Operations Manager

Kids’ Domain is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join its Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role will oversee all operational functions including compliance, health & safety, finance, payroll, property, ICT systems, enrolments and administration. Working closely with the Director and Education Manager, you will ensure the centre operates efficiently, remains fully compliant, and continues to deliver exceptional service and support to staff and whānau.

The Centre is renowned for its commitment to best practice, innovation, and a culture that values collaboration and inclusiveness. You will work closely with staff, parents/whānau, suppliers, contractors, and external agencies to maintain high standards across all areas. Kids’ Domain offers a welcoming environment where professional growth is encouraged and supported through mentoring and reflective practice. If you are passionate about creating optimal learning environments for children and thrive in a communal setting that values bicultural practice and continuous improvement, this role offers both challenge and reward. This could suit a previous ECE Centre Manager.

What you'll do:

You will be responsible for leading all aspects of operational management to ensure the Centre runs smoothly every day. Your role will involve working collaboratively with the Director to implement systems that support strategic goals while maintaining full compliance with regulatory requirements. You will facilitate professional growth cycles for staff using a nurturing approach that builds capability across the team. Day-to-day tasks include overseeing property maintenance and capital expenditure projects to keep the Centre safe and welcoming; coordinating food business operations so children receive nutritious meals aligned with Kids’ Domain’s philosophy; managing financial processes such as payroll administration and statutory payments to maintain strong financial integrity; handling enrolment processes professionally so families experience a warm introduction to Kids’ Domain; developing ICT systems for secure information management; organising events like parent evenings or staff training sessions; liaising with cleaning providers to uphold high standards of care. Success in this role means fostering open communication among staff and whānau while modelling continuous improvement in all operational practices.

Guide the operational and compliance functions of Kids’ Domain by applying effective management practices that align with the Centre’s philosophy and values.
Facilitate the development and implementation of operational practices reflecting the dual heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand while supporting equitable outcomes for all whānau.
Lead regular professional conversations with direct report staff as part of the Professional Growth Cycle process to promote growth, accountability, and confidence through coaching and mentoring.
Work closely with the Director to ensure all operational needs are met efficiently and effectively to support optimal occupancy and service delivery.
Ensure full compliance with relevant legislation including Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, ECE Licensing Criteria, MOE Funding Handbook, Ministry of Health requirements, and sector-wide regulatory changes.
Oversee property maintenance and capital expenditure needs; manage contractors to ensure the Centre remains safe, well-maintained, and fit for purpose.
Coordinate food business operations including supervising chefs for compliance with food safety regulations; oversee audits and documentation; manage menu planning to ensure nutritious meals reflect Kids’ Domain’s philosophy.
Manage financial administration including purchasing, invoicing, coding, reconciliation; process payroll accurately; monitor statutory payments; reconcile fee income; maintain clear debtor records.
Maintain accurate enrolment data in Discover; oversee occupancy management; liaise warmly with prospective and current whānau; review debtors respectfully; provide occupancy insights for planning.
Develop ICT systems infrastructure for efficient administration; manage Google Workspace drives; oversee website content; explore continual improvement opportunities in digital communications.

What you bring:

Your proven experience as an Operations Manager will be evident through your ability to manage complex compliance frameworks within highly regulated settings such as early childhood education or healthcare. You bring expertise in financial administration—handling payroll processing accurately—and demonstrate proficiency across ICT platforms like Google Workspace. Your organisational skills enable you to juggle multiple responsibilities efficiently without compromising on quality or attention to detail. Interpersonal strengths allow you to connect warmly with colleagues and whānau alike—fostering an inclusive culture built on trust. You are committed to bicultural practice by actively engaging with te reo Māori and tikanga Māori principles. Experience supervising administrative teams further supports your capacity for nurturing professional growth among staff members. Your dedication to ongoing learning ensures you remain knowledgeable about sector developments—contributing positively towards continuous improvement initiatives at Kids’ Domain Early Learning Centre.

Demonstrated experience managing compliance systems—including health & safety or regulatory frameworks—in highly regulated environments such as early childhood education or healthcare sectors is required.
Proven competence in financial platforms (Xero), payroll processing (Crystal Payroll), ICT platforms (Google Workspace), student management systems (Discover), along with strong analytical skills are necessary.
Excellent organisational skills enable you to coordinate multiple responsibilities efficiently while maintaining high standards across documentation and reporting.
Outstanding interpersonal skills allow you to build collaborative relationships with staff members, parents/whānau, suppliers, contractors, governance groups—and foster trust within the community.
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership is vital as you actively develop competency in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori within your daily practice.
Ability to successfully pass Police vetting checks under Children’s Act 2014 ensures safety standards are upheld throughout the Centre.
Experience supervising or supporting administrative staff is desirable as it enhances your capacity for mentoring others within a communal workplace setting.
Experience in early childhood education or small-business management environments is advantageous as it provides insight into sector-specific challenges.
Commitment to ongoing professional learning demonstrates your dedication to continuous improvement in operational leadership.

What sets this company apart:

Kids’ Domain Early Learning Centre stands out as one of Auckland’s most respected providers of early childhood education—serving families connected with Auckland City Hospital. The Centre is celebrated for its commitment to best practice pedagogy rooted in innovation while embracing bicultural values that reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s dual heritage. Staff enjoy working within a supportive leadership structure where collaboration is valued —creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas towards continuous improvement. The Centre maintains high standards across all areas—from compliance frameworks through health & safety systems—to create optimal learning environments for infants toddlers young children alike. Families experience genuine warmth when engaging with Kids’ Domain—a place where inclusiveness transparency trust underpin every interaction between staff whānau governance group suppliers contractors alike. By joining Kids’ Domain you become part of a community dedicated not only towards educational excellence but also towards nurturing positive relationships that last beyond childhood years.

What's next:

If you feel inspired by this opportunity to make a meaningful impact at Kids’ Domain Early Learning Centre apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Courtney Taylor on +64 9 374 7360.

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