Experienced Centre Director

Guardian Early Learning Group; Caloundra; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Coaching sessions

Leadership Academy

Thrive and To Be Me programs

Centre Directors Bonus Scheme

Support from Area Managers

Job summary

Guardian Caloundra is seeking a dedicated Centre Director to lead the centre community, uniting educators, families and children around care, learning and safety. You’ll drive high‑quality practice, strengthen operational performance and champion a culture of continuous improvement across the team.

You’ll access tailored development opportunities through the Leadership Academy and coaching, with a performance‑based bonus linked to occupancy, safety and quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Has successfully led an Early Childhood Education and Care service.
• Builds engaged, high‑performing teams.
• Demonstrates strong operational, commercial and compliance capability.
• Builds trusted relationships with children, families and local communities.
• Leads with confidence, accountability, authenticity and care.
• Holds relevant early childhood qualifications and can meet Nominated Supervisor requirements.
• Is committed to continuous learning and growing as a leader.
• Wants to make a meaningful difference for children, families and the people they lead.

Skills

Centre leadership

Team leadership

Operational excellence

Relationship building

Education

Early childhood qualifications

Job description

Invest in your leadership. Grow your impact. Lead with Guardian.

We believe great leadership starts with care – for children, for families, for your team and for yourself. As a Centre Director, you’re at the heart of your centre community. You bring together people, practice and purpose to create an environment where educators can do their best work, families feel a genuine sense of connection and children feel confident and inspired to learn. That’s why, at Guardian, you’ll have access to genuine development opportunities, industry‑leading support and career pathways designed to help exceptional leaders continue to grow – in their leadership, their impact and their careers.

As a Guardian Centre Director, you’ll have access to:

• Up to 12 confidential one-to-one professional coaching sessions every year
• A dedicated Leadership Academy designed specifically for Centre Leaders
• Exclusive programs including Thrive and To Be Me, supporting meaningful outcomes for children, families and teams
• A sector‑leading bonus opportunity that recognises the impact you create
• Ongoing support from experienced Area Managers and specialist support teams

Career pathways to support your continual development as a leader A national community of leaders who understand the challenges, opportunities and rewards of centre leadership.

This is more than just another Centre Director role.

Why Leaders Choose Guardian

Professional Coaching

Leadership is rewarding, but it comes with challenges. That’s why every Guardian Centre Director has access to up to 12 coaching sessions annually with an independent coach. Whether you’re strengthening your leadership, navigating a challenge, building confidence or preparing for your next career step, coaching gives you dedicated time focused entirely on you and your growth.

The Guardian Leadership Academy

Our Leadership Academy is designed to support current and aspiring Centre Directorsthrough practical learning, leadership development, professional coaching and real‑world experiences. You’ll be part of a community of leaders who share ideas, learn from one another and are committed to continuous improvement and exceptional outcomes.

Industry‑Leading Practice and Innovation

We’re always looking for better ways to support children to thrive – and we give our leaders the tools and frameworks to make that happen. Our exclusive To BE Me learning programs and Thrive framework support environments where children, educators and leaders can flourish. They give Centre Directors practical, proven approaches to strengthen educator capability, support children’s development and wellbeing, and turn great leadership into meaningful outcomes.

Rewarding High Performance

We recognise the impact strong Centre Directors have on their centres, teams and communities. Our Centre Directors Bonus Scheme creates a direct link between your leadership and your earning potential. Actively build your bonus opportunity throughout the year and be recognised for the results you achieve - growing centre occupancy while maintaining strong safety, quality, compliance and attendance outcomes.

A Strong Support Network

You’ll lead your centre with confidence, backed by experienced Area Managers, specialist support teams, the Leadership Academy and a national community of Centre Directors. Because great leaders deserve great support.

About You

You’re an experienced Centre Director who:

• Has successfully led an Early Childhood Education and Care service
• Builds engaged, high‑performing teams
• Demonstrates strong operational, commercial and compliance capability
• Builds trusted relationships with children, families and local communities
• Leads with confidence, accountability, authenticity and care
• Holds relevant early childhood qualifications and can meet Nominated Supervisor requirements
• Is committed to continuous learning and growing as a leader
• Wants to make a meaningful difference for children, families and the people they lead

The Centre

Guardian Caloundra is a welcoming, beautifully designed centre with high‑quality learning environments, a passionate and supportive team, and strong connections with the local community.

Guardian Childcare & Education values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We are committed to providing a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to progress.

We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

At Guardian Childcare & Education, children’s safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm. We rigorously screen all potential team members, requiring a 10‑year verifiable resume, 5 years of direct manager references, and other security checks to ensure they meet our high standards. *for those who have not been in employment that long, these expectations will be adjusted.