ECE Centre Leader: Inspire Teams & Child-Led Learning

KIDS CAVE; Waikato; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full pay parity

Induction & mentoring

Work-life balance

Supportive team

Growth opportunities

Job summary

KIDS CAVE in New Zealand seeks an experienced ECE centre manager to lead a passionate team, foster strong tamariki and whānau relationships, and ensure high-quality, compliant programme delivery. You'll champion a child-led, play-based learning environment and drive continuous improvement.

Join a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for growth, professional development, and work-life balance. This role is full-time and based at our Waikato centre.

Qualifications

• Be a fully registered ECE kaiako with a current practising certificate and First Aid certificate.
• Have 3+ years of ECE experience as centre manager, including leadership or management responsibilities.
• Have strong knowledge of current ECE regulations, Te Whāriki and compliance requirements.
• Be confident with programme planning, assessment and quality teaching practices.
• Be a strong communicator and relationship-builder who can foster meaningful connections with tamariki, whānau and the wider community.
• Embrace multicultural practice and promote an inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment.
• Demonstrate passion and commitment to teaching, learning and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Be an encouraging leader who can mentor, support and inspire a team to reach their potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the centre team.
• Build strong relationships with tamariki and whānau.
• Ensure regulatory compliance.
• Champion child-led, play-based learning.
• Mentor and develop staff where appropriate.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Registered ECE kaiako with practising certificate

First Aid certificate

Job description

KIDS CAVE in New Zealand seeks an experienced ECE centre manager to lead a passionate team, foster strong tamariki and whānau relationships, and ensure high-quality, compliant programme delivery. You'll champion a child-led, play-based learning environment and drive continuous improvement.

Join a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for growth, professional development, and work-life balance. This role is full-time and based at our Waikato centre.