Assistant Programme Manager - Darfield

Skids; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount on sKids programmes

Referral bonus up to $250 per referral

Work-life balance – no weekend work

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

sKids in Darfield, New Zealand, seeks an Assistant Programme Manager to help run daily sessions with children, lead when needed, and maintain a safe, fun environment. The role is rostered across Monday to Friday with morning and afternoon shifts.

You’ll support planning activities, engage tamariki, manage behaviour with positive guidance, and mentor Programme Assistants while building strong relationships with families and school staff.

Qualifications

• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand (visa or citizenship).
• Experience working with groups of children (e.g. OSCAR, childcare, coaching, teaching, camps).
• Ability to step into a leadership role when needed and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Support the Programme Manager in day-to-day running of the sKids programme.
• Step up as 2IC – lead sessions when the Programme Manager is away.
• Supervise large groups of tamariki in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.
• Plan and deliver structured activities including arts, crafts, sports and offsite trips.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviour with positive guidance strategies.
• Support Programme Assistants on shift to ensure smooth activities.
• Build positive relationships with parents, caregivers and school staff.
• Assist with setup, pack-down and preparation of resources.

Skills

Leadership

Group management

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Job description

Job Description

As an Assistant Programme Manager, you’ll be the friendly face that makes the mornings & afternoons unforgettable for children. You’ll be working a minimum of 6 hours per week, rostered across Monday to Friday

• Morning/ Before school shifts runs between 7am - 8.30am.
• Afternoon/ After School shifts runs between 2.30pm-6.00pm. Availability from 2.30pm is essential, though finish times may vary.
• Potential school holiday programmes hours available (between 7am - 6pm).

Here’s what you’ll be up to

• Support the Programme Manager in the day-to-day running of the sKids programme, helping ensure smooth, well-structured operations
• Step up as 2IC – confidently lead sessions and take charge when the Programme Manager is away
• Supervise and engage large groups of tamariki, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and fun environment at all times
• Assist in planning and delivering structured activities including arts & crafts, sports, games, and offsite trips
• Support with managing challenging behaviour, using positive guidance strategies and maintaining consistency across the team
• Help guide and support Programme Assistants on shift, ensuring expectations are met and activities run smoothly
• Build positive relationships with parents, caregivers, and school staff through clear and friendly communication
• Assist with set-up, pack-down, and preparation of resources to ensure each session runs seamlessly

Perks & Benefits

• 50% discount on selected sKids programmes – perfect for your own children!
• Referral bonus – bring awesome people into our team and earn up to $250 per referral
• Work-life balance – no weekend work and the middle of the day free for your own time
• Employee Assistance Programme – access wellbeing support when you need it
• A fun, supportive crew who love what they do and celebrate each other’s wins

Qualifications

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand (valid visa or citizenship)
• Have reliable transport to get to our Darfield site
• Have experience working with groups of children (e.g. OSCAR, childcare, coaching, teaching, camps, or similar)
• Are confident stepping into a leadership role when needed, with the ability to take initiative and make decisions
• Have exposure to managing behaviour in group settings and can remain calm, firm, and supportive
• Are a team player who can both support and lead others when required
• Communicate well with both children and adults, including parents and school staff
• Are over the age of 20 years old (as per Social Security (Childcare Assistance) Regulations 2004)

Safeguarding

sKids is committed to Child Protection and the safeguarding of children and young people in our care and we expect all staff to operate in a way that reflects this intent. All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check. All applicants must hold the right to work in New Zealand.