Area Manager

At New Shoots and Educare, we believe every child deserves the best possible start in life. As part of our growing early childhood education group, we're seeking an exceptional Area Manager to lead our Wellington and Christchurch centres.
 
This is a role for someone who thrives on developing people, driving performance, and creating environments where tamariki, whānau and kaimahi flourish.
 
You'll lead a portfolio of centres through a team of Centre Managers, building leadership capability, championing quality teaching and learning, and ensuring our centres deliver outstanding outcomes every day.
 
What you'll be doing

• Leading and coaching Centre Managers to achieve excellent educational and operational outcomes
• Building high-performing, engaged teams that live our values and purpose
• Driving continuous improvement across curriculum, people, financial performance and quality standards
• Supporting leaders through change while maintaining strong engagement and accountability
• Using data and insights to identify opportunities and lift performance
• Ensuring health, safety, compliance and risk management standards are met
• Partnering with Ministry agencies, whānau and internal support teams to achieve positive outcomes

About you
You are an experienced leader of leaders who knows how to bring out the best in people.

You thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy balancing strategy with hands-on leadership, and have a track record of lifting performance through coaching, mentoring and accountability. You will bring:

• Proven experience leading leaders across multiple sites or locations
• Energy, drive and the ability to inspire teams to achieve great outcomes
• Strong operational and financial acumen
• Experience leading change and continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
• A passion for making a difference for tamariki, whānau and communities

What you'll bring

• A minimum of five years' leadership experience within early childhood education or a related sector
• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Current Teaching Council registration
• Experience managing performance, developing leaders and building high-performing teams
• Strong communication, organisational and financial management skills
• Confidence using technology and digital systems to improve outcomes

Why join us?
This is an opportunity to join an organisation with a clear purpose, strong values and ambitious plans for the future.
 
You'll work alongside a passionate leadership team committed to empowering communities, growing great leaders and delivering exceptional early learning experiences.
 
As part of the team, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary, with company vehicle
• Ongoing professional development
• A supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team
• Wellbeing initiatives to support you both professionally and personally
• 50% childcare fees for your own children at an Educare centre
• Branded uniform

Apply now and help shape the future of early childhood education across Wellington and Christchurch.

*Regular travel across the Wellington and Christchurch regions will be required.*Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted - applications close Wednesday, 28 October 2026.