Centre Manager

Little Ferns Early Learning Centre; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Little Ferns Early Learning Centre Canterbury is seeking an organised, people-focused Centre Manager for a fixed-term maternity cover of approximately 12 months, starting 11 October 2026. You will lead the centre, work with the Business Support Manager, Team Leads and teaching team to ensure smooth operation and a nurturing learning environment.

We value strong relationships, clear communication and hands-on guidance for our tamariki and whānau, with an emphasis on collaborative leadership and

Qualifications

• Experience leading an early learning/childcare team.
• Ability to mentor Team Leads and teaching staff.
• Strong communication and relationship-building with tamariki and whānau.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across the centre and oversee daily operations.
• Support the Business Support Manager, Team Leads and teaching team.
• Build trusting relationships and mentor staff with empathy.
• Ensure effective systems, processes and documentation are maintained.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Communication

Documentation & systems

Technology literacy

Team development

Tools

Discover

Excel

Job description

Little Ferns Early Learning Centre Canterbury

Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 11/10/2026, End Date: 31/10/2027 (Maternity Cover - Approximately 12 months)

Early learning / kōhanga reo, Centre manager

English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Are you an organised, people-focused ECE leader who enjoys supporting others, building strong relationships and being part of a collaborative team?

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Little Ferns whānau as our centre manager on a fixed-term maternity cover contract for approximately 12 months.

Little Ferns is a locally owned early learning centre in Rolleston, with three learning spaces and a passionate team committed to creating a nurturing and welcoming environment for our tamariki and whānau.

About the role

As Centre Manager, you will provide leadership across the centre, working closely with our Business Support Manager, Team Leads and teaching team.

We are looking for someone who can build trusting relationships, communicate well and provide guidance and mentorship that recognises the different strengths and needs across our team and learning spaces. You will also oversee the day-to-day organisation and operational requirements of the centre.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong leadership, mentoring and interpersonal skills.
• Builds positive relationships with tamariki, whānau and our team.
• Is organised, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Can support and develop our Team Leads.
• Communicates professionally, openly and with empathy.
• Is confident with systems, processes and documentation.
• Is comfortable learning and using technology. Experience with Discover, Excel or similar programmes is helpful but not essential.
• Has previous ECE leadership experience and an understanding of centre management responsibilities.

Why Little Ferns?

As part of a small, locally owned company, you will be well supported with a great transition into the role, an established Team Lead structure, support from our Business Support Manager and strong relationships with our sister centre managers.

We value collaboration, open communication, team events and having fun together.

Above all, we are looking for a people person who can bring calm, organisation and positive leadership to our centre.

Sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!