At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing baby room and support nursery operations with a hands-on approach.
- Company: A vibrant, family-run nursery focused on teamwork and professional growth.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 28 days' leave, performance bonuses, and a £250 welcome bonus.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values positivity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare management and a relevant qualification like NVQ Level 3.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € 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 Preston employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
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 competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a range of benefits including 28 days' paid annual leave, a performance bonus, and opportunities for professional development, all within a warm and inclusive environment that values teamwork and personal growth.
Contact Detail:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager / Baby Room Lead in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the nursery's vibe! Before your interview, take a stroll around the area or check out their social media. This will help you understand their culture and values, so you can tailor your answers to show you're a perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on common questions for Deputy Managers and Baby Room Leads, and don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills and experience with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've created nurturing environments or led teams in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to delivering exceptional care and education.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best fit for the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager / Baby Room Lead in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh:Before you hit that apply button, make sure your CV is up to date! Highlight your relevant experience in nursery management and any qualifications you have. We want to see what makes you the perfect fit for our Baby Room Lead role.
Tailor Your Application:Read through the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use keywords from the listing to show us you understand what we're looking for. This will help your application stand out from the crowd!
Show Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share why you're passionate about working with young children and how you can contribute to creating a nurturing environment. We love seeing genuine passion for childcare!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the nursery's values and practices. Research their approach to early childhood development and think about how your experience aligns with their philosophy. This will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Manager and Baby Room Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a challenging situation. Highlight how you motivated your team and ensured high standards of care.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the nursery’s culture, team dynamics, and expectations for the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be open about your passion for childcare and your vision for creating a nurturing environment. Let your personality shine through, as they’re looking for someone who fits well within their close-knit team.
