Centre Manager

YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Health & dental benefits

Employer pension match

Free YMCA memberships

Professional development

Discounts on programs

Mental Health on Demand

Career advancement

Job summary

YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is seeking a Centre Manager to lead the Early Learning and Child Care program, supervising staff and ensuring high-quality delivery for children from infants to 13 years. You will guide program operations, mentor staff, and maintain a safe, engaging environment.

Reporting to the Manager of Early Learning and Child Care, you will manage budgets, recruit and coach staff, and build community partnerships while upholding YMCA core values and safeguarding

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years supervisory experience in child care.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and foster teamwork.
• Experience recruiting, hiring, performance management and training staff.
• Experience in developing and managing a budget.
• Strong interpersonal communication; knowledge of YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum.
• Current First Aid and CPR Level C.
• Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Direct supervision, recruitment, orientation, and performance management of staff.
• Model leadership aligning with YMCA HBB core values.
• Inform staff on best practices and pedagogy for program delivery.
• Ensure centre meets licensing requirements (CCEYA).
• Apply HR and childcare policies consistently and ensure fair processes.
• Coordinate staff schedules and complete payroll for designated staff.
• Participate in budget planning and monitor expenses/revenue.
• Develop community relationships with groups, schools, and ministry.
• Chair Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings.
• Lead staff huddles and organizational initiatives.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Recruitment

Staff training

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Education

ECE degree or diploma

Member of College of Early Childhood Educators

First Aid & CPR Level C

Police Records Check clearance

Job description

Starting Salary: $61,172.80 - $66,000 , commensurate with experience

Department: Child Care

Employment Type: Full-Time, 18-Month Contract; includes benefits and a complimentary YMCA membership

Deadline to Apply: Oct 13, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: November 2026

Benefits & Perks: We offer an array of total rewards to recognize loyalty, longevity, and passion for the work we do:

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
• Generous pension plans with employer matching
• Free YMCA Health & Fitness Memberships
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships
• Reduced rates for YMCA Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
• Mental Health on Demand (MHOD)
• Opportunities for career advancement

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager of Early Learning and Child Care, the Centre Manager provides leadership and stability in the development and direct delivery of program, as well as being an energetic, dedicated, and enthusiastic RECE professional able to exercise sensitivity and maturity in dealing with both children and adults.

The core functions of this role will require the incumbent to manage and mentor/coach staff, provide direct supervision to the Early Learning and School Age Child Care Centre teams, as well as problem solve parent concerns. Incumbents must have excellent interpersonal skills, and an understanding and appreciation for the delivery of high quality child care services for children ages infant to 13 years.

Hours of work are based on a full-time schedule, Monday to Friday with flexibility to work evenings and weekends, if required. Use of a vehicle is required.

This is a great opportunity for an individual with a high level of interest in working with the YMCA HBB as a charitable organization.

What You'll Do

• Be responsible for the direct supervision, recruitment, orientation, and performance management of a designated staff team.
• Role model effective leadership behaviour that aligns with our YMCA HBB core values.
• Inform and educate staff on best practices and pedagogy, which translate into program delivery.
• Ensure centre meets the licensing requirements of the Child Care & Early Years Act (CCEYA).
• Ensure all human resource and child care policies/procedures are applied consistently, and measures are put in place to ensure transparency and fair processes.
• Co-ordinate and establish staff schedules, and complete payroll of designated program staff.
• Participate in budget preparation and ongoing monitoring of expenses and revenue for the centre.
• Develop and maintain business relationships with community groups, Municipalities, School Boards, staff, volunteers, participants and the Ministry of Education.
• Create a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) and chair monthly meetings.
• Lead staff huddles and other meetings as directed.
• Actively participate in Association initiatives involving the Annual Giving Program and other educational and promotional initiatives of the Association.
• Assume frontline responsibilities as required.

What You'll Bring

• Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a member in good standing of the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• A minimum of 2 to 5 years supervisory experience in a child care setting. Previous YMCA experience is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability in leading, coaching and cultivating a work environment of collaboration and teamwork.

Experience in recruitment, hiring, performance management and training of staff.

• Experience in developing and managing a budget.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong understanding and ability to articulate and implement the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging ministry directions and curriculum.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-Level C.
• Current Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Access to reliable personal transportation.

This position requires a commitment to the YMCA mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision‑making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides YMCA Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision‑making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Organizational Overview

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life‑building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department at [e-mail]

Ready to Make a Difference?

YMCA HBB is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone thrives, we want to hear from you!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure

Artificial intelligence ("AI") may be used to support the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position. All hiring decisions involve human review.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Required

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Leader

Inspires teammates to follow them

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Required

Flexibility

Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Preferred

Growth Opportunities

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Self-Starter

Inspired to perform without outside help

Education

Some post college or better in Early Childhood Education.

Experience

Experience in developing and managing a budget

Experience in recruitment, hiring, performance management and training of staff

2-5 years: Supervisory experience in a child care setting