Centre Director Focus on people, not paperwork | Hoppers Crossing

Early Years Talent; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early childhood education provider in Melbourne seeks a Centre Director to launch a new 110-place learning centre. This role allows you to focus on people and culture with the support of head office for administration tasks. The ideal candidate has strong leadership experience in early childhood and a passion for community engagement. Competitive salary and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Above-award salary

Performance incentives

Staff childcare discount

Paid professional development

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a leadership role within a long day care environment.
• Solid knowledge of the National Quality Framework and EYLF.

Responsibilities

• Lead an entirely new team and shape the centre's identity.
• Set the standard for excellence in quality, culture, and community engagement.

Skills

Excellent communication and people skills

Proactive, collaborative approach to compliance

Education

Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care

Job description

Imagine leading a brand-new 110-place early learning centre where your energy is invested in people, not paperwork. Where the head office takes care of recruitment, financial reporting, and compliance freeing you to inspire, mentor, and create the learning culture you have always wanted.

This is that role. A rare opportunity to build a new service from day one, with strong operational support behind you and complete creative control in front of you.

At Early Years Talent, we connect exceptional early childhood leaders with services that prioritise people over profit. This service in Hoppers Crossing is the perfect example beautifully designed, community-focused, and backed by an organisation that believes leaders should lead, not drown in admin.

Why you will love this role

• True leadership freedom: head office and 2IC to assist with managing the admin load you lead the people, pedagogy, and purpose.
• Generous package: above-award salary, performance incentives, and staff childcare discount.
  Career growth: opportunities to step into senior or area management roles.
• Professional wellbeing: paid PD tailored to your interests, plus wellbeing programs that actually make a difference.
• Beautiful environment: brand-new resources, expansive outdoor spaces, and thoughtfully designed rooms.

About the opportunity

The service has recently welcomed 110 children into natural, light-filled learning spaces. Centrally located near public transport, it also provides on-site parking for the Centre Director.

You will lead an entirely new team, shape the centre's identity, and set the standard for excellence in quality, culture, and community engagement.

About you

You are an experienced early childhood leader with a deep understanding that great outcomes start with great teams. You are confident in guiding others, managing operations, and building genuine connections with families and the community.

To thrive, you will need:

• Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care (or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership role within a long day care environment
• Solid knowledge of the National Quality Framework and EYLF
• Excellent communication and people skills
• A proactive, collaborative approach to compliance and continuous improvement

Are you ready to lead with purpose?

Even if you are just curious, apply today and we can start the conversation. Sometimes the best opportunities begin as a maybe.