Education Manager Pōu Manaaki Position

Education Manager Pōu Manaaki Position
Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association, Head Office – Takaanini

About Us
We are a proudly New Zealand owned and operated, community-based, not-for-profit organisation. For over 70 years, we have been providing quality and affordable early childhood education across the Franklin and Counties Manukau areas. Guided by our values of Excellence, Advocacy, Respect, Partnership, and Quality Education, we are committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for tamariki, whānau, and communities.

Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to play a key management role within a trusted not-for-profit organisation that is deeply connected to the community. You will have the chance to make a real difference to tamariki and whānau outcomes while enjoying the scope to innovate, lead, and grow.

The  Opportunity
Due to internal movement we are seeking to appoint an additional Education Manager into our team of highly skilled specialists. 

The role of the Education Manager position is to deliver professional services through a range of portfolios and key responsibilities.  The Education Manager provides oversight and management of a cluster of services across the organization and is actively involved in the development and delivery of quality professional services. 

As a key leader within our organisation, the Education Manager is accountable for creating and supporting a positive and engaged culture.  

This pivotal role delivers professional services across a cluster of centres, providing oversight and management while actively driving the development and delivery of quality education. 

You will be the direct report for Head Teachers and Centre Managers and be responsible for their coaching, guidance, and performance management to ensure your team delivers effective educational and fiscal management of their centres. 

As a key leader within our organisation, you will:

•    Lead and mentor Head Teachers and Centre Managers, ensuring effective educational and fiscal management of their centres.

•    Deliver strong pedagogical leadership, with robust expertise in the ECE curriculum.

•    Create and sustain a positive and engaged workplace culture.

•    Drive compliance, and innovation

•    Embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori into everyday practice.

•    Develop strong external relationships with iwi, hapū, whānau, funders, and community partners.

What you will bring to the team:

•    Minimum BEd/Diploma Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and a current full Teaching Certification.

•    Strong pedagogical leadership skills and robust, current knowledge of ECE regulations, Te Whāriki, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and tikanga Māori.

•    A coaching-based leadership style with a proven ability to mentor and grow your team's potential.

•    Solid understanding of ECE funding flows and fiscal management.

•    A passion for cultivating a positive and thriving team culture.

•    Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

•    A growth mindset, strengths-based leadership, and a strong sense of accountability.

•    Current or previous experience in a management role. 

What we offer in return:

•    Salary of $113,315 per annum (as per the Kindergarten Teachers Collective Agreement).

•    6 weeks annual leave.

•    Sick leave available from commencement.

•    Free annual flu vaccinations.

•    Confidential counselling support through EAP.

•    The chance to work with a dedicated, professional, and tight-knit team.

Start date: th January 2026
Hours required: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week

Applications close:  4.00pm, Wednesday 22nd October 2025

Application Conditions

•    Applicants must hold a minimum Level 7 Diploma or Bachelor of Teaching ECE, a current First Aid Certificate, and a valid Teacher Practising Certificate.

•    A full, clean driver's licence and access to your own vehicle are required, as travel to centres is part of the role.  Mileage reimbursement policies apply.

•    Applicants must have New Zealand Residency or a valid NZ Work Visa and currently reside in New Zealand.

To apply please click on the attached link