Centre Manager - Takaanini Early Learning

CENTRE MANAGER POSITION – Takaanini Early Learning Centre
Takaanini, Auckland

Job Reference: CMTAKAEL538

Centre Manager opportunity in a close-knit community!

Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association is a community based not-for-profit organisation!

Takaanini Early Learning is a well-established, vibrant centre providing our local community with a fantastic and innovative opportunity for children’s development and learning during their preschool years. 

We are seeking a dynamic, dedicated and experienced ECE leader who has had wide, varied and knowledgeable leadership and management experience in managing long day services, and who also has current and wide knowledge of high quality curriculum approaches. With your experience in the ECE sector and ECE qualification you will have a solid understanding on Ministry requirements, compliance management, business drivers and what it takes to build a high performing team.

This is your opportunity to bring your own unique brand of leadership, financial acumen and forward thinking to a thriving centre by positively inspiring a performance driven culture and delivering exceptional results for children, parents, staff and the local community. This position would suit a person who places high importance on establishing reciprocal community and team relationships.

We require that special someone who places priority and commitment in ensuring that relationships within diverse communities, as well as operational systems within the centre, are very well maintained. You will also need to have a comprehensive understanding of how to maintain and grow occupancy levels, be innovative, resilient, committed, passionate and enthusiastic!

Most importantly, the successful applicant must be community minded, willing to go the extra mile and have a “nothing is impossible” and a “can do attitude”, display initiative, desire and passion for quality practice standards and a commitment to the principles of Te Whāriki.

Role requirements:

• B Ed/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) and current teacher registration/certification


• Experience in pedagogical leadership


• Good understanding of child led curriculum, planning and extending on our children’s learning


• Demonstrate good knowledge of the current ECE Regulations, Te Whariki and hold compliance in a high regard


• Knowledge and experience using He Māpuna te Tamaiti and He Kōrerorero


• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through pedagogical practices


• Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships with Tamariki, Whanau, teaching team and the wider community


• Passion and commitment for teaching and learning with a focus on delivering quality education and care

Benefits we offer to ensure your Health & Wellbeing: 

• Free Annual Flu Vaccinations


• Confidential counselling through EAP


• 6 weeks annual leave


• Sick leave days available on commencement

Why work for us?

We offer a competitive salary package. This includes discounted childcare, First Aid re Certification, Flu vaccination plus a generous time out of ratio to enable you to coach and mentor your team and attend to operational and compliance requirements.

You will have the opportunity to be a part of an innovative service and grow professionally with plenty of ongoing professional development and mentoring!

Applicants require a minimum Level 7 Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching ECE, current first aid certificate and current

Full Teacher Registration Practicing Certificate

Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand and reside here currently.

Start Date:                   As soon as possible

Hours of Work:            Monday to Friday 40 hours per week between 7.15am – 5.45pm

Closing Date:              4.00pm Wednesday 18th March 2026