Strategic Nursery Manager — Lead a High-Performance Team

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

Benefits offered by this job

Length of Service Recognition vouchers

Competitive Salaries

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Medicash

YuLife

Refer a Friend

Flexible Working

Social Events

Job summary

Monkey Puzzle Brentford is recruiting an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a large-scale setting with a focus on exceptional childcare, education and customer experience. You will drive operational excellence and develop a high-performing team across multiple rooms.

The role requires safeguarding expertise, strong financial acumen, and a track record of Outstanding Ofsted outcomes. Salary up to £50,000, with a brand-new nursery opening in autumn 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable).
• Designated Safeguarding Lead trained.
• Safer Recruitment training and proven experience in managing large teams.
• Minimum 2+ years in a Deputy or Manager role in a busy nursery.
• 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 the nursery both operationally and strategically to deliver high standards of childcare, education and customer experience.
• Recruit, induct, and retain talented team members for a large-scale setting.
• Coach and mentor Deputy Managers, Room Leaders and key staff.
• Champion inclusion and diversity within the nursery community.
• Ensure the EYFS curriculum is embedded across all age groups.
• Maintain safeguarding, health & safety, and children’s wellbeing.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and keep inspections-ready for Ofsted.
• Manage budgeting, occupancy and running costs.
• Build partnerships with parents and external agencies.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

IT skills

Budgeting

safeguarding knowledge

People development

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification (Level 5+ desirable)

Job description

Monkey Puzzle Brentford is recruiting an experienced Nursery Manager to lead a large-scale setting with a focus on exceptional childcare, education and customer experience. You will drive operational excellence and develop a high-performing team across multiple rooms.

The role requires safeguarding expertise, strong financial acumen, and a track record of Outstanding Ofsted outcomes. Salary up to £50,000, with a brand-new nursery opening in autumn 2026.