Job Description
Are you ready to take the next step in your childcare career and become part of something truly special?
At Busy Bees, we're not just the UK's leading nursery group, we're a team of passionate educators, leaders, and child development champions dedicated to giving every child the very best start in life. We're looking for an inspiring Assistant Centre Director to help lead our wonderful nursery in Lewes, supporting our team, families, and children to thrive every day.
Why You'll Love This Role
As our Assistant Centre Director, you'll work alongside the Centre Director to keep the nursery running smoothly, support and motivate a fantastic team, and help create an environment where children can learn, grow, and flourish.
Whether you're coaching colleagues, building relationships with families, or celebrating a child's latest achievement, no two days are ever the same.
Why Busy Bees?
With nearly 400 nurseries across the UK, we're proud to be a place where careers blossom. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
You'll also become part of our innovative Bee Curious curriculum, designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
About Busy Bees Lewes
Nestled in the heart of the local community, Busy Bees Lewes is a warm and welcoming nursery rated Good by Ofsted. Our close-knit setting cares for up to 51 children across three dedicated rooms, creating a friendly atmosphere where every child and team member is truly known and valued.
Children enjoy exploring our two fantastic outdoor gardens, discovering nature, developing new skills, and making memories through play. We love taking learning beyond the nursery walls too, with regular community walks that encourage curiosity and help children connect with the world around them.
Getting to us couldn't be easier, with Lewes train station, local bus routes, shops, and amenities all close by.
We're Looking For Someone Who:
- Is passionate about delivering exceptional early years education and care
- Has leadership or management experience within an early years setting
- Inspires, supports, and develops colleagues to be their very best
- Builds strong relationships with children, families, and the wider community
- Brings energy, positivity, and a genuine love for helping children succeed
Ready to Lead, Inspire and Make a Difference?
If you're looking for a role where your leadership can shape young lives, develop a fantastic team, and make a real impact every single day, we'd love to hear from you.
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.
- 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.
