Service Director

Objective

First Canvas Early Learning is looking for an exceptional and passionate Service Director to lead our brand-new, purpose-built 104-place early learning service in Merrylands.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and inspiring leader who is passionate about creating exceptional experiences for children, families and Educators. You will lead the day-to-day operations of the service, build and develop a high-performing team, drive quality and compliance, and create a positive culture where people feel valued, supported and inspired to grow.

At First Canvas ELC, we believe in creating bright futures, one canvas at a time - and we’re looking for someone who is ready to help bring that vision to life.

The successful candidate will have:

• A Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care, or another ACECQA-approved qualification relevant to the role.

• Current Working with Children Check, First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certifications, and up-to-date Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting training.

• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards and relevant child protection and reporting requirements.

• Previous leadership experience within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, with strong people management, coaching, performance management and capability-building skills.

• Demonstrated experience leading teams through change, building accountability and developing a positive, high-performing culture that supports staff engagement and retention.

• A strong understanding of child-led, play-based and open-ended educational practices, with the ability to build pedagogical capability across a team.

• Experience driving quality improvement, maintaining compliance and achieving a Meeting or above rating against the National Quality Standard.

• Experience managing and achieving KPIs, including occupancy, attendance, wages, controllable costs and other key business measures.

• Strong organisational, communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build meaningful partnerships with families, educators and the wider community.

• A demonstrated commitment to acting in the best interests of every child and leading with honesty, integrity, respect and accountability.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong professional judgement, emotional intelligence and a genuine passion for continuous improvement.