Centre Manager – An Opportunity to Lead an Exceptional Early Learning Centre

Little Paddington; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive owners

Professional autonomy

Competitive salary

Staff development

Job summary

Little Paddington in Melbourne's South Eastern Suburbs is looking for an experienced Centre Director to lead a 60-place long day care with a strong culture of care and quality. You will provide educational and operational leadership, mentor a dedicated team of educators and ensure informed compliance with the National Quality Framework.

The role offers professional autonomy, a supportive ownership team and an attractive salary package negotiable with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Requires Diploma in Early Childhood Education and eligibility for Centre Director approval.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills essential.
• Solid knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and National Quality Standard (NQS).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of educators.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families and staff.
• Ensure excellence in education, care and compliance with NQF/NQS.
• Oversee staffing, enrolments and centre operations.
• Collaborate with owners who value professional expertise.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Centre Manager – An Opportunity to Lead an Exceptional Early Learning Centre

Family-Owned | 60-Place Long Day Care Centre

Outstanding leadership opportunities like this don't come along often.

For over 30 years, our family-owned early learning centre has been providing exceptional education and care to children and families in Melbourne's South Eastern Suburbs. We have built a reputation for quality, stability and genuine relationships.

Our greatest strength is our people. We are proud to have an experienced, committed team, with several educators having worked at our centre for more than 20 years. We believe in creating a positive, respectful workplace where staff feel valued, supported and enjoy coming to work each day.

We are now seeking an experienced and inspirational Centre Director to lead our wonderful team into the next chapter.

About the Role

As Centre Director, you will provide educational and operational leadership while nurturing the positive culture that has made our centre successful for three decades.

You will:

• Lead, mentor and inspire a dedicated team of educators.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families and staff.
• Ensure excellence in education, care and compliance with the National Quality Framework.
• Guide continuous quality improvement.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of the service, including staffing, enrolments and centre operations.
• Work collaboratively with supportive owners who value your professional expertise and leadership.

About You

You are an experienced early childhood leader who:

• Has previous experience as a Centre Director.
• Demonstrates strong leadership and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Is passionate about building positive team culture.
• Has sound knowledge of the National Quality Framework and National Quality Standard.
• Leads with integrity, professionalism and kindness.
• Holds an approved Early Childhood qualification suitable for Centre Director approval (minimum Diploma).

What We Offer

• Leadership of a respected, family-owned centre with an outstanding reputation.
• A loyal, experienced and welcoming team.
• Exceptionally low staff turnover and a positive workplace culture.
• Supportive owners who value collaboration rather than micromanagement.
• Professional autonomy and opportunities for continued growth.
• An attractive salary package, negotiable according to qualifications and experience.