Early Learning Centre Manager

Southbank  |   Melbourne CBD, Vic

Well-paid, well-supported, and designed to give experienced leaders the space to lead properly.

We are recruiting an Early Learning Centre Manager (also known as a Centre Director or Early Years Manager) for a beautifully resourced 60-place long day care service in Southbank, minutes from Melbourne CBD. 

The service is part of an integrated family of early learning centres with established systems and dedicated specialist support across compliance, HR, recruitment, finance, maintenance, and operations. The intention is simple: remove unnecessary pressure so the Centre Manager can focus on people, quality, and steady leadership.

Why leaders choose this role

This is not a role for someone looking to overhaul, rescue, or firefight.

It is designed for a leader who values structure, consistency, and support — and who does their best work in a well-run environment.

You will be supported by:

• Compliance and quality specialists assisting with NQF, QIP, and best practice
• HR and employee relations support
• Dedicated recruitment support (no late-night job ads or staffing panic)
• Finance, operations, and maintenance support
• An experienced Area Manager who provides coaching and guidance, without micromanagement

What is on offer

• Attractive above-award salary, with performance incentives that reward strong occupancy and consistent centre performance — not just once a year
• Annual Work Retention Grant/Bonus
• Performance incentives, including monthly KPI bonuses and spot bonuses
• Roster autonomy, allowing genuine control over your working week
• Clear leadership pathways within a large organisation operating across multiple states
• Supported professional development (internal and external)
• Wellbeing support, including EAP, health insurance discounts, and wellbeing programs
• A stable, professionally run service with established systems already in place

About the role 

As Early Learning Centre Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operations of the service and provide calm, consistent leadership to a stable team.

The role focuses on:

• Leading with a people-first, relationship-driven approach
• Maintaining a steady, supportive, and accountable team culture
• Building strong relationships with families and the local community
• Ensuring compliance and embedding the NQF and EYLF into daily practice
• Supporting enrolments and occupancy through reputation and service quality
• Encouraging reflective practice and continuous improvement without unnecessary complexity

About you

This role will suit someone who is confident, grounded, and ready to lead with support around them.

You will likely bring:

• A Diploma or higher qualification in Early Childhood Education
• 2–3+ years recent experience in a leadership role within long day care or at least but early childhood education and care within Australia 
• Strong knowledge of the NQF, EYLF, and quality improvement processes
• A calm, collaborative leadership style that builds trust and consistency
• Experience supporting an Assessment and Rating visit (desirable, not essential)

What happens next

Click Apply and send through whichever version of your CV you have ready — polished or not.

A consultant from Early Years Talent will be in touch to talk through the role, support you through the process, and help you prepare for the next step. No pressure. No unnecessary hoops.