Nursery Manager

Busy Bees In Portishead; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare provider in Gateshead is seeking a dedicated Nursery Manager to lead their team. You will be responsible for ensuring high standards in childcare and education while motivating your staff. Candidates should have a Level 3 childcare qualification and at least two years of leadership experience. This role offers substantial benefits including a competitive salary, a holiday allowance of up to 33 days, and opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Benefits

Up to 25% annual salary bonus

Competitive salary & career progression opportunities

Up to 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)

Your birthday off

Substantial childcare discount

Ongoing professional development & training

Mental health support and wellbeing resources

Qualifications

• Level 3 childcare qualification or equivalent.
• At least two years’ leadership experience in an early years setting.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive excellence and motivate your team.
• Enhance educational programs and operational processes.
• Ensure a safe and secure environment, meeting all regulations.
• Manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Build strong relationships with parents, staff, and the community.
• Foster team growth to provide exceptional care.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Education

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

Job description

Join Our Award-Winning Team at Kids 1st by Busy Bees at QE Gateshead – Nursery Manager Opportunity

Are you a passionate childcare professional ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference? Kids 1st by Busy Bees, part of the UK’s leading nursery group, is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Nursery Manager to join our thriving Gateshead QE setting.

If you hold a Level 3 childcare qualification and have at least two years’ leadership experience in an early years setting, this is your chance to bring your creativity, energy, and EYFS expertise to a place where children flourish and careers grow.

As part of Busy Bees – the UK’s No.1 nursery group with nearly 400 nurseries nationwide and more overseas – we’re committed to giving every child the best start in life. Our award-winning workplace culture ensures that every team member is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

When you join Kids 1st by Busy Bees, you become part of a supportive team dedicated to creating inspiring environments where children can learn, play, and grow. You’ll also get to deliver our innovative Bee Curious Curriculum, designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

We’re proud to champion community initiatives too – through our partnership with BBC Children in Need, you’ll have the chance to make a real difference beyond the nursery walls.

About Our Gateshead QE Nursery

Our Gateshead QE nursery, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, offers a warm, welcoming space for up to 108 children. With excellent transport links (a 2-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, 5 minutes from Low Fell town centre, and close to the A1 and Durham), plus complimentary onsite parking, getting here is easy.

About the benefits

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus
• Competitive salary & career progression opportunities
• Up to 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)
• Your birthday off – our gift to you!
• Substantial childcare discount
• Ongoing professional development & training
• Access to our Hive benefits platform – with exclusive retail discounts and wellbeing resources
• Enhanced family leave & return-to-work bonus
• Menopause 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 practices in early years education with our talent exchange programme

And that’s just the beginning! Our Hive Wellbeing Hub also offers mental health support, a dedicated Celebrating You space to recognise your achievements, and a Grow With Us programme to fuel your career ambitions.

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.

About you:

• We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Nursery Manager whose primary goal is to deliver the highest standards of childcare and early years education.
• You will be resourceful, commercially minded, have strong leadership ability and excellent communication skills.
• You will have strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail and be able to prioritise your workload effectively.

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.

Apply now and be part of our dynamic team!