Multi-Site Facilities & Contracts Lead — Early Learning

Explorers Early Learning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Learning & Development

Awards Night

Employee discount program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Explorers Early Learning is seeking an experienced Facilities & Contracts Manager to lead facilities operations and strengthen contract management across its expanding network of 21+ Melbourne centres. You will build scalable systems, manage assets, and oversee contractor relationships in a multi-site environment.

You will drive compliance, safety programs, and capital works while leading a small team. The role emphasizes proactive improvements, budgeting, procurement, and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Proven experience in facilities, property or contracts management.
• Strong contract management expertise, including managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms, monitoring service delivery, renewals and ensuring contractual obligations are met.
• A continuous improvement mindset with ability to identify inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions.
• An interest in leveraging technology, automation and AI to streamline processes, improve data visibility and drive operational efficiencies.
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience managing budgets, procurement, suppliers and cost-control initiatives.
• Sound understanding of building maintenance, contractor management, compliance and workplace health and safety.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence and drive accountability across a diverse business.

Responsibilities

• Developing and managing a rolling preventative maintenance programme and resolving reactive maintenance requests within agreed timeframes.
• Leading OHS, compliance and child safety obligations across all centres, including risk assessments and safety inspections.
• Drive contract management across facilities, maintenance and service providers, including contract negotiations, performance monitoring, renewals, compliance and value for money.
• Build and improve systems and processes to create consistent, scalable and efficient facilities management practices across the business.
• New centre openings – facilities readiness sign-off, builder handover packs and warranty/defect liability tracking.
• Maintaining an accurate asset register and overseeing minor capital works and refurbishments as well as statutory testing tracking.
• Building strong relationships with Centre Directors and Operations Managers, communicating planned works and disruptions.
• Leading, scheduling, and developing a team of 4–6 direct reports.

Skills

Facilities management

Contract management

Continuous improvement

Technology adoption

Budgeting & procurement

Stakeholder management

Health & safety compliance

Job description

Explorers Early Learning is seeking an experienced Facilities & Contracts Manager to lead facilities operations and strengthen contract management across its expanding network of 21+ Melbourne centres. You will build scalable systems, manage assets, and oversee contractor relationships in a multi-site environment.

You will drive compliance, safety programs, and capital works while leading a small team. The role emphasizes proactive improvements, budgeting, procurement, and stakeholder