ECE Centre Manager – WK Te Hapara Whānau Aroha

Acw; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

An Early Childhood Centre in Tairāwhiti is seeking an ECE Centre Manager to lead and reshape educational practices focused on community engagement and supporting well-being for tamariki and whānau. The successful candidate will foster a collaborative environment, ensuring high operational standards while implementing innovative strategies aligned with the Whānau Aroha model. Offering competitive salary, sign-on bonus and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary above full pay parity

$2k sign on bonus

Relocation assistance

Teacher certification renewal costs

Free ECE for your Under 5’s

Professional development opportunities

Additional leave days – Birthday and ‘Soul Care’ leave

Work/life balance

Qualifications

• Experience as an ECE Centre Manager.
• Understanding of Tiriti-based practice.
• Openness to work within a Christian philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Lead team management and development of educational practices.
• Oversee daily operations and compliance.
• Engage with the community and foster relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Community Engagement

Cultural Competence

Organizational Skills

Education

Qualification in early childhood or primary education

NZ teacher registration and certification

Job description

At Waiapu Kids Te Hapara we are developing and implementing, an innovative model of early childhood education that empowers tamariki and whānau to realise their aspirations and enhance their wellbeing. This unique approach fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment where self-determination, early intervention and holistic support for our tamariki and their whānau is a priority. As the ECE Centre Manager you will be instrumental in helping to shape the whānau aroha model and philosophy then leading and embedding the model within the team’s practice to shape the future of Waiapu Kids Te Hapara Whānau Aroha.

Waiapu Kids Te Hapara Whānau Aroha located in Tairāwhiti and is a licensed Early Childhood Centre that provides care and education for up to 50 children from 8.30 – 3.00pm each weekday. Waiapu Kids Te Hapara operates under the umbrella of Anglican Care Waiapu (ACW) which is the social services arm of the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu. We have services and programmes in Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay and Tararua.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is a unique role offering the opportunity to reshape our early childhood education approach and lead a team to achieve positive outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Team Management: Provide strong, visionary leadership to a team of dedicated educators, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture to reach their full potential.
• Whanau Aroha Model Development and Implementation: Contribute to the development of the Whānau Aroha model and lead its implementation in the centre, ensuring its principles are embedded in daily practice to support orange ake o te iwi o te ao for whānau and tamariki
• Educational Practice Framework: Implement and uphold our educational practice framework where Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and values underpin thoughtful and intentional pedagogy empowering all tamariki.
• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, reporting and administration while maintaining high standards of care and education.
• Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with whānau and the wider community, encouraging active participation and collaboration.

The successful candidate will work with a geographically spread team of ECE Managers who provide a supportive network and contribute to the strategic direction of the education services within the organisation. This position reports directly to the General Manager, Early Childhood Education who provides support, guidance and direction.

Ko wai koe | About you

You will be an inspirational leader who is forward-thinking, innovative, and focused on creating environments of learning, growth and continuous improvement. This pivotal position requires someone with exceptional interpersonal skills, diplomacy and cultural competence who can build a team culture that incorporates the organisation’s values and our vision of orange ake o te iwi – human flourishing. Sound organisational and management skills are needed to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the centre. You must also be competent in managing the juggle of the administrative requirements of the role with the day-to-day operations of the centre.

Our ideal candidate will possess:

• A qualification in early childhood or primary education, and current NZ teacher registration and certification
• Strong experience as an ECE Centre Manager
• Understanding of and ability to lead the implementation of Tiriti-based practice
• Strong people leadership experience and operational knowledge
• The skills and experience to engage with the community and work with whānau, hapū, iwi and community organisations
• Good understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori and willingness to continue to grow in this area
• Skills in curriculum leadership
• Openness to, and willingness to work and lead within a Christian, faith based philosophy
• Strong business acumen with evidence of growth strategy and financial management
• A positive, ‘can do’ attitude
• NZ residency

Ta matou e tuku | What we offer

We offer a supportive and value-driven environment in which to work. We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our leaders and teams. Additionally, we offer:

• A competitive salary (above full pay parity) + $2k sign on bonus + relocation assistance (if required)
• Teacher certification renewal costs
• Free ECE for your Under 5’s (if applicable)
• Great professional development opportunities
• An enjoyable work environment with a fantastic team and great adult:child ratios
• Additional leave days – Birthday and ‘Soul Care’ leave
• Work/life balance (this is important for us!)

You will thrive in this role if you are a proactive, adaptable, and resourceful individual who excels in a diverse environment. Most importantly, you will embrace and embody our core values, contributing to the growth and success of the ACW whānau.

Position will remain open until filled so don’t delay!

To apply and view the Position Description, click the buttons below.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you!

Anglican Care Waiapu is committed to the safety and well being of all children and young people. We take steps to achieve this through our candidate application process. All applicants are required to complete a full NZ Police Check and reference checks. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people and in accordance with The Children’s Act.