Early Learning Centre Manager

Company description:

ACG Strathallan Early Learning School offers a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children develop a lifelong love of learning. As part of one of New Zealand's leading independent school communities, our centre provides exceptional early childhood education through a play-based, inquiry-led approach that supports each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

Our Early Learning School is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum, and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Licensed for up to 115 children, with age range 3 mths to 5 yrs, purpose built and based on the school campus and a part of the school community with a strong focus on school readiness. Enriched learning opportunities include specialised literacy, numeracy, science, Reading Buddy, music and movement programmes, designed to foster curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

Job description:

Our Early Learning School is guided by Te Whāriki, New Zealand's early childhood curriculum, and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Licensed for up to 115 children, with age range 3 mths to 5 yrs, purpose built and based on the school campus and a part of the school community with a strong focus on school readiness. Enriched learning opportunities include specialised literacy, numeracy, science, Reading Buddy, music and movement programmes, designed to foster curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

The Centre Manager provides strategic, operational, and educational leadership to ensure the Early Learning School delivers exceptional education and care in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. The role is accountable for driving centre performance and sustainable growth, achieving enrolment and occupancy targets, and fostering a culture of excellence.

The Centre Manager leads all aspects of people management, curriculum delivery, operations, compliance, and continuous improvement, while building strong and positive partnerships with children, families/whānau, staff, and the wider community. They ensure the centre operates in accordance with all relevant legislation, licensing requirements, organisational policies, and professional standards, while delivering outstanding educational outcomes and achieving agreed operational and financial objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the effective management and success of the Centre.
• Drive enrolment growth through marketing, family engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Lead curriculum excellence aligned with Te Whāriki and the Reggio philosophy.
• Foster safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments that support child wellbeing and development.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team, including staff development and succession planning.
• Build strong relationships with families, whānau, and the wider community.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Oversee financial performance, budgets, and operational resources.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, and risk management.
• Champion safeguarding, professional standards, and ethical leadership.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Minimum 5 years' leadership experience in an early childhood education or related setting, with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Inspiring and people-focused leader who motivates, develops, and empowers individuals and teams to achieve high standards of performance and professional growth.
• Child-centred and passionate about early childhood education, with a genuine commitment to fostering positive learning, wellbeing, and development outcomes for every child.
• Strong relationship builder who establishes trusted partnerships with families, whānau, colleagues, and the wider community to create a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Commercially aware and results-driven, with the ability to balance educational excellence with enrolment growth, occupancy targets, and operational objectives.
• Highly organised and accountable, able to manage competing priorities, make informed decisions, and ensure high-quality outcomes across all areas of the service.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused, thriving in a dynamic environment and confidently leading through change and challenges.
• Exceptional communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage, influence, and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Professional, ethical, and values-driven, demonstrating integrity, sound judgement, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding, compliance, and continuous improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

QUALIFICATIONS

• A recognised teaching qualification, such as a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) or equivalent.
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki, ECE licensing requirements and effective teaching and learning practice.
• Accreditation with New Zealand Education Department

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prepared to undertake a New Zealand police check prior to commencing the position
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and maintaining New Zealand teaching accreditation.
• Provide lunch & playground cover and assist with pick up and drop off duties.
• A willingness to attend school events outside regular hours as required (e.g., open days, etc.).

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Beautiful, purpose-built learning and play spaces.
• A supportive team of experienced educators.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.