Playland Centre Manager - 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:

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.

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

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