Centre Director

Guardian Childcare; Murwillumbah; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Coaching program

Leadership Academy

Thrive program

To Be Me program

Centre Directors Bonus Scheme

Area Manager support

Career pathways

National leadership community

Job summary

Guardian Murwillumbah is seeking a Centre Director to lead a vibrant early childhood education service. You will nurture a high-performing team, foster meaningful family connections and ensure exceptional learning environments for children.

You will have access to coaching, a dedicated Leadership Academy, Thrive/To Be Me programs, and a Centre Directors Bonus Scheme. Join a national network of leaders focused on growth and impact.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in an Early Childhood Education and Care service.
• Strong people management and team-building capabilities.
• Solid understanding of operational, commercial and compliance requirements.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with families and local communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the centre team to deliver high-quality care and education.
• Drive centre performance, occupancy and safety standards.
• Collaborate with Area Managers and specialist teams to implementGuardian initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Team Building

Operations Management

Compliance

Stakeholder Engagement

People Management

Education

Early Childhood Qualification

Job description

Invest in your leadership. Grow your impact. Lead with Guardian.

We believe great leadership starts with care – for children, for families, for your team and for yourself.

As a Centre Director, you’re at the heart of your centre community. You bring together people, practice and purpose to create an environment where educators can do their best work, families feel a genuine sense of connection and children feel confident and inspired to learn.

That’s why, at Guardian, you’ll have access to genuine development opportunities, industry-leading support and career pathways designed to help exceptional leaders continue to grow – in their leadership, their impact and their careers.

As a Guardian Centre Director, you’ll have access to:

• Up to 12 confidential one-to-one professional coaching sessions every year
• A dedicated Leadership Academy designed specifically for Centre Leaders
• Exclusive programs including Thrive and To Be Me, supporting meaningful outcomes for children, families and teams
• A sector‑leading bonus opportunity that recognises the impact you create
• Ongoing support from experienced Area Managers and specialist support teams
• Career pathways to support your continual development as a leader
• A national community of leaders who understand the challenges, opportunities and rewards of centre leadership

This is more than just another Centre Director role.

Why Leaders Choose Guardian

Professional Coaching

Leadership is rewarding, but it comes with challenges. That’s why every Guardian Centre Director has access to up to 12 coaching sessions annually with an independent coach.

Whether you’re strengthening your leadership, navigating a challenge, building confidence or preparing for your next career step, coaching gives you dedicated time focused entirely on you and your growth.

The Guardian Leadership Academy

Our Leadership Academy is designed to support current and aspiring Centre Directors through practical learning, leadership development, professional coaching and real-world experiences.

You’ll be part of a community of leaders who share ideas, learn from one another and are committed to continuous improvement and exceptional outcomes.

Industry‑Leading Practice and Innovation

We’re always looking for better ways to support children to thrive – and we give our leaders the tools and frameworks to make that happen.

Our exclusive To BE Me learning programs and Thrive framework support environments where children, educators and leaders can flourish.

They give Centre Directors practical, proven approaches to strengthen educator capability, support children’s development and wellbeing, and turn great leadership into meaningful outcomes.

Rewarding High Performance

We recognise the impact strong Centre Directors have on their centres, teams and communities.

Our Centre Directors Bonus Scheme creates a direct link between your leadership and your earning potential.

Actively build your bonus opportunity throughout the year and be recognised for the results you achieve - growing centre occupancy while maintaining strong safety, quality, compliance and attendance outcomes.

A Strong Support Network

You’ll lead your centre with confidence, backed by experienced Area Managers, specialist support teams, the Leadership Academy and a national community of Centre Directors.

Because great leaders deserve great support.

About You

• Has successfully led an Early Childhood Education and Care service
• Builds engaged, high‑performing teams
• Demonstrates strong operational, commercial and compliance capability
• Builds trusted relationships with children, families and local communities
• Leads with confidence, accountability, authenticity and care
• Holds relevant early childhood qualifications and can meet Nominated Supervisor requirements
• Is committed to continuous learning and growing as a leader
• Wants to make a meaningful difference for children, families and the people they lead

The Centre

Guardian Murwillumbah

provides a warm and inspiring environment where children are supported to learn, explore and thrive. With engaging learning spaces, passionate educators and a strong focus on play‑based learning, the centre fosters curiosity, confidence and a love of learning in every child.

Ready for Your Next Chapter?

Bring your experience. Bring your ambition. Bring your care.

Guardian Childcare & Education values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We are committed to providing a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to progress.

We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

At Guardian Childcare & Education, children's safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm. We rigorously screen all potential team members, requiring a 10-year verifiable resume, 5 years of direct manager references, and other security checks to ensure they meet our high standards.

*for those who have not been in employment that long, these expectations will be adjusted.