ECE Centre Manager

Busy Bees Kerikeri Nursery; Kerikeri; On-site; NZD 91,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary of $101,120 per annum

One-on-one coaching and leadership

National support network

EAP and wellbeing initiatives

Leadership development and mentoring

Discounted childcare fees and flu Vacc

Job summary

Busy Bees Kerikeri Nursery is seeking a Centre Manager to lead a passionate team and uphold high standards of early childhood education. The role focuses on staff development, regulatory compliance, and community engagement within the beautiful Kerikeri area.

You will champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi, support occupancy and enrolments, and drive excellence across teaching and operations in a Permanent full-time role starting March 2027.

Qualifications

• Must have an ECE teaching qualification and current teacher registration.
• Proven leadership experience within the ECE sector.
• Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Financial and operational management experience.
• Ability to develop people and strengthen community relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead centre performance and oversee day-to-day operations.
• Support and mentor kaiako staff to deliver quality education.
• Oversee compliance with education standards and licensing.
• Manage occupancy, enrolments and budgeting processes.
• Build strong connections with whānau and the broader community, incorporating Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Skills

Leadership experience

People development

Community relationships

Education

ECE teaching qualification

Teacher registration

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available at Busy Bees Kerikeri as our Centre Manager prepares to commence maternity leave. We are seeking expressions of interest for a permanent full-time Centre Manager position, commencing in March 2027.

Take the next step in your leadership career while embracing the lifestyle of beautiful Kerikeri. Located in the heart of the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri offers a relaxed pace of life, stunning natural surroundings, and easy access to beaches, cafés, walking trails, and outdoor adventures.

At Busy Bees Kerikeri, you'll lead a passionate team in a centre where fun, heart, and whanaungatanga are at the centre of everything we do. With support from the wider Busy Bees Aotearoa whānau, you'll have the opportunity to inspire your team, drive excellence, and make a lasting impact on tamariki and whānau.

Why join us?

• Salary of $101,120 per annum.
• One-on-one coaching and leadership support.
• National support network with a strong local feel.
• Access to EAP and wellbeing initiatives.
• Leadership development and mentoring opportunities.
• Discounted childcare fees and annual flu vaccinations.

About the role

You will lead centre performance, support and mentor kaiako, oversee compliance and quality education standards, manage occupancy and enrolments, and build strong community connections. You'll champion Te Tiriti o Waitangi and help foster a bicultural learning environment.

About you

You will hold an ECE teaching qualification, current teacher registration, and proven leadership experience within the ECE sector. You'll bring strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, licensing and regulatory requirements, financial and operational management, and a passion for developing people and strengthening community relationships.

If you're an experienced centre manager ready to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.