ECE Centre Manager

Educare Bream Bay; Northland; On-site; NZD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Educare Bream Bay in Northland is looking for a Centre Manager to lead the overall operation, support teaching excellence and strengthen community connections while ensuring the centre runs effectively and in line with regulatory requirements.

You will oversee enrolments, staffing, rostering, occupancy and finances, champion Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, build strong whānau partnerships and create a safe, inclusive environment where tamariki thrive.

Qualifications

• A recognised ECE teaching qualification and current New Zealand teacher registration.
• Proven experience in an ECE leadership or management position.
• Strong knowledge of ECE regulations, licensing requirements, compliance and best practice.
• A sound understanding of Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Strong operational and financial awareness, including staffing, occupancy and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Providing visible, inspiring leadership that motivates and develops a capable, engaged team.
• Overseeing centre operations, administration, enrolments and occupancy, with a focus on sustainable growth.
• Managing staffing, rosters, performance and professional development to support a positive and effective team culture.
• Maintaining strong financial and operational oversight, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Ensuring compliance with ECE regulations, licensing criteria, ERO expectations and organisational policies.
• Championing high-quality teaching practice guided by Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Building meaningful relationships with whānau, kaiako and the wider community to strengthen the centre's reputation and connections.
• Creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where tamariki, whānau and kaiako feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Job description

About the role

As Centre Manager, you'll lead the overall operation and continued success of Educare Bream Bay. You'll have the opportunity to shape team culture, support teaching excellence, strengthen community connections and ensure the centre operates effectively, sustainably and in line with all regulatory requirements.

We're looking for someone who understands that successful centre leadership is about more than compliance and daily operations. It's about building a team that feels supported, creating an environment where tamariki thrive, and balancing quality education with strong occupancy, financial awareness and sound operational decision-making.

What you'll be responsible for

• Providing visible, inspiring leadership that motivates and develops a capable, engaged team.
• Overseeing centre operations, administration, enrolments and occupancy, with a focus on sustainable growth.
• Managing staffing, rosters, performance and professional development to support a positive and effective team culture.
• Maintaining strong financial and operational oversight, ensuring resources are used effectively.
• Ensuring compliance with ECE regulations, licensing criteria, ERO expectations and organisational policies.
• Championing high-quality teaching practice guided by Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Building meaningful relationships with whānau, kaiako and the wider community to strengthen the centre's reputation and connections.
• Creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where tamariki, whānau and kaiako feel a genuine sense of belonging.

This is a 40-hour-per-week position, Monday to Friday, working on a roster between 7.30am and 5.30pm and includes allocated weekly non-contact administration time.

Relocation support may be available to assist the right candidate with their move to the area.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised ECE teaching qualification and current New Zealand teacher registration.
• Proven experience in an ECE leadership or management position.
• Strong knowledge of ECE regulations, licensing requirements, compliance and best practice.
• A sound understanding of Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Strong operational and financial awareness, including staffing, occupancy and resource management.