involves supporting the Centre Director in managing daily operations, ensuring high educational standards, and leading a passionate team. Ideal candidates will have a Level 3 qualification in early years education and relevant leadership experience. Enjoy a supportive work environment with competitive benefits, including a flexible 4-day work week option, up to 28 days holiday, and discounts on childcare. Apply now to make a positive impact on children's lives.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing professional development

Up to 28 days holiday per year

50% childcare discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in an early years setting with leadership or supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in daily operations.
• Develop and deliver a high-quality curriculum.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership to staff.
• Enhance customer satisfaction.
• Manage operational records and financial planning.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Education

Approved Level 3 qualification in early years education

Job description

Overview

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

Are you a passionate leader with a background in early childhood education and management? As an Assistant Centre Director at Busy Bees, you will support the Centre Director in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the centre. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and wants to make a difference in the lives of children while leading a team towards educational excellence.

About Us

Busy Bees is the UK\'s leading nursery group, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and more overseas. We are dedicated to giving every child the best start in life and are proud to have won awards for our workplace culture. At Busy Bees, we ensure that every member of our team feels heard, valued, and nurtured.

Why Work at Busy Bees?

We offer a supportive environment that empowers you to create engaging, educational spaces where children can thrive. As part of our team, you’ll be introduced to our unique Bee Curious curriculum, designed to foster curiosity and confidence in young learners.

Our Charitable Commitment

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children\'s lives.

About our Nursery

Join Busy Bees at our Bedford Elstow nursery, rated Good by Ofsted with a capacity for 112 children. Our dedicated team thrives on delivering excellence and utilizes natural spaces in our Bumbles and Preschool Gardens to enhance children\'s learning experiences. Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from the bus stop (park and ride) and easily accessible via the A6 and A421, we also provide free parking for our staff. Enjoy the flexibility of a 4-day working week option as you contribute to a nurturing environment where children can thrive!

Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our \u2018Hive\u2019 benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailers
• Up to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – it\u2019s our gift to you!
• 50% childcare discount
• Enhanced family leave and return to work bonus
• Menopause support through Peppy
• Financial support through Salary Finance
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Easy access to your workplace pension through Cushon
• Discounted Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
• Opportunities to travel to other countries, experience different cultures and learn new practices.

We also provide access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive, offering retail discounts and a Wellbeing Hub with resources to support health. The Celebrating You section recognises and rewards our team, and the Grow with Us area shares development opportunities and training to help you thrive at Busy Bees.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Centre Director in overseeing the daily operations and maintaining educational standards.
• Assist in developing and delivering an engaging, high-quality curriculum tailored to the needs of children.
• Ensure the centre complies with all relevant regulatory requirements and maintains high safety and health standards.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team.
• Lead efforts to enhance customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service and promoting a positive centre experience for families.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including scheduling, payroll, and recruitment.
• Manage operational records and support financial planning to ensure sustainability.

Ideal Candidate

• An approved Level 3 qualification or above in early years education.
• Experience within an early years setting, with leadership or supervisory experience ideally as either a Assistant Nursery Manager or Deputy Nursery Manager.
• Proven track record of ensuring educational excellence and curriculum development.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with a focus on teamwork.
• Experience in maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and health and safety protocols.

Lead with passion and help create a nurturing learning environment—apply now!