Great leaders create exceptional learning environments.
At Educare Pokeno, we're looking for an inspiring Centre Manager who will lead with purpose, develop people, and shape a centre where every child has the opportunity to flourish.
Licensed for 120 tamariki across three purpose-built learning environments, Educare Pokeno is one of our largest and most vibrant centres. Conveniently located just minutes from SH1 on the Auckland/Waikato border, you'll enjoy an easy commute, on-site parking, and the opportunity to lead a well-established team within a growing, family-owned organisation.
Supported by an experienced Senior Leadership Team, you'll have the autonomy to lead your centre while working alongside leaders who are committed to supporting your success and helping you continue to grow in your career.
The Opportunity:
As Centre Manager, you'll create an environment where children flourish, teachers are empowered to do their best work, and families feel genuinely connected to their child's learning journey.
You'll provide visible, values-led leadership, bringing together educational excellence, operational performance and a positive team culture. Whether you're coaching kaiako, strengthening community relationships or driving continuous improvement, your leadership will have a lasting impact on everyone who walks through our doors.
What You'll Be Doing:
Travel & Relocation Support:
For the successful candidate, travel allowances or relocation support may be considered.
About You:
You're an experienced early childhood leader who enjoys bringing out the best in others and creating environments where children and teams can thrive.
You'll bring:
Why Join Educare?
At Educare, we believe great centres are built by great people. We are committed to supporting our teams through ongoing professional development, practical leadership support and opportunities to continue growing your career within our organisation.
As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
Join Our Team
If you're ready to lead a thriving centre, inspire a talented team and make a meaningful difference for tamariki, whanau and your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now by submitting your CV and a cover letter telling us why Educare Pokeno is the right next step in your leadership journey.
At Educare Pokeno, we're looking for an inspiring Centre Manager who will lead with purpose, develop people, and shape a centre where every child has the opportunity to flourish.
Licensed for 120 tamariki across three purpose-built learning environments, Educare Pokeno is one of our largest and most vibrant centres. Conveniently located just minutes from SH1 on the Auckland/Waikato border, you'll enjoy an easy commute, on-site parking, and the opportunity to lead a well-established team within a growing, family-owned organisation.
Supported by an experienced Senior Leadership Team, you'll have the autonomy to lead your centre while working alongside leaders who are committed to supporting your success and helping you continue to grow in your career.
The Opportunity:
As Centre Manager, you'll create an environment where children flourish, teachers are empowered to do their best work, and families feel genuinely connected to their child's learning journey.
You'll provide visible, values-led leadership, bringing together educational excellence, operational performance and a positive team culture. Whether you're coaching kaiako, strengthening community relationships or driving continuous improvement, your leadership will have a lasting impact on everyone who walks through our doors.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Lead and inspire a passionate team of kaiako to deliver exceptional outcomes for tamariki.
- Coach, mentor and support your team to build capability, confidence and high-quality teaching practice.
- Champion teaching and learning aligned with Te Whariki, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Educare's vision of Learn, Laugh, Play.
- Build trusted relationships with tamariki, whanau, local schools and the wider Pokeno community.
- Oversee the successful day-to-day operation of the centre, including staffing, enrolments, occupancy, compliance and financial performance.
- Foster a positive culture where people feel valued, supported and motivated to succeed.
Travel & Relocation Support:
For the successful candidate, travel allowances or relocation support may be considered.
About You:
You're an experienced early childhood leader who enjoys bringing out the best in others and creating environments where children and teams can thrive.
You'll bring:
- A recognised Early Childhood Education qualification and current New Zealand practising certificate.
- Proven leadership experience within an early childhood setting.
- A genuine passion for coaching, mentoring and developing others.
- Strong operational and organisational capability, with confidence managing centre performance.
- The ability to build positive, trusting relationships with whanau, colleagues and the wider community.
- Excellent communication skills and the confidence to have courageous conversations with care and integrity.
- A commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for tamariki through quality teaching and continuous improvement.
Why Join Educare?
At Educare, we believe great centres are built by great people. We are committed to supporting our teams through ongoing professional development, practical leadership support and opportunities to continue growing your career within our organisation.
As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
- Full Pay Parity.
- Ongoing professional development.
- A supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
- An organisation with strong values and a people-first culture.
- Wellbeing initiatives to support you both professionally and personally.
- 50% childcare fees for your own children at an Educare centre.
- Branded uniforms provided.
Join Our Team
If you're ready to lead a thriving centre, inspire a talented team and make a meaningful difference for tamariki, whanau and your community, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now by submitting your CV and a cover letter telling us why Educare Pokeno is the right next step in your leadership journey.