Assistant Nursery Manager

Assistant Centre Director – Busy Bees

Lead with purpose. Inspire your team. Shape brighter futures.

Are you an experienced Early Years professional with a passion for leadership, people and delivering outstanding outcomes for children?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, Busy Bees is looking for a confident and inspiring Assistant Centre Director to join our team.

Working alongside the Centre Director, you’ll play a key role in the successful day-to-day running of the nursery. You’ll help lead and motivate your team, support high standards of care and education, and create an environment where both children and colleagues can thrive.

About Busy Bees Busy Bees is one of the UK’s leading nursery groups, with nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and many more internationally.

Our purpose is at the heart of everything we do: to give every child the best start in life .

We know that great leadership makes a real difference. That’s why we’re committed to creating a workplace where our people feel heard, valued and supported , while providing opportunities to develop their skills and progress their careers.

Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

As Assistant Centre Director, you’ll work closely with the Centre Director to provide strong leadership across the nursery.

This is a varied and rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment, thrives on responsibility and is passionate about creating high-quality experiences for children and families.

You’ll Play a Key Role In

• Supporting the Centre Director with the effective day-to-day management of the nursery.
• Leading, inspiring and supporting your team to achieve their full potential.
• Maintaining high standards of care, education, safeguarding and wellbeing.
• Supporting the delivery of our unique Bee Curious curriculum.
• Creating an environment where children are encouraged to be curious, confident and independent.
• Building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Supporting staff development, coaching and performance.
• Helping ensure the nursery meets its operational, regulatory and educational responsibilities.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement and success of the centre.

Be Part of Something Bigger

At Busy Bees, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we achieve.

You’ll be joining a supportive organisation where you can learn from experienced leaders, develop your management skills and make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children and families.

Our Bee Curious curriculum gives you the opportunity to support an approach to learning that encourages children to explore, investigate, ask questions and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Make a Difference Beyond the Nursery

Our commitment to children extends beyond our nurseries.

Through our partnership with BBC Children in Need , our teams have opportunities to get involved in fundraising and community initiatives, helping support children and families beyond the nursery environment.

Why Join Busy Bees?

When you join our team, you’ll be part of an organisation that values your contribution and wants you to succeed.

You’ll Benefit From

• A supportive leadership and management environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The opportunity to develop your leadership and management experience.
• Our unique Bee Curious curriculum.
• A people-focused workplace culture.
• Opportunities to get involved in community and fundraising initiatives.
• The chance to make a genuine difference to children, families and your team every day.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re an ambitious Early Years professional who is ready to develop your leadership career, we’d love to hear from you.

Bring your passion, experience and leadership skills to Busy Bees and help us create an environment where children and our people can learn, grow and thrive .

Your next leadership opportunity starts here. Busy Bees Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Ongoing professional development and career progression
• Our ‘Hive’ 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’s 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.

But wait, there’s more! You'll also enjoy access to our Benefits and Wellbeing platform, Hive - offering huge array huge of retail discounts helping your money to go further, along with a Wellbeing Hub featuring resources to support your physical and mental health. A Celebrating You section showcasing the ways we recognise and reward our valued team members. Plus, a dedicated Grow with Us area sharing the exciting development opportunities and training designed to support you to thrive and grow at Busy Bees.

Join our supportive and collaborative work environment, learn from experienced colleagues, and make meaningful connections.

If you are ready to make a positive impact in the field of early childhood education and childcare, we encourage you to apply for the Nursery Manager position at Busy Bees.

Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and take the next step in your career.

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!