Deputy Nursery Manager: Lead Innovative Early Years Team

N Family Club; Guildford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early-years education provider in Guildford is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to support the Nursery Manager in delivering outstanding education and leading a team of expert educators. The role requires previous nursery leadership experience, excellent customer service skills, and a Level 3 Early Years qualification. The position offers a competitive salary of £34,694 - £46,696 per year, performance bonuses, and industry-leading benefits including significant annual leave, development funding, and a personal clothing allowance. Join us in shaping the future of early years education.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance bonus

Industry-leading holiday allowance

Development fund

No uniforms

Enhanced leave benefits

Childcare discount

Loyalty rewards

Coaching & Mentoring

Referral scheme

Discounts on groceries and fitness

Travel support

Socials & Wellbeing events

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a nursery leadership position (ideally as a Deputy Manager, Third in Charge, or Nursery Manager).
• Experience in retaining and hiring new team members.
• Knowledge of local authority and regulatory requirements and inspection processes across the UK.
• Some experience in managing budgets, including capacity and team deployment, management of performance, and reporting metrics.
• A background in leading consistent and exceptional customer service.
• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above).
• Paediatric First Aid (12 hours), First Aid at Work, and a commitment to remain compliant.
• Relevant safeguarding/child protection training and be willing to update that training regularly.
• A genuine passion for education and changing the lives of children.
• Able to communicate with parents, external professionals, colleagues, and children effectively.
• A solid decision‑maker, with the ability to support and achieve our WIGs (Wildly Important Goals).

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
• Support the Nursery Manager to ensure delivery of outstanding education.
• Champion safeguarding and wellbeing, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Oversee health and safety, risk assessments, and compliance.
• Coach, guide, and motivate the team through feedback and development.
• Support with staffing operations and room assistance.
• Promote continuous improvement and fresh practices.
• Bring positivity, flexibility, and passion to the role.

Skills

Nursery leadership experience

Team retention and hiring

Knowledge of regulatory requirements

Budget management experience

Exceptional customer service

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Paediatric First Aid

Safeguarding training

Communication skills

Decision-making

Education

Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification

Job description

A leading early-years education provider in Guildford is seeking a Deputy Nursery Manager to support the Nursery Manager in delivering outstanding education and leading a team of expert educators. The role requires previous nursery leadership experience, excellent customer service skills, and a Level 3 Early Years qualification. The position offers a competitive salary of £34,694 - £46,696 per year, performance bonuses, and industry-leading benefits including significant annual leave, development funding, and a personal clothing allowance. Join us in shaping the future of early years education.