Assistant Centre Manager (Joy Terranora)

Joy Early Learning; Terranora; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award pay bands

Paid overtime or TIL

CPR & First Aid training + uniforms

Staff discounts

Career growth across Joy centres

Job summary

Joy Early Learning in Terranora NSW seeks an Assistant Centre Manager to guide the daily rhythm of the Joy Terranora centre and champion our play-based approach. You will support a team of passionate educators, nurture strong family connections, and help create spaces where children feel safe, seen, and excited to explore.

This role offers above-award pay bands, paid overtime, CPR & First Aid training, staff discounts, and opportunities to grow across Joy centres, with secondments and career

Qualifications

• A genuine love for early childhood education
• Diploma/Graduate Diploma (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification
• Current Blue Card
• A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach

Responsibilities

• Supports the Centre Manager with daily operations, team support, admin and compliance, and steps in when the Centre Manager is absent.
• Lead with warmth, confidence, and strong communication
• Build supportive, high-performing teams and strong family relationships
• Champion Joy’s play-based philosophy through engaging, developmentally appropriate programs
• Create safe, inclusive, and play-based learning environments
• Ensure compliance with NQF/EYLF and all relevant legislation
• Be supported — not stretched — to do your best work

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

People management

Education

Diploma/Graduate Diploma (Early Childhood) or Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or ACECQA-approved equivalent

Job description

Joy Early Learning exists for families who believe childhood should be joyful, curiosity-led, and packed with play.

Our centres are built for movement, discovery, and connection, with nature-rich play spaces, engaging educators, and a sense of belonging you can feel from the moment you step inside.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all early learning. We believe in real moments, big wonder, and learning that happens naturally. Because when children feel happy, safe, and free to explore, the best kind of learning happens.

Our first centre opened in 2025 in Ripley, followed by our Aura centre in 2026. We also have two more centres set to open in 2026 across Moffat Beach and Terranora.

About the role

We’re looking for an Assistant Centre Manager who can guide the daily rhythm of our Joy Terranora centre while championing Joy’s play-based approach to early learning.

You’ll support and inspire a team of passionate educators, nurture strong connections with families, and help create a space where children feel safe, seen, and excited to explore.

As part of the Joy Early Learning team, you will:

• Supports the Centre Manager with daily operations, team support, admin and compliance, and steps in when the Centre Manager is absent.
• Lead with warmth, confidence, and strong communication
• Build supportive, high-performing teams and strong family relationships
• Champion Joy’s play-based philosophy through engaging, developmentally appropriate programs
• Create safe, inclusive, and play-based learning environments
• Ensure compliance with NQF/EYLF and all relevant legislation
• Be supported — not stretched — to do your best work

About you

We’re looking for candidates who have relevant qualifications for the role:

• A genuine love for early childhood education
• Diploma/Graduate Diploma (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) or ACECQA-approved equivalent qualification
• Current Blue Card
• A team-first mindset and warm, professional approach

Why Joy?

• Above-award base pay with clear pay bands
• Paid overtime or TIL — your time matters
• Paid CPR & First Aid + uniforms provided
• Loyalty bonuses that genuinely add up
• 1 year - $250
• 3 year - $500
• 5 year - $750
• 7 & 10 year - $1000
• Refer-a-friend bonus — $250 voucher when your referral passes probation
• Lunch is on us

Joy Time & Flexibility: Real Work-Life Balance

• Fixed shifts with rosters set fortnightly in advance
• Extra paid programming time off the floor – 3 hours per week (not the standard 2)

Joy Career Pathways: Grow Without Leaving

• Study leave + paid placements

Secondments across Joy centres (Sunshine Coast

• Tweed Coast) to have fresh experiences without starting over somewhere new

Joy Wellbeing: Because Educators and Teachers Are Human

• Centre support teams — consistent extra hands in rooms
• Free, confidential EAP counselling

Joy Family First: We Get It

• 75% discounted childcare for staff children
• Priority placement at Joy centres
• Return-to-work transition plans (reduced days to start)

Joy Perks: The Fun Stuff Matters Too

• Paid birthday leave
• Centre-level budgets for quarterly team catch-ups, socials and joy-filled moments beyond the classroom

At Joy, you’ll find:

• A supportive organisation that values innovation and excellence in early childhood education
• A beautifully designed centre where play takes centre stage
• Modern, thoughtfully designed learning spaces and resources to support your teaching
• Opportunities to make a truly positive impact in a dynamic and welcoming community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A collaborative team culture where your voice and ideas are valued
• A chance to shape a centre from the ground up and leave your mark in meaningful ways

This Is Your Sign

If you want to work somewhere that pays you properly, respects your time, invests in your future and genuinely cares about your wellbeing — Joy is ready to welcome you.

Note: If you have previously applied for a role with Joy Early Learning, please do not submit another application. We will contact suitable applicants directly.

Child Safety Commitment

Children’s safety, wellbeing, and voices are our highest priority. Joy Early Learning has zero tolerance for abuse or neglect and responds promptly to all concerns in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive environment that respects and values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Our practices actively support and strengthen cultural safety for children, families, and communities. All team members are responsible for upholding child safety and contributing to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.