Nursery Manager

Location: Gorebridge, Midlothian
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive + up to 25% annual bonus

Busy Bees, the UK’s leading nursery group , is looking for an inspiring Nursery Manager to lead our wonderful Busy Bees Midlothian Newbyres nursery. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early years leader who is passionate about high-quality childcare, team development and giving every child the best possible start in life.

With nearly 400 nurseries across the UK and a growing international presence, Busy Bees is proud to be an award-winning employer known for its positive workplace culture. We are committed to ensuring every colleague feels heard, valued and supported , while delivering outstanding early years education.

Busy Bees at Midlothian Newbyres is a 154-place nursery operating across two settings:

• Newbyres Hall – welcoming children under 3

• St Paul’s – for children aged 3–5

Located in the heart of Gorebridge village , the nursery benefits from excellent public transport links, including the Borders Railway just one minute away , plus free on-site parking.

As Nursery Manager, you’ll take full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the nursery, leading and inspiring your team to deliver exceptional care and education. You’ll bring our Bee Curious curriculum to life, creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where children and colleagues can thrive.

• Level 3 Early Years qualification (or above)

• At least 2 years’ leadership experience within an early years setting

• Strong knowledge of EYFS, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements

• A passion for high-quality childcare and team development

• Confident leadership, organisational and communication skills

We offer a truly supportive environment with excellent benefits, including:

• Up to 25% annual salary bonus

• Competitive salary

• Up to 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays)

• Your birthday off – on us! ?

• Significant childcare discount

• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression

• Enhanced family leave, return-to-work bonus and menopause support

• Access to our Hive Benefits & Wellbeing Hub with retail discounts and wellbeing resources

• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders

• Cycle to Work scheme, pension via Cushon and discounted private medical insurance

• Opportunities to work internationally and learn best practice across our global network

We’re proud partners of BBC Children in Need , offering colleagues opportunities to get involved in fundraising and community initiatives that make a real difference to children’s lives.

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:

• BA in Childhood Practise or willing to work towards is required by the SSSC.
• 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!