Centre Director - Fairfield / Ivanhoe locations

SH Recruitment; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership mentoring

Career progression

Professional development

Community impact

Job summary

SH Recruitment is seeking a Centre Director to lead a well-established early learning service in Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs. You will drive educational leadership, operational excellence and people-focused management to create a positive workplace culture for children, families and educators.

You will mentor educators, build trusted community relationships and guide performance while maintaining a child-centred approach and a proactive leadership style.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Centre Director, Service Manager or senior early childhood leader.
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Regulations and Child Safe Standards.
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance operational priorities with a child-centred approach.
• Proactive, solutions-focused leadership style.
• ACECQA-recognised Early Childhood qualifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a diverse team of early childhood professionals.
• Drive quality improvement initiatives and exceed National Quality Standard expectations.
• Build partnerships with children, families and community stakeholders.
• Oversee centre operations, occupancy, compliance and financial performance.
• Support educator development through coaching and professional growth opportunities.
• Ensure a safe, engaging and nurturing learning environment for children.

Skills

Centre leadership

Team development

Stakeholder relationship management

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Early Childhood qualifications recognised under ACECQA requirements

Job description

Centre Director - Fairfield / Ivanhoe locations

Centre Director | Lead a Centre Where Children, Families and Educators Thrive

Are you an experienced early childhood leader ready to shape culture, inspire teams and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families?

We are seeking an exceptional Centre Director to lead a well-established early learning service in Melbourne's inner northern suburbs. This is an opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership role where your influence will extend far beyond day-to-day operations.

You will be empowered to create a positive workplace culture, mentor and develop educators, drive quality outcomes, and build trusted relationships with families and the local community.

What You'll Be Leading

As Centre Director, you'll be responsible for the overall success of the service through strong educational leadership, operational excellence and people-focused management.

Your day may include:

• Leading, coaching and inspiring a diverse team of early childhood professionals

• Driving quality improvement initiatives and exceeding National Quality Standard expectations

• Creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning

• Building meaningful partnerships with children, families and community stakeholders

• Managing centre operations, occupancy, compliance and financial performance

• Supporting educator development through mentoring, performance coaching and professional growth opportunities

• Ensuring a safe, engaging and nurturing environment where children can confidently learn and thrive

What We're Looking For

We're interested in leaders who combine commercial awareness with genuine passion for early childhood education.

You’ll bring:

• Previous experience as a Centre Director, Service Manager or senior early childhood leader

• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Regulations and Child Safe Standards

• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• The ability to balance operational priorities while maintaining a child‑centred approach

• A proactive, solutions‑focused leadership style

• Relevant Early Childhood qualifications recognised under ACECQA requirements

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This isn’t just a centre management position. It’s an opportunity to lead with purpose, influence positive change and create an environment where both children and educators flourish.

You’ll join an organisation that values:

• Empowered leadership

• Professional growth and career development

• Innovation and continuous improvement

• High‑quality educational outcomes

• Strong family and community connections

• Recognition of individual contributions and achievements

Benefits

• Competitive salary package

• Professional development and leadership mentoring

• Supportive senior leadership team

• Career progression opportunities

• The chance to shape the vision, culture and success of the service