Centre Manager Fixed-Term Maternity Cover Position

Little Ferns Early Learning Centre; Rolleston; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Pay Parity

Sign-on Bonus

Supportive onboarding

Established Team Lead structure

Manager guidance

Sister centre connections

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Little Ferns Early Learning Centre in Rolleston invites an experienced Centre Manager on a fixed-term maternity cover of about 12 months. You will lead the site with our Business Support Manager, mentoring kaiako and guiding daily operations to create a nurturing, well-organised environment for tamariki and whānau.

We value strong relationships, clear communication and teamwork. The right candidate will have ECE centre leadership experience (60+ children), a calm, empathetic approach and

Qualifications

• Experience managing an ECE centre licensed for 60+ children.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and interpersonal skills.
• Builds positive relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues.
• Organised, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• Confident supporting and developing Team Leads.
• Communicates openly, professionally and with empathy.
• Understands ECE regulations, compliance and centre operations.
• Comfortable using technology and administrative systems such as Discover and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide centre-wide leadership alongside Business Support Manager.
• Mentor kaiako and Team Leads.
• Oversee daily operations, systems, and compliance.
• Foster strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and staff.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Interpersonal skills

Organised

Tech aptitude

Tools

Discover

Excel

Job description

Are you an organised, people-focused ECE leader who enjoys building strong relationships, supporting others and leading a collaborative team?

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Little Ferns whānau in Rolleston as our centre manager on a fixed-term maternity cover contract for approximately 12 months.

Little Ferns is a locally owned early learning centre with three learning spaces and a passionate team dedicated to creating a nurturing, welcoming environment for tamariki and whānau.

About the role

You will provide leadership across the centre, working alongside our Business Support Manager, Team Leads and teaching team. Your role will involve mentoring and supporting kaiako, building positive relationships and overseeing daily operations, systems and compliance requirements.

We're looking for someone who:

• has previous experience managing an ECE centre licensed for 60+ children
• demonstrates strong leadership, mentoring and interpersonal skills
• builds positive relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues
• is organised, adaptable and solutions-focused
• confidently supports and develops Team Leads
• communicates openly, professionally and with empathy
• understands ECE regulations, compliance and centre operations
• is confident using technology and administrative systems. Discover and Excel experience is advantageous.

Why Little Ferns? ?

As part of a small, locally owned company, you'll enjoy:

• Full Pay Parity.
• Attractive sign-on bonus.
• Supportive transition into the role.
• Established Team Lead structure.
• Ongoing Business Support Manager guidance.
• Strong connections with our sister centre managers.
• Collaborative team culture, regular events and plenty of fun!

Above all, we're looking for a people person who brings calm, confidence, organisation and positive leadership to our centre.