Early Childcare Centre Manager

We are pleased to partner with the well-recognised Rotorua Childcare Centre, to support the onboarding of a new Centre Manager.

With more than four decades of service to the Rotorua community, Rotorua Childcare Centre is a not-for-profit ECE service that’s proudly opted into full pay parity. Previously praised by ERO, RCC cater for tamariki from birth to school age in a well-resourced environment that reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, inclusion, and sustainable practices. Children are genuinely at the heart of everything they do.
Backed by an eight-member governance Board, RCC are searching for a proven Centre Manager who can blend inspirational people-leadership with sharp operational and business acumen to keep their 60-child, 14-staff centre thriving.

The Role
As Centre Manager you’ll lead the day-to-day running of the centre and steer its strategic direction. That looks like:

• Inspiring, mentoring, and developing kaiako and support staff, embedding a culture of ongoing professional growth.
• Delivering a rich curriculum grounded in Te Whāriki and bicultural practice, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and empowered.
• Safeguard quality & compliance — from licensing criteria and health & safety to all ECE regulations and Te Tiriti obligations.
• Reporting to and advise the Board, providing clear data and insight for sound decision-making.
• Oversight of finances end-to-end: budgeting, forecasting, and daily processing.
• Driving enrolment growth and nurture strong relationships with parents, whānau, and the community.

What You’ll Bring

• NZ-recognised ECE teaching qualification and full/provisional teacher registration.
• At least 3 years in a centre-leading or senior leadership role within ECE.
• Robust knowledge of legislation, licensing, HR best practice, and Te Whāriki.
• Confident communicator who builds trust with tamariki, whānau, staff, and the wider community.
• Proven ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on day-to-day management.
• Commitment to pay-parity principles, equity, and staff wellbeing.

What We Offer

• Full pay parity and fair, transparent employment conditions.
• Supportive Board that values innovation and professional autonomy.
• Above-ratio staffing and a purpose-built, sustainable learning environment.
• Generous professional development budget and pathways for growth.
• The chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of Rotorua tamariki and their whānau.

Important Application Information
Applications will be received through our online application process. Pre-employment background checking will include a criminal history checking, credit checking and possible psychometric assessment.

Applications for this role will be screened as they are received, there is no specific closing date for this position. All candidates must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and have excellent spoken and written English.