Centre Manager

G8 Education Ltd; Shire of Cardinia; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

50% childcare fee discount

Paid training and leadership programs

Access to 400+ career opportunities

Additional leave after 12 months

First Steps onboarding program

Job summary

Community Kids Pakenham, part of the G8 Education family, is seeking a Centre Manager to lead a thriving 100‑place centre with a welcoming, family‑focused culture. You will oversee daily operations, staffing, budgets and parent communication while inspiring educators through coaching, mentoring and professional growth.

Designing engaging, age‑appropriate activities and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, you will foster inclusion, teamwork and community connections.

Qualifications

• ACECQA approved Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare centre, including a leadership role.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily centre operations, including staffing, budgets and parent communication.
• Inspire and support Educators through coaching, mentoring and professional growth.
• Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities for children's holistic development.
• Prioritise children's safety and well-being, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
• Cultivate a positive, inclusive culture with teamwork and diversity.

Skills

Staff management

Budgeting

Coaching & mentoring

Communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

ACECQA approved Diploma

Job description

Nurturing the greatness in every child - and in you.

Our Opportunity

Join Community Kids Pakenham as our Centre Manager and lead a thriving 100-place centre known for its welcoming, family-focused environment and strong reputation within the local community. You'll be supported by a dedicated, long-standing team of educators who bring diverse experience, individual strengths and a shared commitment to quality early education. With genuine relationships at the heart of everything we do, this is an opportunity to lead a centre where families feel valued, educators feel supported, and community connections continue to grow.

If you're a passionate leader who values collaboration, strong relationships and making a lasting impact, we'd love you to be part of our team.

This role is offered as a Full Time Permanent

What You'll Do:

• Manage daily centre operations, including staffing, budgets, and parent communication.
• Inspire and support Educators and Teachers through coaching, mentoring, and professional growth.
• Design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities for children's holistic development.
• Prioritise children's safety and well-being, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations and standards.
• Cultivate a positive, inclusive culture that values teamwork and diversity.

What you'll bring:

• ACECQA approved Diploma (or higher) in Early Childhood Education.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a licensed childcare centre or similar setting, including experience in a leadership role.
• A current Working with Children Check
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and manage priorities effectively.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

The Perks:

G8 Education is dedicated to empowering our team members with the resources and rewards they deserve. With a network of over 400 early learning centres nationwide, G8 Education offers exceptional resources, benefits and endless opportunities for growth

• Competitive Salary: Enjoy above-award compensation and a bi-annual bonus of up to 12.5%.
• Childcare Benefits of 50% fee discount at any G8 Centre.
• Professional Growth and development with paid training, leadership programs, and access to 400 career opportunities nationwide.
• Flexibility tailored to you. We provide a range of options to suit your lifestyle and needs. Exclusive access to G8's benefits platform, with access to discount 350+ retailers.
• Purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave after 12 months of service.
• Dedicated focus on your personal and professional development, including The First Steps Centre Manager Onboarding and Induction Program, paid training and access to G8's online Learning Lounge.

Above Else - We've Got Your Back!

At G8 Education, we set you up for success with our 6-month Centre Manager First Steps Induction Program. You'll enjoy:

• 4 weeks of hands‑on guidance with a Certified Trainer.
• Leadership and development workshops with industry experts.
• Ongoing support from our First Steps Team and your Area Manager.

United by purpose. Guided by values.

At G8 Education, we're proud to celebrate, support, and inspire our 10,000+ team members as they make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their own.

Driven by our purpose "to nurture the greatness in every child to grow, thrive and learn" and guided by our values, we're shaping bright futures for children, families, communities, and each other.

Our values:

Safety First & Always, Thriving Together, Owning the Outcome, Being the Difference, Building Bright Futures.

Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process includes police checks and verification of qualifications and right-to-work status.

Please note that the advertised closing date is indicative only, and applications may close earlier. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

G8 Education is a committed advocate for child protection, safety and wellbeing. We have a zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm. The safety and wellbeing of children will always be our priority, and all team members are expected to embrace this shared commitment.