ECE Centre Manager | Busy Bees Kerikeri

Busy Bees Aotearoa; Kerikeri; On-site; NZD 91,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1:1 coaching

EAP access

Professional growth

Discounted childcare

Flu vaccinations

Job summary

Busy Bees Kerikeri is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead our passionate team as we welcome maternity leave. This permanent full-time role commences in March 2027 and offers the lifestyle and community of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands.

You will drive centre performance, ensure high-quality care and education aligned with Te Whāriki, MOE/ERO requirements, and occupancy targets, while mentoring staff and building strong whānau connections.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level NZQA-approved qualification in Early Childhood education.
• Experience leading in the ECE sector with a passion for coaching and mentoring staff.
• In-depth knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE/ERO regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.
• Experience with childcare management software and enrolments/rosters/occupancy targets.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and integration of Te Reo Māori and tikanga into daily practice.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership experience

Coaching and mentoring

TeWhāriki knowledge

MOE/ERO knowledge

Licensing & Teaching Council

Enrolments and rostering

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

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.

Why Us? | Hei ahamātou?

• 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 |Te Āheinga

• 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.

About You |Mōu

• 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.