At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing baby room and support nursery operations with a hands-on approach.
- Company: Join a vibrant, family-run nursery that values teamwork and positivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 28 days' leave, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with regular social events and a welcoming environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on young lives while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare management and a relevant qualification are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 € per year.
We are seeking a confident, enthusiastic, and hands-on Deputy Manager who will also take the lead as our Baby Room Manager. This dual role is perfect for someone who thrives in a nurturing environment, enjoys leading from the front, and is passionate about delivering exceptional care for our youngest children.
As Baby Room Manager, you will guide the team in creating a warm, safe, and stimulating space where babies can explore, develop, and form secure attachments. As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Nursery Manager to support the smooth running of the setting, stepping into the Manager role when required and helping to maintain high standards across the nursery.
We are an independent, family-run nursery with a vibrant, supportive team. If you enjoy working collaboratively, bringing fresh ideas, and making a meaningful impact, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to grow and lead within a positive, close-knit environment.
Your new role
- Assist the Nursery Manager in overseeing daily operations and staff management
- Support the delivery of educational programmes aligned with early childhood development principles
- Lead the baby room team, ensuring a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment
- Supervise staff and maintain consistently high standards of care, learning, and safeguarding
- Build strong, positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues
- Lead by example in planning and delivering stimulating activities that promote learning and development
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety regulations, safeguarding procedures, and nursery policies
- Organise staff rotas, monitor attendance, and support ongoing professional development
- Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and growth
What you'll need to succeed
- Proven management or supervisory experience within a nursery or childcare setting
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate, guide, and support a team
- Experience working with children, ideally within early years education
- Solid understanding of nursery practice, child development, and relevant legislation
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-focused environment
- Childcare qualification such as NVQ Level 3 or higher is essential
This role offers the chance to make a meaningful difference in young lives while developing your leadership career within a supportive, forward-thinking team.
What you'll get in return
- Flexible working options
- 28 days' paid annual leave (including bank holidays, pro-rata for part-time)
- One week off at Christmas
- Your birthday off
- Regular team days and social events
- £250 welcome bonus (paid after successful 6-month probation)
- Performance bonus
- Discounted childcare
- Paid overtime
- Company pension scheme
- CPD fund to support your learning and development
- Refer-a-friend scheme
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Deputy Manager / Baby Room Lead in Hove employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
Join our independent, family-run nursery in Hove, where you will be part of a vibrant and supportive team dedicated to nurturing young minds. We offer flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to your professional growth through ongoing development opportunities. With a focus on positivity and teamwork, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on children's lives but also provides a rewarding environment for your leadership career to flourish.
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager / Baby Room Lead in Hove
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Before your interview, pop by the nursery if you can. This gives you a feel for the environment and helps you tailor your answers to fit their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated and supported your team in previous roles. We want to see that you can lead from the front!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions! Asking about their educational programmes or team dynamics shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the nursery's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager / Baby Room Lead in Hove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about creating a nurturing environment for our little ones.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in nursery or childcare settings. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this Deputy Manager position, so don’t hold back on those details!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to read and understand. This helps us get a quick grasp of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment - Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of early childhood development principles and nursery practices. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of babies and how to create a nurturing environment. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about times when you motivated staff or implemented new ideas. Being able to demonstrate your leadership qualities will be key, especially since this role involves guiding a team.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences at the nursery and what they value most in a Deputy Manager. This shows your interest in the role and helps build rapport.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think through potential scenarios related to child care and staff management, and prepare your responses to demonstrate your critical thinking.
