Centre Director

Aro Arataki Early Learning Centre; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Aro Arataki Early Learning Centre in Greenlane, Auckland, is seeking an experienced centre director to provide strategic, operational and people-focused leadership. You will work closely with our Governance Group to keep the centre thriving and focused on high-quality learning for tamariki.

You will ideally hold an ECE qualification and NZ teacher registration, plus a NZ Diploma in Management or Business, or an equivalent management qualification. Experience with Xero/Discover is desirable.

Qualifications

• An ECE qualification and NZ teacher registration are ideal; management qualifications are preferred but not essential.
• Experience in leadership, budgeting and compliance with ECE standards is valued.
• Residency or valid NZ work visa is required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and set future direction of the centre.
• Lead, support and develop a professional teaching team.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and community.
• Lead planning, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with ECE legislation and professional standards.
• Oversee budgets and financial planning for long-term sustainability.
• Collaborate with Governance Group within the Incorporated Society framework.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Financial planning

Education

ECE qualification

NZ teacher registration

NZ Diploma in Management/Business

Tools

Xero

Discover

Job description

Aro Arataki Early Learning Centre Auckland

Full time, Permanent

Aro Arataki Early Learning Centre is a community-focused, not-for-profit early childhood education Centre in Greenlane, where relationships, belonging and high-quality learning are at the heart of what we do.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate centre director to lead Aro Arataki into its next chapter.

This is an opportunity to bring together strong leadership, operational and financial capability with a genuine passion for people, teaching and learning.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone with heart, someone who understands that the best outcomes for tamariki and whānau come through strong relationships, collaboration and a committed professional team.

The opportunity

As centre director, you will provide strategic, operational and people-focused leadership across Aro Arataki, working closely with our Governance Group to ensure the centre continues to thrive.

You will be an experienced ECE leader with strong professional knowledge, sound judgement and the emotional intelligence to lead people well.

You will:

• Lead the centre’s day-to-day operations, performance and future direction.
• Lead, support and develop a professional and passionate teaching team.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Build strong and authentic relationships with tamariki, whānau and our wider community.
• Lead planning, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with ECE legislation, licensing requirements and professional standards.
• Oversee budgets, financial planning and resources, supporting the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
• Work collaboratively with the Governance Group and within the responsibilities of our Incorporated Society.

You will ideally have an ECE qualification and current NZ teacher registration, together with a NZ Diploma in Management or Business, or an equivalent management qualification. These qualifications are preferred, but not essential.

Confidence with Xero and Discover is desirable, or you will be willing and able to quickly develop proficiency in these systems.

Applicants must hold NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.