Centre Director

We’re excited to be opening a brand-new Explorers Early Learning Centre in Charlemont, and we’re looking for an experienced and inspiring Centre Director to join us on the journey.

This is more than an opportunity to lead a Centre - it’s your chance to help build one. From establishing your team and shaping the culture, to building strong relationships with families and creating a welcoming environment from day one, you’ll play a key role in bringing our newest Explorers Centre to life.

If you’re a passionate early learning leader who thrives on building teams, creating positive cultures and making a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

As our Centre Director, you will:

• Lead from the beginning, helping establish the Centre’s culture, values and ways of working
• Build and develop your team, creating a supportive, collaborative and high-performing environment
• Build strong relationships with families and the local Charlemont community
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Centre, ensuring a high-quality experience for children, families and team members
• Champion our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, supporting your team to bring it to life
• Drive compliance and quality, ensuring the Centre meets regulatory requirements and Explorers’ high standards
• Create a strong culture of belonging, where educators feel valued, supported and empowered to grow
• Advocate for child safety and ensure positive outcomes for every child
• Work closely with our Operations and Support Office teams, with dedicated guidance and support as you establish your Centre

You’ll also have the support of an off-the-floor Director-in-Training, Educational Leader and dedicated Operations team, giving you the resources and partnership you need to successfully launch and grow your Centre.

What You Bring

We’re looking for a confident and experienced early learning leader who is excited by the opportunity to build something new.

You’ll bring:

• A Diploma (or higher) in Early Childhood Education
• 5+ years’ experience in early childhood, including at least 3 years in a management or leadership role
• Experience leading teams and creating a positive, high-performing workplace culture
• Strong knowledge of EYLF, NQS and regulatory requirements
• Experience with budgets, rostering, compliance and Centre operations
• Knowledge or understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• First Aid, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Training
• A valid Working with Children Check (Employee)
• Mandatory Reporting and completion of National Child Safety Training

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who is energised by the opportunity to start fresh, build a team, shape a culture and create a Centre that families are proud to be part of.

Why Explorers

At Explorers Early Learning, this isn’t just another job in childcare. It’s the beginning of a career with a founder-driven, women-led organisation created to raise the standard of early learning in Australia.

When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in 2004, her mission was simple but powerful: to build Centres where children and educators could thrive together. That same mission continues today, with every decision focused on investing in the people who bring our Centres to life.

At Explorers, we put people first. You’ll be surrounded by a supportive community, with access to mentoring, leadership development and opportunities to continue growing your career.

Our Benefits

Joining Explorers means being supported from day one, with benefits designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally:

• Competitive Above-Award Salary + Additional Incentives*
• Generous Childcare Fee Discount*
• Onsite Parking
• Ongoing Professional Development and career development opportunities
• Culture Club Events that bring our people together
• Annual Awards Party celebrating our people and achievements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support when you need it

If you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to open a Centre, build a team and create something special from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.