Centre Manager

Argyle Preschool; Waikato; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Argyle Preschool in the Waikato region seeks an experienced and passionate centre manager to lead our team and support the continued growth and success of the centre.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, support high-quality, child-centred learning, ensure compliance with regulations, and foster an inclusive, reflective teaching culture. You will champion our natural outdoor environment as an integral part of learning.

Qualifications

• Experienced ECE leader with a track record of delivering high-quality early learning.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and staff.
• Ability to lead, develop and support a diverse staff team and reflect on teaching practices.
• Organised and confident with centre administration and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of play-based learning and natural environments in early education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the centre.
• Support high-quality, child-centred learning and development.
• Ensure compliance with NZ ECE regulations, licensing requirements and policies.
• Foster a positive, inclusive team culture and staff wellbeing.
• Champion the centre's natural outdoor environment as part of learning.

Skills

ECE leadership

Communication

Team leadership

Administration

Child development knowledge

Job description

Argyle Preschool is a welcoming, community-focused early childhood education centre committed to providing children with a safe, nurturing and inspiring environment where they can learn, play and grow.

A special feature of our centre is our beautiful natural outdoor environment, where children are encouraged to explore, discover, take appropriate risks, connect with nature and develop curiosity, confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate centre manager to lead our team and support the continued growth and success of Argyle Preschool.

About the role

As centre manager, you will provide inspiring leadership while working closely with children, teachers, whānau, families and the wider community. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre, support high-quality, child-centred learning, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations, licensing requirements and policies.

You will foster a positive and inclusive team culture, support staff wellbeing and professional development, and encourage reflective teaching practice. You will also champion our natural outdoor environment as an important part of children's learning, exploration and development.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• An experienced and confident early childhood leader.
• Passionate about children and high-quality early learning.
• Warm, approachable and relationship-focused.
• Organised and confident with administration and centre operations.
• A strong communicator who leads by example.
• Committed to teamwork, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Passionate about play-based learning and natural environments.
• Knowledgeable about ECE regulations and quality practice.
• Able to balance effective leadership with a hands-on, supportive approach.

What we offer

• A dedicated and passionate teaching team.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children's lives.
• A competitive salary aligned with pay parity.

Join our team

If you are an experienced leader, or ready to take the next step in your career, and are passionate about children, people, and exceptional learning environments, we would love to hear from you.