Centre Manager (Education and Care Lead) across two services/centres

at; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit early childhood organization in Western Australia is seeking a Centre Manager (Education and Care Lead) to oversee two centres. This role involves mentoring educators and ensuring compliance with standards, fostering a welcoming community, and promoting the organization's values. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in early childhood education and a deep commitment to children's wellbeing. Competitive salary and professional growth opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Inclusive work culture

Competitive remuneration

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience in a leadership role within ECEC.
• Strong understanding of ECEC operations and compliance.
• Passion for not-for-profit early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support educators in best practices.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Manage daily operations of two centres.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Operational capability

Teamwork

Business acumen

Education

Experience as Centre Manager or equivalent leadership role

Job description

Centre Manager (Education and Care Lead) across two services/centres

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Are you looking for a new, exciting and fulfilling role in the new year?

Would you love to join a not-for-profit organisation that puts purpose before profit?

Gowrie WA is seeking an exceptional Centre Manager (Education and Care Lead) to lead two of our vibrant early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres. We’re excited to be recruiting for this role due to some wonderful internal changes within our team. One of our long-standing managers will be stepping into the Assistant Manager position next year to undertake further study, and another valued team member for over eight years, will be welcoming a new baby early in the new year. These positive transitions have created an opportunity for a new team member to join our organisation and contribute to our continued growth and stability.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate, experienced professional to guide, mentor, and inspire teams while shaping learning environments where children, families, and educators truly thrive.

As a not-for-profit organisation with a long history and a deeply valued culture, we are looking for someone who will help us continue to nurture what makes Gowrie so special, which is our commitment to children’s wellbeing, our focus on relationships, and the genuine sense of community that defines our services. It is also our focus on purpose, and not on profit.

About the Role

As the Education and Care Lead across two services, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality practice, compliance, and operations. You will work closely with our dedicated management team and have the scope to contribute your expertise, creativity, and leadership, sharing your time across both sites with great support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, mentoring and supporting educators to embed strong pedagogy, reflective practice and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Overseeing and maintaining compliance across both centres, ensuring all regulatory and organisational standards are consistently met.
• Building and nurturing professional, trusting relationships with your teams, families, children, and the broader community.
• Managing smooth day-to-day operations, including staffing, enrolments, adherence to the EYLF, and centre presentation.
• Fostering an inclusive, supportive and collaborative culture aligned with Gowrie’s not-for-profit values and vision.
• Rolling up your sleeves and exercising a positive attitude reflecting that no task is too big or too small when it contributes to the wellbeing of children and the success of the team.
• Working with your team and others to promote, market and share the love about Gowrie WA, our purpose and values, and our centres and services.

About You

As the Education and Care Lead, you are an inspiring leader who is committed to quality early learning, strong relationships, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, Gowrie teams, and Gowrie.

You will bring:

• Minimum of two years’ experience as a Centre Manager or equivalent leadership role within ECEC. Shorter time periods may be considered.
• A deep passion for the not-for-profit early childhood sector, with alignment to Gowrie’s purpose and values.
• Strong operational capability and a clear understanding of the full range of ECEC centre tasks, systems and workflows.
• High-level interpersonal skills, with the ability to build, sustain and strengthen professional relationships.
• Sound business acumen, with the ability to balance business with decisions that place the needs, interests and wellbeing of children at the centre of every action.
• A willingness to pitch in and model teamwork, integrity and commitment in all aspects of centre life.
• Drive, curiosity, and a commitment to ongoing professional learning, supported by Gowrie’s experienced leaders.

Why Join Gowrie WA?

• Work in and be an important member of a purpose-driven, values-aligned not-for-profit organisation.
• Be part of a trusted team that genuinely focuses on children first.
• Contribute to a warm, inclusive and supportive culture where your leadership matters.
• Access opportunities for professional growth, mentoring, and skill development.
• Lead two centres where community, connection and quality practice are at the heart of everything we do.
• Be well remunerated and respected for the role you are in.

If you would like to be part of a not-for-profit organisation that’s been shaping early learning since 1940, and you are committed to delivering exceptional care and education while fostering a positive and collaborative environment, we would be delighted to have you join our team. Contact us to find out more, or to apply now.

Gowrie WA celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Gowrie Western Australia has a zero tolerance for any form of child abuse. Our organisation is committed to ensuring all children feel valued and safe. We implement and advocate for child safe environments. Robust and transparent vetting and human resource practices are strictly adhered to during the recruitment process inclusive of application, interview and reference checking. Those who apply for a role at Gowrie WA should be conscious that our organisation will carry out thorough checks through references and employment history based on organisational requirements. This helps to ensure we are recruiting the right people for our organisation, and for the safeguarding of children.

Apply now and become part of the Gowrie WA story.

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
• How many years' experience do you have as an Education Manager?
• How many years of people management experience do you have?