Lead ECE Centre Manager - Nature-Based, Community-Focused

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary $101,120/yr

Out of ratio allowance

National support network

EAP & wellbeing

Leadership development

Discounted childcare fees

Free flu vaccinations

Job summary

Busy Bees Aotearoa Mapua is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead a thriving early childhood centre, fostering meaningful relationships and a love of learning.

You’ll guide a passionate team, ensure high quality care and education, manage enrolments and compliance, and build strong connections with whānau and the wider community in Mapua, New Zealand.

This leadership role offers coaching opportunities, professional growth, and a supportive network within a national childcare group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or NZQA-approved equivalent and teacher registration.
• Proven leadership experience in the ECE sector with coaching/mentoring focus.
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE Regulations, Licensing Criteria and Teaching Council requirements.
• Experience with childcare management software, enrolments, rosters and occupancy targets.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and weaving Te Reo Māori and tikanga into daily life.

Responsibilities

• Lead centre performance and build a high-performing team.
• Deliver quality care and education with focus on compliance and financial results.
• Mentor kaiako through Professional Growth Cycles and 1:1 discussions.
• Implement centre-specific strategic plans and curricular evaluations.
• Manage occupancy, enrolments, and staff rosters to targets.
• Build deep community connections and uphold the centre's reputation.
• Ensure Te Tiriti Waitangi is foundational to bicultural education.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)

Job description

Busy Bees Aotearoa Mapua is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead a thriving early childhood centre, fostering meaningful relationships and a love of learning.

You’ll guide a passionate team, ensure high quality care and education, manage enrolments and compliance, and build strong connections with whānau and the wider community in Mapua, New Zealand.

This leadership role offers coaching opportunities, professional growth, and a supportive network within a national childcare group.