Job Title

About The RoleHawthorn 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 ManagerEnrolments LeadHR SupportTwo full-time Educational LeadersThis 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 We''re Looking ForWe are seeking a Centre Manager who:Strongly values play-based learning, respectful relationships, and child-centered practiceBelieves that educator wellbeing and quality outcomes for children go hand in handLeads with empathy, clarity and fairnessIs open to new ideas, critical reflection, and continuous improvementEnjoys working collaboratively and trying new approaches informed by current researchIs confident in operational decision-making while maintaining a people-first approachExperience working in a not-for-profit or community-based service, including services governed by a parent Board, is highly regarded but not essentialEssential Qualifications & ExperienceDiploma 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 settingDemonstrated experience in staffing, rostering and daily operationsKnowledge of the National Quality FrameworkExperience with incident reporting systems (e.g. 1Place or similar)Current First Aid qualifications (or willingness to obtain)Valid Working with Children CheckAbout 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 HEYAttractive remuneration with above-CSA award ratesAdditional 15% ECEC Worker Retention Payment (until November 2026)Monthly RDOs for full-time staffTwo-week Christmas closureChild-free days for pack-up, set-up and professional developmentAccess to coaching, mentoring and paid professional developmentEmployee Assistance Program and wellbeing supportsSubsidised uniforms and salary-sacrifice optionsSupport for career progression and further studyChild 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 ApplyPlease submit your application via Seek only, including:A cover letter, andYour resumeApplications sent via email will not be accepted.For more information about Hawthorn Early Years, visit www.hey.org.au.Unlock job insightsHirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicantsYour 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