Early Childhood Centre Director

Sutherland Shire Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

ECEC Worker Retention Allowance

Novated leasing

Salary sacrificing

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Centre Director to lead a high‑quality early learning service. You will empower educators, foster strong family partnerships and drive educational excellence, while building a positive culture across the centre and network.

You'll lead from the front, manage staff and budgets, and collaborate with specialist support to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and families.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Proven leadership experience within an early childhood setting.
• Ability to inspire, coach and develop educators to be their best.
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, EYLF and relevant legislation.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to child safety, quality practice and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative leadership style and passion for building positive team cultures.
• NESA accreditation where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of educators.
• Drive high-quality learning outcomes for children.
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture.
• Build trusted partnerships with families and the local community.
• Oversee centre operations, staffing and budgets.
• Ensure excellence in quality, compliance and child safety.
• Coach, mentor and develop future leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Relationship-building

Quality & safety

Education

Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and Care

NESA Early Childhood Teacher Accreditation (where applicable)

Job description

Lead a Centre. Grow a Team. Change Lives. Imagine leading a centre where you can focus on children, families and your team, backed by specialist support, experienced peers and a Council that genuinely invests in your success. At Sutherland Shire Council, you'll be part of a connected network of Early Education services, with the support, flexibility and career opportunities that help you thrive both professionally and personally.

Why Join Us?

Salary & Benefits

• Salary package up to $124,574 + 12% superannuation + ECEC Worker Retention Allowance
• Council commitment to an 8% pay increase over the next two years
• Novated leasing and salary sacrificing options
• Up to 26 weeks paid leave if you or someone in your care experiences a serious illness or accident
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support
• Fitness Passport
• Annual flu vaccinations

Work-Life Balance That Works

• Accrue up to 2 days off per month
• 4 weeks annual leave
• 5 additional MyLeave days (to support your health and wellbeing)
• 3 weeks sick leave
• 7 days personal leave

Leadership Network Behind You

It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a strong support network to lead a thriving early learning service. As part of our network, you'll have access to specialist support across enrolments, inclusion, curriculum, quality, child safety and business operations. You'll also be part of a collaborative community of Centre Directors who share ideas, solve challenges together and celebrate success, while building a legacy you can be truly proud of.

Grow Your Career

• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
• Leadership networking and mentoring
• Career growth within one of NSW's largest local government early education providers

About the Role

This is more than managing a centre. It's about creating a place where children thrive, educators grow and families feel connected. As an Early Childhood Centre Director, you'll lead a high-quality early learning service, building a positive team culture, driving educational excellence and creating meaningful outcomes for children and families. You'll lead from the front, empowering educators, fostering strong family partnerships and creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and inspired to succeed.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead and inspire a team of educators
• Drive high-quality learning outcomes for children
• Foster a positive and inclusive team culture
• Build trusted partnerships with families and the local community
• Oversee centre operations, staffing and budgets
• Ensure excellence in quality, compliance and child safety
• Coach, mentor and develop future leaders

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a great leader. Someone who is passionate about early childhood education, committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children, and capable of building a workplace where educators love coming to work. Whether you're Diploma or Bachelor-qualified, you'll bring the leadership capability, experience and passion needed to lead a successful service and make a lasting impact on children, families and your team.

• Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Proven leadership experience within an early childhood education and care setting
• The ability to inspire, coach and develop educators to be their best
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, EYLF and relevant legislation
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A commitment to child safety, quality practice and continuous improvement
• A collaborative leadership style and a passion for building positive team cultures
• NESA Early Childhood Teacher Accreditation (where applicable)

Reach out to Renae Giles, Senior Manager Early Education & Child Protection [e-mail] for any job specific enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.