Experienced Centre Manager

We are seeking a proven centre manager to lead a well-established early learning service in the rapidly growing Pōkeno community. This is not a step-up opportunity. We are looking for a confident and capable leader who has successfully managed a sizeable team, driven centre performance, and built strong community relationships.

With capacity for 120 children and significant growth potential ahead, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on both the centre and the wider community.

As centre manager, you will have full responsibility for the leadership, operations, and ongoing growth of the service. You will be supported by a collaborative leadership team while enjoying genuine autonomy to lead your centre, your people, and your strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

• leading, coaching, and developing a team of approximately 16 staff
• driving occupancy growth and strengthening community engagement
• ensuring excellence in curriculum delivery and educational outcomes
• building meaningful relationships with children, whānau, and the wider community
• fostering a positive, high-performing culture where people feel empowered and supported
• taking ownership of centre performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

About you

To be successful, you will bring:

• proven experience as a centre manager or equivalent leadership role within early childhood education
• demonstrated success leading and managing large teams
• strong curriculum knowledge and a deep understanding of ECE practice
• experience driving enrolment growth, community engagement, or service development
• exceptional people leadership skills with a coaching and mentoring approach
• the confidence to lead within a diverse and multicultural community
• a track record of stability and commitment in previous leadership roles
• a genuine sense of ownership, accountability, and pride in the services you lead.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established ECE leader who is passionate about developing people, growing centre performance, and creating positive outcomes for children and families.