ECE Centre Manager Gisborne

Busy Bees; Auckland; On-site; NZD 86,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Busy Bees in Gisborne is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead a high-performing team and deliver quality care and education aligned with regulatory standards.

You will drive occupancy, manage enrolments and rosters, mentor kaiako through growth cycles, and champion Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti Waitangi in daily practice, fostering strong community connections.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or an equivalent NZQA approved qualification and current teacher registration.
• Bring proven leadership experience in the ECE sector with a passion for coaching and mentoring staff.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE Regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.
• Experience using childcare management software and understanding enrolments, rosters and occupancy targets.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti Waitangi and embedding mātauranga Māori into daily life.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership experience

Coaching & mentoring

Stakeholder relationship building

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or NZQA approved qualification

Tools

Childcare management software

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ready to trade the Auckland commute for a lifestyle upgrade? Join us in Gisborne, one of New Zealand's sunniest regions, where you can enjoy a rewarding leadership career alongside beautiful beaches, a relaxed pace of life, and a true work-life balance.

As Centre Manager, you’ll build on an already solid foundation, empowering your team to thrive whilst making a meaningful impact on the lives of tamariki, whānau and Kaiako. With the support of the wider Busy Bees Aotearoa network, you’ll have everything you need to grow and succeed in your role.

Salary of$101,120 per annum.

Generous out of ratio allowance to focus on coaching and inspiring the team.

Backfrom 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.

Requirements

• 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 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 NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.