Assistant Nursery Manager

Role Overview: *This position is a Maternity Cover to start in February 2026* Join Our Team at Busy Bees – Leading Nursery Group in the UKAre 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 UsBusy 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 CommitmentThrough our partnership with BBC Children in Need, we offer fantastic opportunities for community involvement and fundraising to support children's lives.About our Nursery  Cheam Nonsuch, rated Good by Ofsted, has a capacity of 83 children and features a long-serving, friendly, and welcoming staff team that is passionate about their work. Our nursery is conveniently located within walking distance of Nonsuch Park and Cheam Park, providing excellent opportunities for outings. We are situated onsite with Nonsuch High School and David Lloyd Gym, and we are also within walking distance to Cheam station, with bus services available nearby. Additionally, we offer free parking for staff, ensuring easy access to our nurturing environment.Busy Bees BenefitsCompetitive salaryOngoing professional development and career progressionOur ‘Hive’ benefits and wellbeing hub, with discounts across a huge range of retailersUp to 28 days holiday per year (including bank holidays)Your birthday off – it’s our gift to you50% childcare discountEnhanced family leave and return to work bonusMenopause support through PeppyFinancial support through Salary FinanceEmployee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First AidersCycle to Work schemeEasy access to your workplace pension through CushonDiscounted 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. Role Responsibilities: Key ResponsibilitiesSupport 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. Required Qualifications: 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