Centre Director

Explorers Early Learning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & incentives

Discount on childcare fees

Onsite parking

Ongoing professional development

Culture club events

Annual awards party

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Explorers Early Learning in Melbourne is seeking a Centre Director to oversee daily operations and lead a thriving early learning centre. You will work with a dedicated operations team to guide staff, plan curriculum, and foster a supportive environment for children and families.

The role requires a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, 5+ years in ECE with 3+ in management, and strong skills in budgeting, rostering, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Requires Diploma in Early Childhood Education and registration as a teacher/educator where required.
• Minimum 5+ years in early childhood, with 3+ years in management or leadership roles.
• Strong budgeting, rostering, and compliance documentation skills.
• Knowledge of Reggio Emilia approach and EYLF/NQS essential.
• First Aid, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis training may be required.
• Valid Working With Children Check and Mandatory Reporting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the daily operations of a vibrant early learning centre.
• Build strong connections with team, families, and the local community.
• Champion the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum and support the team to implement it.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and organisational values.
• Foster an uplifting culture where staff and children feel valued.
• Advocate for child safety and positive learning outcomes for every child.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Roster planning

Compliance documentation

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Job description

The Opportunity

Step into a leadership role where your impact goes beyond just managing a centre – as the Centre Director at Explorers Werribee you'll shape the future of early education! With the full support of a passionate team and our dynamic operations department, you'll be at the heart of a thriving, nurturing community. Lead with purpose and create a positive, supportive environment where team members and children alike can flourish.

In This Exciting Role, You Will

• Inspire and lead the daily operations of a vibrant early learning centre
• Build powerful connections with team members, families, and the wider community
• Champion our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, supporting the team to bring it to life
• Ensure top-tier compliance, aligned with industry regulations and our values
• Foster an uplifting culture, where everyone feels valued and motivated
• Advocate for child safety and ensure positive learning outcomes for every child

You’ll also enjoy the strong guidance of your off-the-floor Director-in-Training, Educational Leader, and a dedicated operations team every step of the way.

Our Benefits

• Competitive, Above-Award Salary + Additional Incentives*
• Generous Discount on Childcare Fees*
• Onsite Parking for convenience
• Ongoing Professional Development to fuel your growth
• Culture Club Events to bring fun and connection to your work life
• Annual Awards Party to celebrate your accomplishments
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support when you need it

What You Bring

• A Diploma (or higher) in Early Childhood Education
• 5+ years of early childhood experience, with at least 3 years in management
• Skills in budget management, rostering, and compliance documentation
• Knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach and strong familiarity with EYLF and NQS
• First Aid, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis Training
• A Valid Working with Children Check (Employee) and Mandatory Reporting

Where Careers in Early Learning Begin and Flourish.

At Explorers Early Learning, this isn’t just another job in childcare. It’s the beginning of a career with a founder-driven, women-led organisation created to raise the standard of early learning in Australia. When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in 2004, her mission was simple but powerful: to build centres where children and educators could thrive together. That same mission continues today, with every decision focused on investing in the people who bring our centres to life

Explorers is designed around people first, with a culture where belonging and joy are as essential as curriculum. Here, you’ll find mentoring, leadership development, and the encouragement to stretch into new opportunities. It’s not just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about giving you the tools, trust, and community to grow into the educator and leader you want to be.

When You Join Explorers, You’re Stepping Into

• A career pathway, not just a role — with leadership programs, mentoring, and funded professional development.
• A thriving peer community — collaborative, passionate, and connected across our centres.
• A values-driven culture — where curiosity, creativity, and care are celebrated every day.
• A joyful environment — where children’s wonder inspires your own.

Here, you’re not just shaping children’s futures. You’re shaping your own — with the best opportunities to grow, belong, and lead in early education.

Build your career with Explorers. The future starts here.