Centre Director - fixed term contract

Tradewind; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Australia partnering with a Carlton-based early learning service seeks an experienced Early Learning Manager for a fixed-term contract from 2 November 2026 to the end of February 2027. Lead a four-room service with a diverse team and collaborate with onsite educational leadership to ensure high-quality care and education.

You will drive operational excellence, rostering and staff development while maintaining strong community ties and inclusive practice aligned with EYLF and NQF

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in an Early Learning Manager, Centre Manager, Centre Director or equivalent senior leadership role.
• The confidence and resilience to lead a complex service and manage competing priorities.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• A compassionate, inclusive approach when working with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong operational management skills, including rostering, staffing and workforce planning.
• The ability to mentor and support emerging leaders.
• A sound understanding of the EYLF, National Quality Framework and regulatory requirements.
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset with sound decision-making under pressure.
• Commitment to child safety, wellbeing and high-quality early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible, hands-on leadership across a four-room service.
• Build trust and confidence within a diverse team with clear direction and support.
• Oversee daily operations, rostering and workforce planning.
• Develop and mentor the Assistant Manager and leadership capability.
• Maintain strong relationships with families, including those with complex circumstances.
• Promote culturally responsive, inclusive practice for the local community.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, NQF and child safety requirements.
• Collaborate with educational leaders and neighbouring services.
• Address operational and team challenges calmly and proactively.
• Maintain a positive, child-focused culture.

Skills

Leadership

Staff Rostering

Regulatory Knowledge

EYLF Knowledge

Inclusive Practice

Family Engagement

Child Safety

Job description

Early Learning Manager | Fixed-Term Contract | Carlton

Lead with compassion. Build team confidence. Make a meaningful difference.

Tradewind Australia is partnering with a well-established early learning service in Carlton to recruit an experienced Early Learning Manager for a fixed-term contract from 2 November 2026 until the end of February 2027.

This is an opportunity for a confident, resilient and compassionate early childhood leader who can step into a busy service, provide immediate leadership and support a diverse team through a period of transition.

Located within a school precinct and working alongside maternal and child health and family support services, this 99-place centre plays an important role in its local community. With families from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, the service offers a rewarding environment for a leader who understands the importance of inclusive practice, strong relationships and accessible, high-quality early learning.

The Opportunity

• Position: Early Learning Manager
  
• Location: Carlton, VIC
  
• Contract: Fixed-term, 2 November 2026 to the end of February 2027
  
• Salary: $118,100-$135,000 per annum, pro rata, depending on experience
  

The service comprises four rooms, including two kindergarten rooms and two rooms catering to children under three. You will lead a diverse workforce across a mix of full-time, part-time and casual employment arrangements, with support from an Assistant Manager and onsite educational leadership resources.

The priority is to provide strong, consistent leadership from day one, ensuring the team feels supported, daily operations run smoothly and children and families continue to receive a high standard of care and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visible, hands-on leadership across a large, four-room early learning service
  
• Build trust and confidence within a diverse team, providing clear direction and consistent support
  
• Oversee daily operations, staffing, rostering and workforce planning
  
• Support and develop the Assistant Manager, building their leadership capability and confidence
  
• Maintain strong relationships with families, including those experiencing complex circumstances
  
• Promote culturally responsive, inclusive practice that reflects the needs of the local community
  
• Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, the National Quality Framework and child safety requirements
  
• Work collaboratively with educational leaders and neighbouring community services
  
• Address operational and team challenges calmly, professionally and proactively
  
• Maintain a positive, child-focused culture where educators, children and families feel valued and supported
  

About You

You are an experienced early childhood leader who can confidently step into a demanding environment, assess priorities quickly and provide the stability and direction a team needs.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in an Early Learning Manager, Centre Manager, Centre Director or equivalent senior leadership role
  
• The confidence and resilience to lead a complex service and manage competing priorities
  
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
  
• A compassionate, inclusive approach when working with families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
  
• Strong operational management skills, including rostering, staffing and workforce planning
  
• The ability to mentor and support emerging leaders
  
• A sound understanding of the EYLF, National Quality Framework and relevant regulatory requirements
  
• A practical, solutions-focused mindset and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure
  
• A genuine commitment to child safety, wellbeing and high-quality early childhood education
  

Experience leading diverse teams and working with families with complex support needs will be highly regarded.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Make an immediate impact: Provide stability and direction during a key transition period.
  
• Lead with purpose: Support children and families in a diverse, community-focused environment.
  
• Develop your leadership impact: Mentor emerging leaders and strengthen team capability.
  
• Enjoy a defined contract: A fixed-term opportunity running from November through to the end of February.
  

Child Safety & Wellbeing

Tradewind Australia is committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people. We expect all candidates to share this commitment and uphold relevant child safety legislation, the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations and applicable organisational policies.

Successful applicants will be required to satisfy relevant screening and compliance requirements, including a valid Working with Children Check and any other checks required for the position.

Tradewind Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

#SCR-bianca-baron-1