Nursery Manager | Lead Large Team, Flexible Working

Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries; Epping Green; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Service recognition

Competitive pay

Enhanced maternity pay

Medicash

YuLife

Refer a friend

Flexible hours

Team events

Job summary

Monkey Puzzle Epping is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a large-scale setting, delivering outstanding childcare, education and customer experience for children and families.

You will drive operational and strategic performance, coach Deputy Managers and Room Leaders, and ensure safeguarding, Ofsted readiness and high-quality EYFS delivery.

The role offers a hands-on, strategic leadership opportunity with competitive pay, development opportunities and a positive, inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable).
• Designated Safeguarding Lead trained with strong safeguarding knowledge.
• Safer Recruitment training and proven experience in managing large teams.
• Minimum 2+ years in a Deputy or Manager role in a busy nursery/preschool (80+ places desirable).
• Strong track record of delivering ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted results.
• Financially astute, confident managing budgets and occupancy planning.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and IT skills.
• A natural leader with a passion for creating a happy, high-performing team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large multi-room team to deliver excellence in every area.
• Ensure EYFS curriculum is embedded across all age groups and safeguarding is rigorous.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and keep Ofsted readiness.
• Recruit, induct, and develop staff; coach deputies and room leaders.
• Foster inclusion and a positive, collaborative nursery culture.
• Manage nursery budget, occupancy planning, and cost control.

Skills

Large-team leadership

Ofsted experience

Budget management

Communication

Organization

IT skills

People leadership

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification

Safeguarding lead training

Safer Recruitment training

2+ years Deputy/Manager experience (80+ places)

Ofsted results track record

Tools

Budgeting tools

Job description

Monkey Puzzle Epping is seeking an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a large-scale setting, delivering outstanding childcare, education and customer experience for children and families.

You will drive operational and strategic performance, coach Deputy Managers and Room Leaders, and ensure safeguarding, Ofsted readiness and high-quality EYFS delivery.

The role offers a hands-on, strategic leadership opportunity with competitive pay, development opportunities and a positive, inclusive workplace.