ECE Centre Manager — Lead a High-Impact Team & Community

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

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.