Centre Manager | Exceeding-rated | $110-$140K

A rare opportunity to lead an Exceeding-rated, 60-place early learning service with a full waitlist, a stable long-term team and deep community roots.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to take custodianship of a service where children are seen as capable contributors, educators are valued thinkers, and relationships sit at the heart of everyday practice.

Importantly, this is not a turnaround role or a service in crisis. The foundations are strong, occupancy is secure and the existing team brings substantial experience and stability.

Benefits

• Generous above-award salary based on experience
• Above-ratio staffing across every room
• Two-week paid Christmas closure
• Flexible work options and time-in-lieu arrangements
• An off-site staff retreat complete with planning offices, learning resources and quiet workspace
• Experienced and supportive Approved Providers who value autonomy, thoughtful leadership and sustainable workloads
• The opportunity to lead a highly respected Exceeding-rated service with genuine community trust and long-term stability

About the role

This is an invitation to lead a carefully designed and deeply respected early learning service that has become a pillar of the Cheltenham community. With a waitlist extending into 2027, the service operates without a website or active marketing — its reputation and relationships continue to drive demand organically.

You will be stepping into a service with strong foundations already in place. Your focus will be on maintaining that standard, supporting and mentoring a long-tenured team, and contributing thoughtful ideas that continue strengthening an already high-performing environment.

The leadership approach here is calm, reflective and relationship-driven rather than reactive or corporate. Educators are encouraged to think deeply, collaborate openly and build genuine long-term relationships with children and families.

This role would suit a leader who values both operational stability and educational integrity — someone confident leading people while also protecting the culture that makes a service feel emotionally safe for children, families and educators alike.

About the service

This much-loved service has achieved an Exceeding NQS rating across four consecutive Assessment and Rating cycles through consistency, strong leadership and long-term investment in both people and practice.

Families value the service's inclusive culture, commitment to reconciliation and sustainability, and genuine respect for children's agency and identity. Natural environments, thoughtful pedagogy and strong educator relationships shape the rhythm of each day.

The team itself is a significant strength of the service, with several educators having remained for more than 20 years — something increasingly rare within the current early childhood workforce climate.

What we are looking for

We are looking for an experienced and emotionally intelligent leader who brings calm decision-making, operational confidence and a genuine commitment to people.

You understand how to maintain high standards without creating unnecessary pressure, and you value relationships just as highly as compliance and outcomes. You are comfortable leading experienced educators, supporting team wellbeing and creating the conditions for long-term stability and high-quality practice.

Most importantly, you understand that exceptional early childhood leadership is rarely loud — it is steady, thoughtful and deeply consistent.

Requirements

• ACECQA-approved Early Childhood qualification (Degree or Diploma)
• Minimum 3–4 years' experience leading an early learning service as a Centre Director or Nominated Supervisor
• Proven experience supporting NQF compliance, continuous improvement and people leadership
• Experience leading or contributing significantly to Assessment and Rating preparation
• Sound operational and financial understanding
• Strong communication, organisational and professional leadership skills
• A values-driven approach where relationships, people, pedagogy and long-term sustainability are prioritised together

How to apply

Apply confidentially through Early Years Talent — Australia's specialist recruitment partner for high-quality early childhood services.

We will guide you through every stage of the process and provide genuine insight into the service, leadership environment and team culture to help you make an informed decision.