Centre Manager (BestStart Kilmarnock Street)

Tangram; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading centre in Canterbury is seeking a passionate Centre Manager to lead a diverse team and deliver excellent early childhood education outcomes. The role offers opportunities for professional development and aims for all children and families to feel a true sense of belonging. Join a progressive community and be part of a rewarding educational journey.

Benefits

Learning opportunities through online platform

Supportive coaching and mentoring

Career advancement opportunities

Full funded Teacher Certification

Subsidised health insurance

Free annual flu vaccinations

Confidential counselling access

Sick leave from day one

Additional leave for long service recognition

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience as a Centre Manager in ECE.
• Strong understanding of child-led curriculum and ECE regulations.
• Commitment to high compliance standards and culturally responsive practice.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent learning outcomes and manage operations efficiently.
• Build authentic relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Report to an Area Manager and provide high-impact leadership.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Ability to build relationships

Coaching and mentoring

Process innovation

Education

B Ed/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE)

Job description

BestStart Education

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Listing Description

Location

Location Christchurch City, Canterbury

Job type

Job type Full time

Duration

Duration Permanent

Description

BestStart Kilmarnock Street is seeking a passionate and dedicated Centre Manager to join our vibrant, diverse team. We welcome applications from experienced leaders who are excited to extend their leadership journey and play a key role in building strong relationships with our children and families. Conveniently located close to the CBD and Westfield Riccarton, our centre offers a special environment where every child and family feels a true sense of belonging.

About Us

We are proud to be a rich, multicultural community, reflected in our centre vision. Children's cultures and identities are affirmed and woven into our curriculum, creating an environment where tamariki and whānau develop strong connections and a true sense of belonging.

At BestStart Kilmarnock Street, we embrace the whole child and celebrate all that they bring. Our learning experiences are led by the children's interests, supported by a team of talented and passionate teachers who believe learning should be fun, meaningful, and empowering.

Why Choose BestStart?

At BestStart, we are committed to being a progressive and adaptable leader in the ECE sector. We are proud to have opted into FULL Pay Parity, ensuring our teachers are recognised and rewarded for the positive difference they make in children's lives.

We also offer:

• Learning opportunities through our Whare Ako online platform
• Supportive coaching and mentoring
• Career advancement opportunities and leadership development programmes
• Fully funded Teacher Certification
• Potential to join our Independent Centre Manager programme, offering autonomy and rewards for outstanding centre performance

Your health and wellbeing are a priority:

• Subsidised health insurance through Southern Cross*
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Access to confidential counselling through EAP
• Wellbeing initiatives and support programmes
• Sick leave available from day one
• Additional leave for long service recognition

About the Role

Reporting to an Area Manager, you will be a high-impact leader passionate about delivering excellent learning outcomes and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the centre. Strong communication skills and the ability to build authentic relationships with children, families, and staff are essential.

This is a permanent, full-time position, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

What We're Looking For:

• B Ed/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) qualification and current Teacher Certification
• Minimum of two years' experience as a Centre Manager in ECE
• Strong understanding of child-led curriculum, pedagogy, and curriculum design
• Excellent knowledge of ECE regulations, Te Whāriki, and a commitment to high compliance standards
• A strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice
• Proven ability to coach and mentor others, unlocking their full potential
• A drive to innovate and simplify processes to enhance centre operations

How to Apply: Click ""Apply Now"" or contact our Talent Specialist, Emma Poole on 027 1800 1747 for a confidential conversation. Join a team that values growth, collaboration, and the joy of teaching. We look forward to welcoming you to BestStart Kilmarnock Street.

Applications Close: 03/07/2025Apply online for this role or contact BestStart Educare Limited for more information.

At BestStart, we are at the forefront of early childhood education, dedicated to making a positive impact and passionate about our work. We offer exceptional early education and award-winning childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Our primary goal isto deliver high-quality education to the children in our community, and we are activelyengaged in groundbreaking research focused on children's oral language development and self-regulation, known as Kia Tīmata Pai. This research initiative involves approximately 1,600 BestStart preschoolers, highlighting our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

BestStart is committed to being a progressive and adaptable leader in the early childhood education sector. Our educators are highly valued for the transformative role they play in shaping children's lives. We are proud to announce that BestStart has implemented Full pay parity, underscoring our dedication to fairness and equity within our organisation.

At BestStart, we prioritise the support and growth of our teams through tailored professional development pathways. We believe in nurturing talent and empowering our employees to reach their full potential.