ECE Centre Manager | Busy Bees Kerikeri

Busy Bees; Kerikeri; Remote; NZD 91,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EAP

Professional growth & mentoring

Discounted childcare fees

Free annual flu vaccinations

Supportive national network

Job summary

Busy Bees Kerikeri is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead our dedicated team as maternity leave begins, with a permanent full-time role commencing in March 2027. You will mentor staff, drive quality care and education, ensure Te Whāriki compliance, manage occupancy and rosters, and strengthen community connections as the centre's visible face.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or NZQA-approved qualification and current teacher registration; right to work in

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in ECE settings.
• Proven ability to coach and mentor staff.
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE/ERO Regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead centre performance while building a high-performing team.
• Deliver quality care and education with focus on compliance and financial results.
• Mentor staff through Professional Growth Cycles and 1:1 development discussions.
• Implement centre-specific strategic plans and robust curriculum evaluations.
• Manage occupancy, enrolments, and staff rosters to meet targets.
• Build deep community connections as the visible face of the centre.
• Ensure Te Tiriti Waitangi is the foundation of bicultural education.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Mentoring

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or NZQA-approved qualification

Tools

Childcare management software

Job description

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

Take the next step in your leadership career while enjoying the lifestyle and community that beautiful Kerikeri has to offer. Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri is renowned for its stunning scenery, relaxed pace of life, thriving café culture, and easy access to beaches, 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. Supported by 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 in a welcoming community you'll be proud to call home.

• Salary of$101,120 per annum.
• Supportive environment for 1 on 1 coaching
• Backingfrom a national support network with a supportive local feel.
• Access toEAP, a culture of open communication, and a focus on wellbeing.
• Ongoing professional growth through leadership development courses and mentoring.
• Discounted childcare fees and free annual flu vaccinations.

The Opportunity |TeĀheinga

• Leadthecentreperformancewhilebuildingofa high-performing team.
• Deliver quality care and education with a focus on compliance and financial results.
• Mentorkaiakothrough Professional Growth Cycles and 1:1 developmentaldiscussion.
• Implementcentre-specific strategic plans and robust internal curriculum evaluations.
• Manage occupancy, enrolments, and staff rosters to meet agreed targets.
• Build deep community connections as the visible face and reputation of thecentre.
• EnsureTeTiritio Waitangi is the foundation of a bicultural approach to education.
• Hold aBachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or an equivalent NZQA approved qualification and current teacher registration.
• Bring proven experience in a leadership role within the ECE sector with a passion for coaching and mentoring staff.
• Possess in-depth knowledge ofTeWhāriki, MOE / ERO Regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.
• Experienceworking with childcare management software and an understanding of enrolments, rosters, and occupancy targets.
• Committedto the principles ofTeTiritio WaitangiandensuresTeReo Māori and tikanga are woven into daily life.

Ifyou'rean experienced Centre Managerwho ispassionate about fostering strong relationships, building community, and creating a genuine sense of belonging,we wouldloveto connect with you.

Applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand

Why Work for Busy Bees?
If you’re passionate about early learning, Busy Bees is the place to be. Although we are part of a global organisation, our company was founded by three families looking for better, more enriching childcare. Three decades later, we still keep the same values at heart.

We know that we couldn’t do what we do without the important people in our teams. We invest in our people and work with them to build career pathways that inspire.