ECE Centre Manager | Te Kauwhata

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary $101,120 p.a.

Out of ratio allowance

National support network

EAP access

Wellbeing focus

Leadership development

Discounted childcare

Flu vaccinations

Job summary

Busy Bees Te Kauwhata is seeking a Centre Manager to lead the centre’s performance and nurture a high‑performing team in the North Waikato. You’ll drive quality care and education, while ensuring regulatory compliance and strong enrolment management.

You will mentor staff through growth cycles, implement strategic plans, and strengthen connections with tamariki and whānau, embodying Te Tiriti Waitangi in daily practice.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or NZQA approved equivalent and current teacher registration.
• Proven leadership experience in the ECE sector with a focus on coaching and mentoring staff.
• In-depth knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE Regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the centre's performance and build a strong, high‑performing team.
• Deliv​er quality care and education with a focus on compliance and financial results.
• Mentor staff through Professional Growth Cycles and 1:1 development discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Staff mentoring

Education leadership

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

NZ teacher registration

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 aha** m ** ātou?

• Salary of$101,120 per annum.

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

• 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**

• Leadthecentreperformancewhile buildingofastrengthening the 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 |** M ** ōu

• 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.

• Experience working 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.

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

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.