Early Learning Centre Manager

JobSpace; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspired Education Group's Early Learning School seeks a Centre Manager to provide strategic, operational and educational leadership, ensuring high-quality learning, safety and compliance while driving centre performance for a 3 month to 5 year age range.

You will lead people, curriculum and operations, build strong partnerships with families and staff, achieve enrolment and occupancy targets, and uphold Te Whāriki standards along with safeguarding commitments and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' leadership experience in an early childhood education or related setting.
• Inspiring, people-focused leader who motivates teams to high performance.
• Child-centred approach with a commitment to positive learning outcomes.
• Strong relationship builder with families and community.
• Commercially aware with enrolment and occupancy focus.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Centre.
• Drive enrolment growth through family engagement and retention.
• Lead curriculum excellence aligned with Te Whāriki and Reggio.
• Foster safe, inclusive environments for child wellbeing.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team.
• Ensure licensing compliance and financial oversight.
• Build partnerships with families and community.
• Oversee health, safety, risk management.
• Champion safeguarding and ethical leadership.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Team development

Education

Bachelor of Education or equivalent

NZ teaching accreditation

Knowledge of Te Whāriki

Job description

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 125 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13. In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment. By joining our award-winning team of over 14,000 employees, you can work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside industry-renowned educators and leaders in some of the world's most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry-leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

ROLE SUMMARY:

Our Early Learning School is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum, and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Licensed for up to 115 children, with age range 3 mths to 5 yrs, purpose built and based on the school campus and a part of the school community with a strong focus on school readiness. Enriched learning opportunities include specialised literacy, numeracy, science, Reading Buddy, music and movement programmes, designed to foster curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. The Centre Manager provides strategic, operational, and educational leadership to ensure the Early Learning School delivers exceptional education and care in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. The role is accountable for driving centre performance and sustainable growth, achieving enrolment and occupancy targets, and fostering a culture of excellence. The Centre Manager leads all aspects of people management, curriculum delivery, operations, compliance, and continuous improvement, while building strong and positive partnerships with children, families/whānau, staff, and the wider community. They ensure the centre operates in accordance with all relevant legislation, licensing requirements, organisational policies, and professional standards, while delivering outstanding educational outcomes and achieving agreed operational and financial objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the effective management and success of the Centre.
• Drive enrolment growth through marketing, family engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Lead curriculum excellence aligned with Te Whāriki and the Reggio philosophy.
• Foster safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments that support child wellbeing and development.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team, including staff development and succession planning.
• Build strong relationships with families, whānau, and the wider community.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Oversee financial performance, budgets, and operational resources.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, and risk management.
• Champion safeguarding, professional standards, and ethical leadership.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Minimum 5 years' leadership experience in an early childhood education or related setting, with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Inspiring and people-focused leader who motivates, develops, and empowers individuals and teams to achieve high standards of performance and professional growth.
• Child-centred and passionate about early childhood education, with a genuine commitment to fostering positive learning, wellbeing, and development outcomes for every child.
• Strong relationship builder who establishes trusted partnerships with families, whānau, colleagues, and the wider community to create a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Commercially aware and results-driven, with the ability to balance educational excellence with enrolment growth, occupancy targets, and operational objectives.
• Highly organised and accountable, able to manage competing priorities, make informed decisions, and ensure high-quality outcomes across all areas of the service.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused, thriving in a dynamic environment and confidently leading through change and challenges.
• Exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Professional, ethical, and values-driven, demonstrating integrity, sound judgement, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding, compliance, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A recognised teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki, ECE licensing requirements and effective teaching and learning practice.
• Accreditation with New Zealand Education Department

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prepared to undertake a New Zealand police check prior to commencing the position
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining New Zealand teaching accreditation.
• Provide lunch & playground cover and assist with pick up and drop off duties.
• A willingness to attend school events outside regular hours as required (e.g., open days, etc.).

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.