Team Leader - Early Years Planning And Partnerships

Council Jobs; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 107,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

End of trip facilities

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing programs

Professional development support

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Hobsons Bay City Council in Melbourne’s western suburbs is seeking a Team Leader for Early Years Planning and Partnerships. The role leads partnerships with providers, agencies and the community, guides a multidisciplinary team and drives continuous improvement in kindergarten services and registration schemes.

The successful applicant will have a tertiary qualification in a related field, extensive sector experience, and proven leadership with strong stakeholder skills.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Early Years, Social Science, Community Development or a related discipline, with substantial relevant experience.
• Experience in community services and/or early years sector, understanding services for children and families.
• Strong knowledge of Victorian kindergarten reforms, governance and funding frameworks.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary teams in complex service environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Analytical, financial and problem-solving skills using data and systems for planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic partnerships with early years providers, government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Oversee the Kindergarten Central Registration Scheme and drive improvements.
• Prepare funding submissions and support access to government funding opportunities.
• Provide expert advice on service planning, infrastructure needs, policy development and forecasting.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Strategic planning

Policy development

Financial analysis

Data management

Education

Tertiary qualification in Early Years / Social Science / Community Development

Job description

Team Leader - Early Years Planning And Partnerships

• Hobsons Bay CivicCentre, Altona, close to publictransport
• Position type:Permanent, Full Time
• Salary: Band 7 $106,557.18 -$118,949.67+ RDO +superannuation

We're here. We're community. We're Hobsons Bay.

At Hobsons Bay City Council, we’re committed tocreating a workplace that reflects our community and values. You’llbe part of a forward-thinking organisation that supportsinnovation, collaboration, and professional growth, and whichaspires to be the exemplar of Local Government.

The opportunity

The Team Leader Early YearsPlanning and Partnerships is a strategic leadership roleresponsible for supporting high-quality kindergarten andearly years services across Hobsons Bay. Working closelywith service providers, government agencies and communitystakeholders, this position leads planning, partnerships,service improvement initiatives and the KindergartenCentral Registration Scheme while building ahigh-performing team and responding to the current andfuture needs of local children and families. We're lookingfor someone who can join us in early January 2027 and hitthe ground running in this exciting leadershipopportunity.

What you’ll do

• Lead strategicpartnerships with early years providers, government agencies and community stakeholders.
• Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative andhigh-performing culture.
• Oversee the KindergartenCentral Registration Scheme and drive continuousimprovement initiatives.
• Prepare fundingsubmissions and support access to government fundingopportunities.
• Provide expert advice onservice planning, infrastructure needs, policy developmentand future demand forecasting.

What you need to succeed

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Early Years, Social Science, Community Development or a related discipline,supported by substantial relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience within the community servicesand/or early years sector, with a strong understanding ofservices that support children, families andcommunities.
• Strong knowledge of early years legislation, funding,governance frameworks and Victorian kindergarten reforms,with the ability to apply this knowledge to serviceplanning and continuous improvement.
• Proven people leadership experience, with the ability to develop, motivate and lead high-performing teams in complexservice environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation andconflict resolution skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and influence positiveoutcomes.
• Strong analytical, financial and problem-solving skills,including experience using business systems, databases anddata to inform decision-making and drive continuousimprovement.
• Strong people leadership skills, including experienceleading, developing and motivating teams to achieve highperformance.

To be considered for this role applications should include

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) which should outlineyour interest in the role
• A current CV which includes key achievements & relevantqualifications

Uncover more about this role in the PositionDescription attached below, orcontact Michelle Findlay, Coordinator Early Yearsvia *******@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Applications will be accepted until 11:30pm on 22ndOctober 2026.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Progressed candidates will be required to complete a National Police Record Check, & a Working With Children Check(WWCC). Candidates must also hold a valid Victorian Driver's License.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa with full unrestricted working rights. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitmentprocess.

What we can offer

• Hybrid working flexibility, whether you're home, or in our newly renovated & spacious office facilities.
• Our location in the centre of Altona is close to publictransport, cafes and parks. Enjoy your lunch at the pier, or anafternoon walk along the lake.
• Go to the gym or ride your bike before work? Our End ofTrip Facility offers bike storage and shower facilities to getyou refreshed and ready to go!
• Exclusive staff access to our Employee Assistance Program, wellbeing programs, discounted local gym membership, Reflexology sessions, Meditation, Yoga & Circuit classes,and walking & social clubs.
• Ongoing professional development support - we'll championyour growth, because your career matters to us!
• A team that’s shaping a brighter future, working together to create a sustainable, thriving community for generations tocome.

We are a proud inclusive employer. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply for our job opportunities. Our commitment is to provide diverse, safe and inclusive environments where everyone can grow and succeed.

Attachments:

- 20260902 TL- EY Planning and Partnerships PD.pdf
- 20260902 TL- EY Planning and Partnerships PD.docx