Early Childhood Manager - Diggers Rest

Whittlesea; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above award wages

Staff childcare discounts

Up to 3 additional leave days

Job summary

Y Whittlesea is seeking an experienced Early Childhood leader to shape the service at our Diggers Rest ELC, ensuring safety, excellence, and a positive team culture. You will mentor educators, lead compliance, and build authentic partnerships with families and the community.

This not-for-profit organisation prioritises professional growth, collaboration, and meaningful impact on children and families, with above‑award wages and staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an Early Childhood service.
• Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education.
• Current Working with Children Check.
• National Police Check dated within last 6 months.
• First Aid (HLTAID012) and CPR valid.
• Australian Working Rights.
• Strong knowledge of NQF, Regulations and Child Safe Standards.
• Ability to build and sustain a strong team culture.
• Leadership style that is steady, supportive and solutions-focused.

Responsibilities

• Lead a culture of excellence aligned to the National Quality Framework.
• Champion child safety as a lived practice.
• Build a positive, high-performing and fun team culture.
• Mentor educators through coaching, reflection and growth conversations.
• Lead compliance and operations with confidence and clarity.
• Partner authentically with families and community.
• Create a service environment where people love to work and children love to learn.

Skills

Early Childhood leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Team culture building

Compliance & safety management

Communication & stakeholder engagement

Education

Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education (ECT preferred)

Job description

Are you ready to lead a service where quality is intentional, safety is uncompromising, and team culture truly matters?

We’re looking for an experienced Early Childhood leader who is confident, values-driven and ready to make a lasting impact - not just manage a service but shape it.

This is a role for someone who believes that when educators feel supported, inspired and connected, children thrive.

About Y Whittlesea

Y Whittlesea is a not-for-profit that happens to be the oldest youth organisation in the world and oldest social enterprise, where all profits go back into our communities. Our Early Learning spaces are where little imaginations thrive! With caring educators, engaging activities and outdoor adventures, we foster a love of learning. We’re also proud to be a participating employer in the Education Care Workers Retention Payment Scheme, supporting the recognition and retention of dedicated professionals in the childcare sector.

Our Diggers Rest ELC is at the heart of Diggers Rest, close to the primary school and train station. Our centre offers long daycare from nursery age, through to 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten.

What You’ll Lead

• Drive a culture of excellence aligned to the National Quality Framework
• Champion child safety as a lived practice - not just a policy
• Build a positive, high-performing and fun team culture
• Mentor educators through coaching, reflection and growth conversations
• Lead compliance and operations with confidence and clarity
• Partner authentically with families and community
• Create a service environment where people love to work and children love to learn

What You’ll Bring

• Strong demonstrated experience in an Early Childhood leadership role
• Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education (ECT preferred)
• A current employee Working with Children Check
• National Police Check dated in the last 6 months (or willing to obtain)
• Current First Aid (HLTAID012) and CPR
• Australian Working Rights
• Strong knowledge of NQF, Regulations and Child Safe Standards
• A proven ability to build and sustain strong team culture
• Confidence in managing quality, compliance and performance
• A leadership style that is steady, supportive and solutions-focused

You are someone who sets high expectations, backs your team, has courageous conversations when needed, and celebrates wins along the way.

Why Join Us?

Because leadership should feel purposeful - and supported.

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values:

• Strong systems and safe practice
• Professional growth and leadership development
• Collaboration over hierarchy
• Energy, optimism and shared success
• Making a real difference in the lives of children and families

As part of the Y Whittlesea team, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of:

• Above award wages as a participating employer in the Education Care Workers Retention Payment Scheme.
• Generous staff childcare discounts
• Up to 3 additional leave days over the end of year shut-down period

If you’re ready to lead boldly, support deeply, and build something meaningful with your team, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close date: 15 November 2026

Safeguarding at the Y

At the Y, we are committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. As such, we ensure that all of our candidates are appropriately screened (including police checks) to make sure that the right people are in the right roles.

https://ymca.org.au/about-us/safeguarding-children-young-people/safeguardingresources/

The Y is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people.