Area Manager Early Learning

Uniting; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Wellbeing programs

Career growth opportunities

Salary packaging benefits

Job summary

Uniting NSW.ACT is seeking an experienced Area Manager to provide operational leadership across a portfolio of Long Day Care, Preschool and OSHC services, mainly Newcastle, Central Coast and Northern Sydney. You will drive performance, support directors and coordinators, manage budgets and occupancy, and ensure high-quality, safe care for children.

You will lead a team to translate strategic priorities into practical actions, foster a values-driven culture, and pursue service growth and

Qualifications

• Experience leading Directors and Coordinators across multiple services.
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and Australian early childhood sector.
• Commercial awareness with understanding of financial and operational performance.
• Systems-thinking mindset with ability to identify smarter ways of working.
• Current approved child protection qualification and Working with Children Check/WWCC.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop Directors and Coordinators across portfolio.
• Drive financial and operational performance, including budgets, occupancy, revenue and cost management.
• Use data to identify opportunities and improve service performance and sustainability.
• Lead continuous improvement, quality, compliance and accreditation readiness.
• Manage child protection matters, complaints, risks and regulatory requirements.
• Translate strategic priorities into practical operational plans and actions.
• Build inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
• Support business development, service growth and community engagement.
• Champion child-safety and keep children's voices central.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Financial acumen

Data-driven

Education

Degree in Primary Education or Early Childhood

Job description

Are you an experienced Early Learning leader ready to make a broader impact across multiple services?

About the Opportunity

As Area Manager, you’ll provide operational leadership and support across a portfolio of Long Day Care, Preschool and OSHC services, primarily located across Newcastle, Central Coast and Northern Sydney.

This is a highly autonomous leadership role combining people leadership, operational performance, financial management, quality and compliance, and service growth. You’ll use data and insights to identify opportunities, strengthen performance and support leaders to confidently manage their services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead, coach and develop Directors and Coordinators across your portfolio
• Drive financial and operational performance, including budgets, occupancy, revenue and cost management
• Use data and insights to identify opportunities and improve service performance and sustainability
• Lead continuous improvement, quality, compliance and accreditation readiness
• Manage child protection matters, complaints, operational risks and regulatory requirements
• Translate strategic priorities into practical operational plans and actions
• Build positive, inclusive and high-performing workplace cultures
• Support business development, service growth and community engagement opportunities
• Champion child-safe practices and ensure children’s safety, wellbeing and voices remain central to decision-making

About You

You’re an experienced Early Childhood Education and Care professional with strong leadership skills and the ability to build relationships, develop people and drive performance.

You’ll bring:

• Degree-level qualifications in Primary Education or a relevant Early Childhood field
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework and Australian Early Childhood sector
• Strong people leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of financial and operational performance
• A systems-thinking mindset with the ability to identify smarter ways of working
• Current approved child protection qualification and Working with Children Check / Working with Vulnerable People Check
• Experience as an Early Childhood Director or OSHC Coordinator, leading across multiple services, business development and organisational change will be highly regarded.

What we offer you

• Maximum allowable salary packaging to pay less tax (additional $18,550 tax-free plus regional benefits plus parking)
• A commitment to offer opportunities to grow your career
• Discounts and cash backs programs with major retailers
• Wellbeing programs including confidential employee assistance program available to you and your family members
• As part of the remuneration package, you will have access to a company vehicle for both business and personal use, providing flexibility and convenience. A cost-sharing arrangement applies to private use, helping to keep the benefit accessible and sustainable.

Click here to find out more about our great benefits: Benefits of working at Uniting

What to expect

• A National Police Check
• Valid working with Children's Check
• GECCKO Child Protection Training
• Working Rights Check

About Uniting

Uniting NSW.ACT contributes to the work and mission of the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT through social justice advocacy, community services and spiritual care. We provide care and support for people through all ages and stages of life, with a focus on people experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability. Our purpose is to inspire people, enliven communities and confront injustice. Uniting is a Child Safe Organisation committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people.

Empowered by diversity

At Uniting, inclusion isn’t just something we value – it’s how we work. Our culture and practice reflect the vibrant diversity of our colleagues, and the clients and communities we serve.