Programme Manager - Matua

Junior Adventures Group; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Discount on programs

Referral bonus

No weekend work

Wellbeing support

Supportive team

Job summary

sKids is seeking a Programme Manager to oversee daily operations of the after-school programme at Matua sites in New Zealand. The role requires a minimum of 15 hours per week, scheduled Monday to Friday, with mornings 7:00–8:30 and afternoons 2:30–6:00; holiday hours may also be available.

You will lead activities, manage staff, and liaise with parents and school staff to ensure a safe, engaging programme for children.

Qualifications

• Have proven leadership experience working with groups of children (e.g. OSCAR programmes, coaching, childcare).
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour and maintain a calm, solution-focused approach.
• Strong communicator able to engage with parents, schools, and team members.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of day-to-day running of the sKids programme from setup to pack-down.
• Lead and manage a large group of children, creating a safe, inclusive environment.
• Plan and deliver structured activities (arts, crafts, sports, trips, baking, drama, music).
• Proactively manage behaviour and support tamariki with varying needs.
• Build strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and school staff onsite.

Skills

Leadership experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Programme ownership

Team leadership

Job description

Company Description

At sKids, we believe childhood should be full of laughter, learning, and adventure! Since 1996, we’ve been creating awesome out-of-school experiences for tamariki across New Zealand. Today, we welcome more than 3,800 kids every day at over 170 school sites – and we’re still growing!

When you work with us, you get to unleash your inner child. Think: messy art, science experiments, sports showdowns, cooking classes, and plenty of silly games. No two days are the same – and that’s how we like it!

Job Description

As a Programme Manager, you’ll be the friendly face that makes the mornings & afternoons unforgettable for children. You’ll be working a minimum of 15 hours per week, rostered across Monday to Friday

• Morning/ Before school shifts runs between 7am - 8.30am.
• Afternoon/ After School shifts runs between 2.30pm–6.00pm. Availability from 2.30pm is essential, though finish times may vary.
• Potential school holiday programmes hours available (between 7am - 6pm).

Here’s what you’ll be up to

• Take full ownership of the day-to-day running of our sKids programme – ensuring smooth, structured operations from set-up through to pack-down
• Lead and manage a large group of children, confidently handling a range of behaviours and creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment
• Plan and deliver structured activities including arts & crafts, sports, games, offsite trips (e.g. swimming, walks, picnics), baking, drama, and music
• Proactively manage challenging behaviour and support tamariki with varying needs using positive guidance strategies
• Build strong, professional relationships with parents, caregivers, and school staff as the key point of contact onsite
• Lead, coach, and delegate to Programme Assistants to ensure high standards, accountability, and a well-run programme
• Prepare in advance – organising resources, planning activities, and setting clear expectations for your team to ensure each session runs seamlessly

Perks & Benefits

• 50% discount on selected sKids programmes – perfect for your own children!
• Referral bonus – bring awesome people into our team and earn up to $250 per referral
• Work-life balance – no weekend work and the middle of the day free for your own time
• Employee Assistance Programme – access wellbeing support when you need it
• A fun, supportive crew who love what they do and celebrate each other’s wins

Qualifications

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand (valid visa or citizenship)
• Have reliable transport to get to our Matua site(s)
• Bring proven leadership experience working with groups of children (e.g. OSCAR programmes, teaching, coaching, childcare, camps, or similar environments)
• Are confident managing challenging behaviour and high-energy group environments, with the ability to stay calm, firm, and solution-focused
• Have experience taking ownership of programmes, teams, or operations, not just assisting
• Are a strong communicator who can confidently engage with parents, schools, and team members
• Are over the age of 20 years old (as per Social Security (Childcare Assistance) Regulations 2004)

Safeguarding
sKids is committed to Child Protection and the safeguarding of children and young people in our care and we expect all staff to operate in a way that reflects this intent. All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check. All applicants must hold the right to work in New Zealand.