Centre Manager (Certificated) Albany

Evolve Education Group; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Warm team

Professional development

Competitive salary

Network within Evolve group

Well-resourced centre

Job summary

Lollipops Albany, part of Evolve Education Group, is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead a high‑performing team, grow occupancy, and deliver exceptional teaching and learning for tamariki and whānau.

In partnership with the Area Manager, you’ll cultivate a warm, inclusive culture, drive operational excellence, and model strong communication and business acumen to make a real difference in the local community.

Qualifications

• ECE qualification and Full Teaching Registration.
• Proven experience as a Centre Leader.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to lead sustainably and successfully.
• People-centred leadership style with exceptional communication skills.
• A love of challenge, growth, and opportunity — and a desire to make a real difference.

Responsibilities

• Lead the centre to achieve high-quality educational outcomes.
• Grow occupancy and strengthen community connections.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing teaching team.
• Collaborate with the Area Manager to drive operational excellence.
• Champion equity and inclusive practice.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Community engagement

Business acumen

Education

ECE qualification and Teaching Registration

Job description

• More than Full Pay Parity
• Discounted childcare for your tamariki
• Strong support from an experienced Area Manager
• A leadership role where your impact truly matters

At Lollipops Albany, we're proud of the warm, inclusive environment we've created for children, whānau, and our teaching team. Our purpose-built centre provides nurturing, age-appropriate learning spaces where tamariki are encouraged to explore, develop confidence, and grow into capable, lifelong learners.

We are committed to recognising and celebrating every child's unique strengths through a rich, engaging curriculum that supports positive learning outcomes and fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do, and we work closely with families to ensure children feel a true sense of belonging.

As Centre Manager, you'll have the opportunity to build on these strong foundations by leading a high-performing team, strengthening community connections, growing occupancy, and driving excellence in teaching and learning. You'll be passionate about creating exceptional experiences for children and whānau while inspiring your team to deliver high-quality educational outcomes every day. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated leader who is ready to make a meaningful impact within the centre, the local community, and the lives of the children and families we serve.

Lead a Centre Where People Come First

As our Centre Manager, you’ll be the heart of our community — visible, approachable, and deeply connected with whānau, tamariki, and kaiako. Your leadership will shape the culture of the centre, fostering trust, positivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Working closely with your Area Manager, you’ll champion collaboration, strengthen team engagement, and guide your centre toward strong educational and operational outcomes. Your judgement, warmth, and professionalism will inspire your team to deliver exceptional ECE experiences every day.

Lead With Values That Matter

At Lollipops Albany, you’ll bring Evolve’s values to life:

• Kotahitanga – we are stronger together
• Manaakitanga – we make everyone feel welcome
• Mahia te mahi – we thrive on progress
• Kia manawanui – we see a world of possibilities

These values will guide your leadership as you champion equity, nurture inclusive practice, and create an environment where children, families, and kaiako feel supported and empowered.

What We Offer

• A warm, enthusiastic team ready to welcome you
• A well‑resourced centre that supports creativity and high‑quality teaching
• Competitive salary and a balanced lifestyle
• Ongoing professional development
• The opportunity to join the wider Evolve network of ECE professionals

What You Bring

• ECE qualification and Full Teaching Registration
• Proven experience as a Centre Leader
• Strong business acumen and the ability to lead sustainably and successfully
• A people‑centred leadership style with exceptional communication skills
• A love of challenge, growth, and opportunity — and a desire to make a real difference

If you’re a passionate, experienced leader ready to shape the future of a thriving centre, this is your moment. Step into a role where your leadership will be valued, your ideas will be welcomed, and your impact will be felt every day.