Job Title: Playland Centre Manager

Location: Upper Hutt

Employment Type: Full-time

About Us:

Chipmunks Playland & Café is a leading family entertainment venue, providing a safe, fun, and engaging environment for children to play and explore. With a strong focus on customer experience, cleanliness, and creativity, we strive to deliver memorable moments for families and create a vibrant workplace for our team.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated and dynamic Centre Manager to lead our Chipmunks Playland. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivering exceptional customer service, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to manage a busy entertainment centre. As Centre Manager, you will oversee daily operations, ensure the facility meets all safety and maintenance standards, and lead a team to create a positive and welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Select and rotate a mix of play equipment, themed zones, and amusement machines to keep the centre fresh, fun, and appealing.
  • Develop scheduled activities that promote physical play, teamwork, and creativity.
  • Implementing new programs developed and achieving sales targets.
  • Plan and host birthday parties, holiday events, and in-house competitions.
  • Ensure all bookings are well-coordinated and deliver a positive guest experience from start to finish.
  • Develop and run promotional campaigns using flyers, local advertising, social media, and community partnerships.
  • Network with local schools, parenting groups, and businesses to promote the centre, host special group visits, and encourage community support.
  • Manage Google and Facebook reviews to maintain a strong public image.
  • Regularly assess customer feedback and business performance to suggest improvements to operations, marketing, or staff procedures.
  • Track sales, manage budgets, control petty cash, approve invoices, and generate financial summaries.
  • Monitor stock levels for the cleaning supplies, party items, uniforms, and equipment parts.
  • Place timely orders to prevent shortages.
  • Operate POS (point of sale) systems, booking software, staff scheduling tools, and online reporting platforms for day-to-day business needs.
  • Hire, onboard, and train staff.
  • Prepare job adverts, interview candidates, and complete hiring paperwork.
  • Train new staff on customer service, health and safety, and company policies.
  • Supervise and lead staff for the respective positions.
  • Create rosters, delegate tasks, and monitor team performance.
  • Provide regular feedback, coaching, and support to encourage staff growth and motivation.
  • Ensure staff follow safety protocols, including child supervision and emergency procedures.
  • Keep records of safety inspections, incident reports, and staff certifications.
  • Oversee cleaning routines, maintain hygiene standards in the café, bathrooms, and play zones, and ensure the overall centre looks tidy and inviting.
  • Be available to respond to parent or caregiver questions, resolve complaints quickly, and ensure all families feel welcome, safe, and supported.
  • Conduct daily safety checks on all play areas and equipment.
  • Stay up to date with council requirements for building codes and permits.
  • Make sure all staff follow food safety regulations and ensure equipment and food storage areas meet hygiene standards.
  • Act as the point of contact for emergencies.
  • Make sure staff are trained in first aid, and respond quickly to injuries, fire alarms, or unexpected issues.

Key Skills & Attributes:

  • Proven experience in team leadership, ideally within hospitality, retail, or entertainment sectors
  • Strong organisational and multitasking abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Customer-focused with a passion for family entertainment
  • Ability to handle emergency situations and resolve customer complaints effectively
  • Basic knowledge of health, safety, and building maintenance regulations

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Previous management experience in any business for 3 years or hold relevant qualification.
  • Bachelor's degree would meet the requirements of the position.
  • Experience with marketing business and developing is a plus.
  • Willing to work in weekend and public holidays.

Details of the job 

  • Work hours - 30 hours per week,
  • Wages- $24.50 per hour, 
  • Location of work – Wellington

 Ready to lead the fun?
If you're enthusiastic, organized, and passionate about creating unforgettable play experiences for children and families, we'd love to hear from you!