Are you a people-focused leader with a passion for building strong relationships and nurturing a positive team culture? Do you thrive in a well-established environment with strong systems and processes, where you can bring a growth mindset to inspire and support both tamariki and kaiako?

BestStart Totara Park is looking for a dedicated and relationship-driven Centre Manager to lead our close-knit team with warmth, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous growth. In this role, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with children, whānau, and staff while ensuring the smooth operation of a centre that already has a solid foundation in place.

Our team is well-established and has won company innovation awards for two years running. We are proud to be part of a strong, supportive community, located just across the road from Totara Park School.

Why BestStart?

At BestStart, we are committed to being a progressive and adaptable leader in the early childhood education sector, where our teachers are valued for the positive impact they make in children’s lives. We are proud to offer full pay parity and a range of benefits designed to support your career, well-being, and leadership journey.

What We Offer:

Professional growth through Whare Ako, our online learning platform
Supportive coaching and mentoring tailored to your role
Fully funded Teacher Certification
Leadership programmes for current and aspiring leaders
Opportunities to take part in our Independent Centre Manager programme, where you can run your centre with autonomy and be rewarded for great outcomes

Well-being and Work-Life Balance:

Subsidised health insurance with Southern Cross*
Free annual flu vaccinations
Confidential counselling through EAP
A dedicated well-being programme
Sick leave available from day one
One extra week of leave after 10 years of service

About the Role:

As Centre Manager, you will be a high-impact leader, responsible for delivering excellent learning outcomes for children while ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the centre. You’ll bring strong communication skills, a passion for leadership, and the ability to build fantastic relationships with children, whānau, and your team.

This is a permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday).

What We’re Looking For:

A strong people leader who fosters positive relationships with staff, children, and families
A growth mindset, open to learning and evolving alongside the team
Experience leading in an established centre with structured systems and distributed leadership
A passion for quality teaching and learning in early childhood education
Strong communication skills and the ability to create a collaborative, supportive environment

Qualifications & Experience:

B Ed/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) and a current Teacher Certification
A deep understanding of child-led curriculum, pedagogy, and Te Whāriki
A strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding it in practice
Confidence in ECE regulations and compliance
A talent for coaching and developing others

Apply Now: If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, click Apply Now or contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist, Emma Poole, at 027 1800 1747 for a confidential chat. We look forward to welcoming you to BestStart Totara Park!

Centre Manager

BestStart

Centre Manager

BestStart

Upper Hutt

BestStart

Centre Manager

Location

Job Description

Hard Skills Required

Soft Skills Required

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