Assistant Programme Manager - Darfield

At sKids, we believe childhood should be full of laughter, learning, and adventure! Since 1996, we’ve been creating awesome out-of-school experiences for Ta-mariki across New Zealand. Today, we welcome more than 3,800 kids every day at over 170 school sites – and we’re still growing! 

When you work with us, you get to unleash your inner child. Think: messy art, science experiments, sports showdowns, cooking classes, and plenty of silly games. No two days are the same – and that’s how we like it! 

As an Assistant Programme Manager, you’ll be the friendly face that makes the mornings & afternoons unforgettable for children. You’ll be working a minimum of 6 hours per week, rostered across Monday to Friday

• Morning/ Before school shifts runs between 7am - 8.30am.
• Afternoon/ After School shifts runs between 2.30pm–6.00pm. Availability from 2.30pm is essential, though finish times may vary.
• Potential school holiday programmes hours available (between 7am - 6pm).

Here’s what you’ll be up to 

• Support the Programme Manager in the day-to-day running of the sKids programme, helping ensure smooth, well-structured operations
• Step up as 2IC – confidently lead sessions and take charge when the Programme Manager is away
• Supervise and engage large groups of tamariki, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and fun environment at all times
• Assist in planning and delivering structured activities including arts & crafts, sports, games, and offsite trips
• Support with managing challenging behaviour, using positive guidance strategies and maintaining consistency across the team
• Help guide and support Programme Assistants on shift, ensuring expectations are met and activities run smoothly
• Build positive relationships with parents, caregivers, and school staff through clear and friendly communication
• Assist with set-up, pack-down, and preparation of resources to ensure each session runs seamlessly

Perks & Benefits 

• 50% discount on selected sKids programmes – perfect for your own children! 
• Referral bonus – bring awesome people into our team and earn up to $250 per referral 
• Work-life balance – no weekend work and the middle of the day free for your own time 
• Employee Assistance Programme – access wellbeing support when you need it 
• A fun, supportive crew who love what they do and celebrate each other’s wins 

We’d love to hear from you if you: 

• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand (valid visa or citizenship)
• Have reliable transport to get to our Darfield site(s)
• Have experience working with groups of children (e.g. OSCAR, childcare, coaching, teaching, camps, or similar)
• Are confident stepping into a leadership role when needed, with the ability to take initiative and make decisions
• Have exposure to managing behaviour in group settings and can remain calm, firm, and supportive
• Are a team player who can both support and lead others when required
• Communicate well with both children and adults, including parents and school staff
• Are over the age of 20 years old (as per Social Security (Childcare Assistance) Regulations 2004)

Hit Apply Now – one of our friendly team will be in touch if you’re shortlisted. Get ready to start an exciting journey where work feels more like play! 

Safeguarding 
sKids is committed to Child Protection and the safeguarding of children and young people in our care and we expect all staff to operate in a way that reflects this intent. All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Police Record Check. All applicants must hold the right to work in New Zealand.