Centre Director | First Waves Early Learning

Castle Grounds Early Learning; City Of Mandurah; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

First Waves Early Learning in Falcon, Western Australia, is opening a brand‑new centre and seeks an inspiring Centre Director to bring people together, turning vision into tangible daily practice. Located in a coastal setting, this role blends hands‑on leadership with a love of outdoor exploration and community connection.

You will recruit and mentor a capable team, embed quality practice and safeguarding from day one, champion child‑led learning, and lead operations for a smooth opening and

Qualifications

• Diploma (or higher) in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Experience leading an early learning service through opening and beyond.
• Strong commitment to child safety and respectful relationships.

Responsibilities

• Help prepare the service for opening and welcome the first children and families
• Recruit, mentor and inspire a capable, caring team
• Embed high-quality practice, safeguarding and effective systems from day one
• Champion child-led learning, outdoor exploration and inclusive practice
• Create a welcoming environment where educators feel supported and families feel heard
• Lead continuous improvement to establish a service of the highest quality
• Set clear expectations and support professional growth
• Build trusting partnerships with families and meaningful community connections
• Manage staffing, rostering, enrolments and daily operations

Skills

Leadership

NQF/NQS knowledge

EYLF

Safeguarding

Staff rostering

Community partnerships

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or higher

Job description

Centre Director | First Waves Early Learning

Opening a brand-new early learning centre takes vision, energy and a leader who knows how to bring people together. First Waves Early Learning is seeking an inspiring Director to help establish an exceptional service where children, families and educators feel they truly belong. Located in beautiful Falcon, the coastal setting inspires a love of the outdoors, curiosity about nature and meaningful connections with the community. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who shares that enthusiasm and can turn a strong vision into outstanding everyday practice.

Key responsibilities

• Help prepare the service for opening and welcome the first children and families


• Recruit, mentor and inspire a capable, caring team


• Embed high-quality practice, strong safeguarding and effective systems from day one


• Champion child-led learning, outdoor exploration and inclusive practice


• Create a welcoming environment where educators feel supported and families feel heard


• Lead continuous improvement with the ambition to establish a service of the highest quality


• Set clear expectations, have honest conversations and support professional growth


• Build trusting partnerships with families and meaningful community connections


• Manage staffing, rostering, enrolments and daily operations

About you

• Experience leading an early learning service, with the confidence to guide a team through opening and beyond


• A strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, National Quality Standard and Early Years Learning Framework


• A commitment to child safety, children's rights and respectful, responsive relationships


• Strong organisational skills across staffing, rostering, enrolments and daily operations


• A recognised Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care or an approved higher qualification


• A current Working with Children Check and relevant first aid, CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis training


• Experience establishing a new service would be highly regarded


• Energetic with real warmth and initiative, enjoying outdoor exploration and helping children develop confidence


• Understanding of outdoor adventures, sun-safe practices, water safety and thoughtful supervision


• Above-award wages that recognise your experience and leadership


• Leadership incentives to be discussed with the successful candidate


• An amazing work environment with a strong sense of purpose


• Close collaboration with passionate, experienced management


• The opportunity to contribute your ideas and help shape a brand-new service


• A coastal location and a philosophy that values nature, relationships and the joy of childhood

About us

First Waves Early Learning is committed to child safety and wellbeing. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.