ECE Centre Manager

Kiwi Kids Preschool; Spreydon-Cashmere Community; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended pay parity

Flexible working hours

Discounted childcare fees

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team and hands‑on owners

Opportunity to make a real difference

Job summary

Kiwi Kids Preschool in Christchurch, NZ, seeks an experienced Centre Manager to lead a passionate teaching team and manage daily operations with a focus on quality teaching and regulatory compliance.

You will mentor kaiako, promote best practices, oversee enrolment growth and financial performance, and build strong whānau relationships while collaborating with hands-on owners. Flexibility in hours is available to suit the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Holds a recognised ECE qualification and full teacher registration.
• Demonstrated ECE leadership and management experience.
• Understanding of ECE regulations, funding and licensing.
• Strong coaching, mentoring and motivational skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Operational and financial awareness.
• Leads with kindness, integrity and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Inspire, support and lead a positive teaching team.
• Mentor kaiako and promote high-quality teaching.
• Ensure compliance with Ministry of Education licensing requirements, Education Review Office (ERO) expectations and health and safety standards.
• Oversee daily operations, policies and continuous improvement.
• Support enrolment growth and financial performance.
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and the wider community.
• Work closely with supportive, hands-on owners.

Skills

Leadership experience

Management skills

Coaching

Communication

Financial awareness

Organisational skills

Education

ECE qualification

Full teacher registration

Job description

Lead with heart. Inspire our team. Make a lasting difference.

Kiwi Kids Preschool is a privately owned early childhood centre in Christchurch, caring for up to 98 children, including 25 under 2s.

Our philosophy embraces fun, freedom to play, manaakitanga, and a strong sense of whānau and community.

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and people-focused Centre Manager to lead our team and shape the future of our centre.

About the role

As centre manager, you will:

• inspire, support and lead a positive, collaborative teaching team
• mentor kaiako and promote high-quality teaching practices
• ensure compliance with Ministry of Education licensing requirements, Education Review Office (ERO) expectations and health and safety standards
• oversee daily operations, policies and continuous improvement
• support enrolment growth and financial performance
• build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and the wider community
• work closely with supportive, hands‑on owners.

Hours are 32 to 40 per week, with flexibility for the right candidate.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• holds a recognised ECE qualification and full teacher registration
• has proven ECE leadership and management experience
• understands ECE regulations, funding and licensing requirements
• is confident in coaching, mentoring and motivating teams
• has excellent communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills
• demonstrates strong operational and financial awareness
• leads with kindness, integrity and a positive attitude.

What we offer

• Extended pay parity.
• Flexible working hours.
• Discounted childcare fees.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive team and hands‑on owners.
• Opportunity to make a real difference.

Join our Kiwi Kids whānau and help create a place where children, families and teachers thrive!