BestStart Waihopai Kindy is looking for a passionate and dedicated Centre Manager to lead our small, close-knit team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader or an aspiring educator ready to take the next step in their career. If you’re eager to build strong relationships with children, whānau, and the wider community, we’d love to hear from you!
Why BestStart Waihopai Kindy?
Our centre is truly special – a mixed-age environment where children aged 2 to 5 years learn and grow together. Housed in a beautifully renovated, converted home near Queens Park, we provide a warm, family-oriented setting where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to explore.
With a small license (42 children) and a team of four qualified teachers, we focus on personalised learning, strong connections, and meaningful interactions. Our commitment to maintaining a home-like atmosphere ensures a smooth transition for tamariki as they develop confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
What We Offer:
At BestStart, we are committed to being a leader in early childhood education, recognising and rewarding our teachers for the difference they make. We have opted into full pay parity, ensuring competitive salaries and ongoing support for professional growth.
Other benefits include:
- Whare Ako – our online learning platform
- Coaching and mentoring to support your leadership journey
- Opportunities for career advancement
- Fully funded Teacher Certification
- Leadership development programs for current and future leaders
- Independent Centre Manager Programme – take ownership of your centre and be rewarded for great outcomes
Health and Wellbeing Benefits:
- Subsidised health insurance (Southern Cross)
- Annual flu vaccinations
- Confidential counselling services (EAP)
- Wellbeing initiatives to support work-life balance
- Sick leave from day one
- Additional week of leave after 10 years of service
About the Role:
As Centre Manager, you will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day operations of the centre while ensuring outstanding learning outcomes for children. You will work closely with the team, fostering a positive and collaborative culture that supports both teachers and tamariki.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and inspire a team of passionate educators
- Build strong relationships with children, whānau, and the wider community
- Ensure compliance with ECE regulations and uphold the highest standards of care
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in teaching practice
- Oversee administration and centre operations
What We’re Looking For:
- Qualified and Certified (BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 – ECE or Primary)
- Strong understanding of Te Whāriki and child-led curriculum
- Knowledge of ECE regulations and compliance
- Passionate about upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in practice
- A natural leader and mentor who inspires and supports others
- Innovative and open to finding new ways to enhance learning experiences
Apply Now! If you're ready to step into a leadership role where you can make a real impact, we’d love to chat. Click Apply Now or contact Emma Poole on 027 1800 1747 for a confidential discussion.
Join us at BestStart Waihopai Kindy, where we create a home away from home for tamariki and a supportive, rewarding workplace for our team.
