ECE Centre Manager | Busy Bees Hobsonville

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Busy Bees Hobsonville is seeking a dynamic Centre Manager to lead a vibrant Reggio Emilia inspired early learning centre. You’ll drive performance, coach a capable team, and deliver quality care and education while meeting compliance and financial targets, building strong community connections. The role includes managing occupancy, enrolments and rosters, implementing strategic plans, and mentoring kaiako through growth cycles. Essential: BEd(ECE) or NZQA approved qualification with current teacher registration, leadership experience, Te Whāriki and MOE knowledge, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te reo Māori. Salary 101,120 NZD plus national support, wellbeing and development. To apply, submit CV and a tailored cover letter detailing how you will foster belonging; NZ residency or valid NZ work visa required.

At Busy Bee’s Hobsonville, we’re a vibrant, values-led centre inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where curiosity, collaboration, and strong relationships drive everything we do. As part of the Busy Bees Aotearoa whānau, you’ll be backed by a supportive national network while leading a centre that celebrates its unique local story and multicultural community.

We’re looking for a Centre Manager who brings energy, initiative, and a passion for people—someone ready to lead with purpose, grow a strong team, and help shape the future of our centre.

Why Us? | Hei aha mātou?  

• Salary of $101,120 per annum. 

• Generous out of ratio allowance to focus on coaching and inspiring the team.  

• Backing from a national support network with a supportive local feel.  

• Access to EAP, a culture of open communication, and a focus on wellbeing.  

• Ongoing professional growth through leadership development courses and mentoring.  

• Discounted childcare fees and free annual flu vaccinations.  

The Opportunity | Te Āheinga   

• Lead the centre performance while building of a high-performing team.  

• Deliver quality care and education with a focus on compliance and financial results.  

• Mentor kaiako through Professional Growth Cycles and 1:1 developmental discussion.  

• Implement centre-specific strategic plans and robust internal curriculum evaluations.  

• Manage occupancy, enrolments, and staff rosters to meet agreed targets.  

• Build deep community connections as the visible face and reputation of the centre.  

• Ensure Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the foundation of a bicultural approach to education.  

About You | Mōu  

•  Hold a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or an equivalent NZQA approved qualification and current teacher registration.  

• Bring proven experience in a leadership role within the ECE sector with a passion for coaching and mentoring staff.  

• Possess in-depth knowledge of Te Whāriki, MOE Regulations, Licensing Criteria, and Teaching Council requirements.  

• Experience working with childcare management software and an understanding of enrolments, rosters, and occupancy targets.  

• Committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensures Te Reo Māori and tikanga are woven into daily life.  

If you're an experienced Centre Manager who is passionate about fostering strong relationships, building community, and creating a genuine sense of belonging, we'd love to connect with you. 

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why this opportunity excites you. 

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa. 

Why Work for Busy Bees?
If you’re passionate about early learning, Busy Bees is the place to be. Although we are part of a global organisation, our company was founded by three families looking for better, more enriching childcare. Three decades later, we still keep the same values at heart.

We know that we couldn’t do what we do without the important people in our teams. We invest in our people and work with them to build career pathways that inspire.