ECE Centre Manager | Te Kauwhata

PEG3 Limited; Te Kauwhata; On-site; NZD 91,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare fees

Wellbeing program

Leadership development

Mentoring and coaching

EAP services

Career progression within Busy Bees Ao

Job summary

Busy Bees Te Kauwhata is seeking a Centre Manager to lead a high-performing early childhood education team in Te Kauwhata. You will oversee operations, ensure quality care and education, manage enrolments and staff rosters, and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in daily practice.

With NZQA qualification and current teacher registration, you will coach kaiako, develop curriculum evaluations, and build strong relationships with tamariki and whānau.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or NZQA approved equivalent.
• Proven leadership experience within the ECE sector.
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE regulations and Licensing criteria.
• Experience with enrolments, rosters and occupancy targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the centre performance and strengthen a high-performing team.
• Deliver quality care and education with focus on compliance and finances.
• Mentor kaiako through growth cycles and 1:1 development discussions.
• Implement centre-specific strategic plans and curriculum evaluations.
• Manage occupancy, enrolments and staff rosters to targets.
• Build deep community connections and embody Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Skills

Leadership experience

People management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting and finance

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Tools

Childcare management software

Job description

Enjoy the best of both worlds in Te Kauwhata, a welcoming North Waikato community, perfectly positioned between Auckland and Hamilton. With an easy commute, more affordable living, stunning natural surroundings, and a strong sense of community, it's an ideal place to build a rewarding career and lifestyle. At Busy Bees Te Kauwhata, you'll step into a well-established centre where strong relationships, quality education, and whanaungatanga are at the heart of everything we do. As Centre Manager, you'll inspire a passionate team, nurture meaningful connections with tamariki and whānau, and build on an already strong foundation. Backed by the support and stability of the Busy Bees Aotearoa network, you'll enjoy full pay parity, discounted childcare, generous non-contact time and leadership committed to helping you succeed. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact while enjoying genuine work-life balance in a welcoming and growing community.

Why Us?

Hei ahamātou?

• Salary of $101,120 per annum.
• Generous out of ratio allowance to focus on coaching and inspiring the team.
• Backing from a national support network with a supportive local feel.
• Access to EAP, 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

• Lead the centre performance while building of a strengthening the high-performing team.
• Deliver quality care and education with a focus on compliance and financial results.
• Mentor kaiako through Professional Growth Cycles and 1:1 developmental discussion.
• Implement centre-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 the centre.
• Ensure Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the foundation of a bicultural approach to education.

About You

Mōu

• Hold a Bachelor 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 of Te Whāriki, MOE Regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.
• Experience working with childcare management software and an understanding of enrolments, rosters, and occupancy targets.
• Committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensures Te Reo Māori and tikanga are woven into daily life.
• Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

If you're an experienced Centre Manager who loves the idea of living and working in Te Kauwhata, is passionate about fostering strong relationships, building community, and creating a genuine sense of belonging, we would love to connect with you.

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.

Join our whānau If you’re looking for a new centre to call home, Busy Bees Aotearoa may be the perfect fit for you!

Early Childhood Education attracts a special type of person. You might be known for being creative, nurturing or task focused… but ultimately, you were attracted to Early Childhood Education because you care deeply for the education of the littlest members of our communities. We understand this because this is what attracted us too. We want to gather people who care deeply about quality and empower people to bring their unique gifts and talents together for the benefit of our tamariki. We value each member of our team, and know that by supporting you in your journey, you’ll be the positive and supportive influence in theirs. Across the variety of our centres and Support Office we’re looking for passionate, dedicated, and committed people who love what they do.

Have a look at our latest opportunities, we’d love to hear from you!