Centre Manager

Centre Manager | LucknowBrand new 88 place centre opening November 2026This is your opportunity to lead a brand-new Journey centre from the beginning. From building your team, shaping the culture and creating the kind of centre you want to lead.And while Lucknow is new, you won’t be building it alone.Earn up to $125,000 p.a. plus 12% super and annual bonus$1,500 sign-on bonusJourney Childcare Discount, subject to eligibility and applicable termsPaid Birthday LeaveRelocation support available for the right candidateSponsorship may be considered for suitably qualified candidatesDedicated professional development through Journey AcademyGenuine leadership and career progression opportunitiesA dedicated Centre Quality Manager partnering with youDirect support from specialists across every key Support Office function, forming part of Journey’s broader ecosystem
Build it. Lead it. Make it yours.Journey Early Learning Lucknow is a brand-new 88-place, five-room centre opening in November 2026.As our inaugural Centre Manager, you will have the opportunity to:Recruit and develop your founding teamShape the centre culture from day oneEstablish strong relationships with children, families and the local communityLead the centre through opening, enrolment growth and establishmentSet clear expectations around quality, safeguarding and team performance
This is an opportunity to put your leadership imprint on a new centre, while having the systems, expertise and support of an established early learning provider behind you.You lead the centre. We build the support around you.At Journey, Centre Managers have genuine ownership of their services, but we don’t expect them to be the expert in everything.Your Centre Quality Manager will be a key partner, alongside Journey’s Support Office ecosystem of subject matter experts across areas including:Centre QualityNational SafeguardingPedagogical StrategyMarketing and ExperienceCapability and CultureFinanceIT Support
The focus is partnership—giving you access to the right expertise when you need it, so you can stay focused on your people, families and centre.The role:As Centre Manager, you will lead the overall performance, culture and operation of Journey Early Learning Lucknow.Your role will include:Building, leading and retaining a high-performing teamDeveloping your Centre Leadership TeamPartnering with your Educational Leader and ECTs to support strong educational practiceMaintaining high standards of quality, compliance and safeguardingCreating an engaging and trusted experience for familiesBuilding relationships within the Lucknow and broader Bairnsdale communityLeading staffing, occupancy, enrolment growth and centre performanceCoaching and developing future leaders.
We are looking for someone who enjoys being visible, connected and hands-on in their centre.What you’ll bring:You will ideally hold:a Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, or an ACECQA-approved equivalentNational Child Safety Certificates (Foundation and Advanced Certificates)Experience as a Centre Manager, Centre Director or Service Manager; or strong Assistant Centre Manager experience with demonstrated readiness to step upA genuine commitment to child safety and safeguardingStrong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, National Law and Regulations and EYLFDemonstrated experience leading and developing teamsConfidence in driving occupancy and centre performanceStrong communication and relationship-building skillsThe ability to balance quality, people, compliance and operational priorities
Considering a move to East Gippsland?You don’t need to already live in Lucknow or Bairnsdale to start a conversation with us.We welcome experienced early childhood leaders from Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate who may be considering a move to East Gippsland.Relocation support may be available for the right candidate, and sponsorship may be considered where applicable eligibility requirements are met.Why Journey?At Journey, you get the opportunity to lead with ownership while being surrounded by people who understand what it takes to run a great early learning service.Through your Centre Quality Manager, Journey Academy and our specialist Support Office ecosystem, you will have access to the people, development and expertise you need as your centre grows.For Lucknow, you also get something that doesn’t come along often:the opportunity to build the team, shape the culture and establish a new centre from day one.Ready to build something of your own?If you are looking for your next Centre Manager opportunity and want genuine influence over the team and culture you lead, we would love to hear from you.Apply now to become the inaugural Centre Manager of Journey Early Learning Lucknow.Child safety at Journey:Journey Early Learning is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and to creating environments where every child is safe, supported, respected and heard.As a Victorian Early Childhood Employer, we expect all employees and leaders to actively uphold the Victorian Child Safe Standards, applicable child protection obligations and Journey’s safeguarding requirements.For our Centre Managers, child safety is a core leadership responsibility. You will be expected to:Role model a strong child safe culture across the serviceensure safeguarding expectations are understood and embedded in everyday practiceAct promptly on concerns, disclosures or indicators of harmSupport employees to understand their reporting and escalation obligationsMaintain professional boundaries and safe practicesEnsure children’s rights, wellbeing and safety remain central to decision-making.
Journey’s See, Act, Tell safeguarding framework supports our teams to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and speak up when something does not feel right.All appointments are subject to Journey’s pre-employment screening and child safety requirements, including the relevant Working with Children Check and any other checks, qualifications or clearances required for the role.Journey Early Learning is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children in our care.