Centre Manager

Journey Early Learning Group; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Bonus program

Above Award remuneration

Educator wage retention grant

Job summary

Journey Early Learning Knoxfield is seeking an experienced Centre Manager to lead an established 86-place centre, guiding a passionate team and shaping learning environments for children and families.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, occupancy, budgets, safety and compliance with the National Quality Framework, while fostering a positive, inclusive culture.

This role partners with Area Manager and Journey leadership to drive continuous improvement and community involvement.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience within Early Childhood Education & Care.
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong and inspiring leadership to your team.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with children, families and the local community.
• Coach and develop educators to reach their full potential.
• Drive high-quality educational outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the centre.
• Manage occupancy, budgets and other key operational outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework and Journey policies.
• Champion safeguarding, safety and wellbeing in the centre.

Skills

Centre leadership

Leadership

Budget management

NQF knowledge

Communication

Team development

Centre operations

Education

ACECQA-approved Diploma or Bachelor in ECE

Job description

• 496195
• Knoxfield, VIC
• Centre Manager
• Full time

Centre Manager – Knoxfield

Join Journey Early Learning & Lead an Exciting Established Centre!

We are seeking an exceptional and passionate Centre Manager to lead our exciting Journey Early Learning Centre Knoxfield.

This is a fantastic opportunity to take the lead of an established centre, build on its existing strengths and continue creating a positive, thriving environment for children, families and educators. You will be supported to lead a passionate team, strengthen relationships within the local community and drive the continued success of the service.

About Our Centre

At Journey Early Learning Knoxfield, you’ll join a close-knit, long-standing team where connection, collaboration, and consistency are at the heart of everything we do.

Our 86-place, single-level centre has been open for 4 years, offering a calm, connected environment across all rooms, with multi-age yards and our very own Bush Kinder in the backyard - creating daily opportunities for children to explore and learn through nature.

With a Centre Manager who has been there since opening and a team who’ve grown together over the years, you’ll feel genuinely supported. Programming is a shared approach, giving every educator a voice in planning and documenting meaningful learning.

Plus, with easy street parking and nearby bus stops, getting to and from work is simple - so you can focus on making a difference every day.

About The Role

As Centre Manager, you'll be at the heart of the service.

You’ll provide strong leadership and direction to your team, support the development and growth of your educators, build meaningful relationships with children and families, and drive positive outcomes across all areas of the centre.

Working closely with your Area Manager and the wider Journey leadership team, you'll lead the day-to-day operations of the centre while creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong and inspiring leadership to your team
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with children, families and the local community
• Support, coach and develop educators to reach their full potential
• Drive high-quality educational outcomes and continuous improvement
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre
• Manage occupancy, budgets and other key operational outcomes
• Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework and Journey policies
• Champion a strong culture of safeguarding, safety and wellbeing
• Create an inclusive and positive environment where everyone feels valued and supported

About You

You're a passionate and experienced ECEC leader who loves developing people, building strong relationships and creating meaningful outcomes for children.

You are confident leading a team, understand the operational requirements of a centre and are passionate about creating a culture where educators, children and families can thrive.

You'll Bring

• Previous Centre Manager or extensive leadership experience within Early Childhood Education & Care
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing occupancy, budgets and centre operations
• A genuine passion for developing and supporting people
• Commitment to creating safe, inclusive and high-quality environments
• ACECQA-approved Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education
• Current WWCC
• Current First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certifications

Why Journey?

At Journey Early Learning, our people are at the centre of everything we do.

We genuinely invest in our leaders, providing the support, development and opportunities needed to build rewarding long-term careers.

Some Of The Benefits You'll Enjoy

• Competitive Centre Manager salary package
• Centre Manager incentive and bonus program
• Above Award remuneration
• Educator Wage Retention Grant benefits (paid weekly)
• Childcare discount for your own children*
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Professional development and leadership training
• Access to Journey Academy
• Anniversary gifts and recognition programs
• Mental Health First Aid initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Direct access to senior leaders and founders
• Clear pathways for career growth and progression
• Terms and conditions apply.

Our EVP Pillars

Trust & Belief | Support & Wellbeing | Growth & Development | Passion & Possibilities

About Journey Early Learning

Journey Early Learning is committed to creating environments filled with curiosity, connection and belonging.

We believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported and celebrated. Through meaningful relationships, inspired learning experiences and a strong commitment to safeguarding, we create places where children, families and educators thrive together.

Ready to Lead Our Knoxfield Centre?

If you're an experienced and passionate leader ready to make a meaningful impact, lead a dedicated team and continue building an exciting and successful centre, we'd love to hear from you.

Journey Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children.