Job Title

About The Role Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is seeking an experienced, values-driven Centre Manager to join our leadership team. This is a key operational leadership role, working closely with the Centre Director and Educational Leaders to support staffing, rostering, daily operations, risk management and workforce wellbeing. The role has been purposefully redesigned to strengthen leadership presence, provide clarity in decision-making, and support a positive, sustainable working environment for educators. A detailed Position Description has been provided below to outline the full scope of responsibilities. About The Role: As Centre Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth, compliant and people-centred operation of our service. You will be the primary lead for staffing and rostering, daily operational coordination, and incident and risk management, while maintaining strong relationships with educators, families and the broader leadership team. HEY operates with a distributive leadership model, supported by: Business Manager Enrolments Lead HR Support Two full-time Educational Leaders This structure allows for shared responsibility, clear role boundaries, and strong collaboration across leadership. Our service operates from 7:30am6:00pm, with leadership coverage across these hours. Rosters are managed within the span of 7:15am6:15pm. This role is well-suited to a confident, calm and relational leader who values visibility, consistency, clear systems, and proactive support of teams. What Were Looking For We are seeking a Centre Manager who: Strongly values play-based learning, respectful relationships, and child-centered practice Believes that educator wellbeing and quality outcomes for children go hand in hand Leads with empathy, clarity and fairness Is open to new ideas, critical reflection, and continuous improvement Enjoys working collaboratively and trying new approaches informed by current research Is confident in operational decision-making while maintaining a people-first approach Experience working in a not-for-profit or community-based service, including services governed by a parent Board, is highly regarded but not essential Essential Qualifications & Experience Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care (ACECQA approved) Minimum 3 years experience in a leadership or management role within an early childhood setting Demonstrated experience in staffing, rostering and daily operations Knowledge of the National Quality Framework Experience with incident reporting systems (e.g. 1Place or similar) Current First Aid qualifications (or willingness to obtain) Valid Working with Children Check About Us Hawthorn Early Years (HEY) is a not-for-profit, community-based service located in the Hawthorn Community Precinct on Wurundjeri Land. We are proud to be rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard across all Quality Areas and to offer a rich, inclusive and child-centered learning environment. Our service features spacious, light-filled rooms, expansive outdoor spaces, vegetable gardens, mud pits, a beautiful peppercorn tree, and strong community connections. Benefits of Working at HEY Attractive remuneration with above-CSA award rates Additional 15% ECEC Worker Retention Payment (until November 2026) Monthly RDOs for full-time staff Two-week Christmas closure Child-free days for pack-up, set-up and professional development Access to coaching, mentoring and paid professional development Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing supports Subsidised uniforms and salary-sacrifice options Support for career progression and further study Child Safety Commitment Hawthorn Early Years has zero tolerance for child abuse or harm. We are committed to the cultural safety, participation and empowerment of all children, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disabilities. How to Apply Please submit your application via Seek only , including: A cover letter , and Your resume Applications sent via email will not be accepted. For more information about Hawthorn Early Years, visit www.hey.org.au . Unlock job insights Hirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicants Your application will include the following questions: Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years'' experience do you have as a centre manager? Have you completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care? Do you have experience preparing work rosters? Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework? Which of the following First Aid accreditations do you currently hold? Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check? Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework? To help fast track investigation, please include here any other relevant details that prompted you to report this job ad as fraudulent / misleading / discriminatory / salary below minimum wage. #J-18808-Ljbffr