Bright Horizons
Nursery Deputy Manager
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Nursery – Bright Horizons Portswood Day Nursery and Pre-School
Location: Portswood, Southampton
Salary: Starting from £32,513.00 - £42,439.50 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
About the Role
Are you seeking to work for an organisation inspired by our HEART principles—Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork? A place where you can be yourself, feel supported, and help shape the next generation?
Bright Horizons is looking for a Deputy Manager to join our Portswood nursery.
The Benefits
- 75% childcare discount for the first child*
- Enhanced parental leave
- Competitive bonus of up to £1,500, based on Ofsted inspection outcomes
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and paid Christmas closure
- Ability to purchase additional leave*
- Pension contributions
- Wellbeing and financial benefits, including:
- 24/7 virtual GP appointments
- Early access to wages
- Professional development programmes (including access to a careers coach)
*Subject to terms and conditions
Key Responsibilities
As Deputy Manager, you will:
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care and education
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, overseeing daily operations, safeguarding, and child protection policies
- Contribute to succession planning, training, and professional development
- Maintain strong partnerships with:
- colleagues
- parents and carers
- external professionals (e.g., Local Authority)
- Support commercial success through:
- Team retention
- Occupancy growth
- Budget management
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Requirements
Successful candidates must have:
- Full and relevant Level 3+ Early Years qualification
- Experience in Early Years leadership (ideally as):
- Deputy Manager
- Assistant Manager
- Third-in-Charge (TIC)
- Experience in leading regulatory inspections, achieving at least a “Good” or “Outstanding” outcome
- Strong decision-making ability, with priority experience in:
- Supporting and mentoring teams
- Providing leadership
- Deep knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and early years legislation
- Ability to build trust and forge strong relationships with:
- colleagues
- parents and carers
- Effective communication skills with both children and adults
About Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. This role is subject to:
- Safer recruitment practices
- Enhanced DBS checks
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We are an inclusive employer and welcome candidates of all ages and backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments can be made upon request.
Culture & Commitment
For the last 13 years, Bright Horizons has been named a Great Place to Work by employees and the Great Place to Work Institute.
Our culture thrives on our HEART principles—Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—and we foster growth through:
- Learning & Leadership programmes
- World-Class Welcome induction
- Extensive training and development opportunities
- Careers coaching to support long-term ambitions
- Verbal and financial recognition, including an ”Employee Appreciation Month”
- Awards of Excellence events
Each employee is celebrated for their contributions, fostering a culture where success is collective gratitude and measurable impact.
Ready to Apply?
Industrial Training and Services (IND SH) welcomes your application.
Contact: If experiencing issues, email europe.recruitment@brighthorizons.com for assistance.
Bright Horizons values you, and every team member is integral to delivering our world-class care and education. Join us and turn possibility into impact.
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