ECE Centre Manager

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

Ready to take the next step in your ECE leadership journey?

Our much-loved centre manager is retiring from the teaching profession, and we’re excited to welcome a passionate, experienced and inspiring ECE manager to join our team fulltime.

About the role

As our centre manager, you will play a key role in leading and inspiring our team, building strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, ensuring regulatory compliance, and championing a child-led, play-based learning approach.

We’re looking for a natural leader who shares our values and vision, understands quality programme planning and assessment, and brings genuine passion and drive for continuous growth and improvement.

What we’re looking for

To be successful in this role, you will:

• 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.

What we offer

As a part of our team, you can expect:

• Full pay parity or above full pay parity for the right candidate
• Comprehensive induction, ongoing mentoring and professional development
• Work life balance
• A supportive, collaborative and highly skilled team
• Opportunities to grow, innovate and make a real difference

If you are an experienced ECE centre manager, we want to hear from you!