Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre Manager

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Direct community impact

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, seeks an experienced ECD Centre Manager to lead a premier early childhood education facility. You will oversee operations, curriculum implementation, and regulatory compliance while guiding staff and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for children.

You will drive financial planning, marketing, and community engagement, delivering high-quality programs. The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for child development

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in Early Childhood Development, Education or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in early childhood education with 2–3+ years in a management role.
• Strong knowledge of child development and age-appropriate curricula.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with SA ECD legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, parents and staff.
• Proficient in standard office software and ECD management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the ECD centre with a focus on high standards of care and education.
• Develop and evaluate educational programs based on best practices in ECD.
• Manage and supervise ECD practitioners and support staff, including recruitment and performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements, safety and health regulations.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents and the local community.
• Lead marketing and enrollment strategies for centre sustainability.
• Conduct staff meetings and professional development sessions.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress and incidents.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.

Skills

Staff management

Budget management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Diploma/degree in ECD

Tools

Office software

ECD management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre Manager to lead their facility in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This is a critical leadership role responsible for the overall management, administration, and educational programming of the centre. The successful candidate will ensure a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that promotes the holistic development of young children. Responsibilities include staff management and development, financial oversight, curriculum implementation, and maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, a deep understanding of child development, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute significantly to the community of Mossel Bay by providing high-quality early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the ECD centre, ensuring a high standard of care and education.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the centre's educational programs based on best practices in early childhood development.
• Manage and supervise a team of ECD practitioners and support staff, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Ensure the centre complies with all legislative requirements, safety standards, and health regulations.
• Manage the centre's budget, financial planning, and resource allocation effectively.
• Maintain strong relationships with parents, guardians, and the wider community.
• Develop and implement marketing and enrollment strategies to ensure centre sustainability.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, professional development sessions, and performance reviews.
• Maintain accurate records of children's attendance, progress, and any relevant incidents.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment for all children.

Requirements

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Development, Education, or a related field (e.g., Diploma, Degree).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2-3 years in a management or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate curricula.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks governing ECD centres in South Africa .
• Ability to foster positive relationships with children, parents, staff, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using standard office software and relevant ECD management systems.
• Must be willing to work in Mossel Bay and be available for a hybrid working arrangement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital community service.
• Supportive work environment with professional development opportunities.
• Direct impact on the educational journey of young children in Mossel Bay .
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of on-site leadership and remote administrative flexibility.
• Potential for growth within the organization.