Assistant Director Quality & Continuous Improvement

Chandler Macleod; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASAP start

12-month assignment

Location: National

Daily rate + super

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting for a senior leadership role within a Federal Government agency's National Early Childhood team. You will provide strategic guidance, quality assurance oversight, operational support, and technical expertise across a national function, directing a team to improve decision-making and service delivery.

You will lead performance, coach staff, analyse operational data for trends, manage risks, and drive change initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of legislative, policy, and operational frameworks.
• Experience providing high-level technical, operational, or policy advice on complex matters.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills, including trend identification.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a complex environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on quality assurance and quality control activities relating to early childhood planning and decision-making.
• Lead and manage team performance, workloads, and quality outcomes.
• Coach and mentor team members to strengthen capability, quality, and consistency in decision-making.
• Analyse operational data, identify trends and risks, and provide recommendations to improve performance.
• Lead business improvement and change initiatives that support strategic objectives.
• Maintain quality reporting processes and contribute to a nationally consistent approach to quality management.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and represent the team in discussions relating to quality outcomes and operational performance.
• Support the management of quality, compliance, and sustainability risks.

Skills

Team leadership

Policy advice

Stakeholder engagement

Excel & data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Prioritisation

Tools

Excel

Job description

About the company:

This Federal Government agency works to deliver programs and services that support people with disability and their families, aiming to improve access, engagement, and outcomes across Australia. The agency collaborates closely with communities, service providers, and government stakeholders to implement initiatives that enhance social inclusion, wellbeing, and equity.

About the Team

The National Early Childhood team works closely with young children and their families to ensure access to appropriate supports and services. The team is focused on delivering high-quality, consistent decision-making and achieving positive outcomes through strong quality assurance practices, data-driven insights, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

This is a key leadership position responsible for providing strategic guidance, quality assurance oversight, operational support, and technical expertise across a national function. You will lead a team, manage performance, support quality outcomes, and drive initiatives that enhance service delivery and organisational performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on quality assurance and quality control activities relating to early childhood planning and decision-making.
• Lead and manage team performance, workloads, and quality outcomes.
• Coach and mentor team members to strengthen capability, quality, and consistency in decision-making.
• Analyse operational data, identify trends and risks, and provide recommendations to improve performance.
• Lead business improvement and change initiatives that support strategic objectives.
• Maintain quality reporting processes and contribute to a nationally consistent approach to quality management.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and represent the team in discussions relating to quality outcomes and operational performance.
• Support the management of quality, compliance, and sustainability risks.

You Must Have

• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of legislative, policy, and operational frameworks.
• Experience providing high-level technical, operational, or policy advice on complex matters.
• Advanced stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills, including the ability to identify trends and provide actionable insights.
• Experience managing competing priorities in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits:

• ASAP start (pending Federal Police Clearance)
• 12-month assignment with potential extension
• Location: National
• $602.55 daily + Super

Chandler Macleod is an equal opportunity employer as part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, disability and culturally and linguistics candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Please note the successful candidate for the role must hold Australian Citizenship.

Application closes on the 16th of October 2026