ECE Centre Manager: Operations & People Leader

Tupu Tahi; Wellington; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tupu Tahi in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day management and operations of our early education centre. You will oversee rostering, staffing, enrolments, compliance and family engagement, ensuring licensing and health and safety requirements are met, while collaborating with the Curriculum Manager to align operations with our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach.

This hands-on role requires strong leadership, impeccable organisation and a passion for

Qualifications

• Proven ECE centre management or senior leadership experience.
• recognised ECE qualification and current practising certificate.
• Experience rostering and administration using Discover.
• Strong knowledge of ECE licensing, compliance and regulations.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Experience with staffing, enrolments and occupancy.
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia approach and te ao Māori

Responsibilities

• Create and manage staff rosters using Discover.
• Manage staffing levels, leave and daily cover.
• Maintain accurate centre administration and records.
• Oversee enrolments, enquiries, visits and occupancy.
• Build relationships with whānau and prospective families.
• Ensure licensing, regulatory and health & safety requirements are met.
• Prepare documentation for ERO and Ministry needs.
• Monitor expenditure and work within budgets.
• Lead day‑to‑day communications and adapt to unexpected events.
• Collaborate with Curriculum Manager to align operations and curriculum

Skills

ECE centre management

Staff rostering

Regulatory knowledge

Enrolments & occupancy

Communication with whānau

Budget monitoring

Discover software

Leadership

Education

ECE qualification

Practising certificate

Tools

Discover

Job description

Tupu Tahi in Palmerston North is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead the day-to-day management and operations of our early education centre. You will oversee rostering, staffing, enrolments, compliance and family engagement, ensuring licensing and health and safety requirements are met, while collaborating with the Curriculum Manager to align operations with our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach.

This hands-on role requires strong leadership, impeccable organisation and a passion for