Area Manager - Early Years | Melbourne If you’re considering your next career move in Early Childhood leadership, SSR is the trusted recruitment agency for many of Australia’s leading ECEC professionals and employers to deliver elite talents and career-defining opportunities We are Australia’s premium recruitment agency dedicated exclusively to leadership and management roles within the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. Our reputation is built on long-standing partnerships with the country’s most respected, high-quality providers — from boutique operators to industry-leading organisations. Because we work at the heart of this space, we understand what great leadership looks like and where it’s valued. Our networks run deep, and our opportunities reflect the calibre of the leaders we represent. The Company We're partnered with a high-quality, privately owned early learning group that's growing steadily and sustainably. With a strong focus on relationships, creativity, and wellbeing , this warm and values-driven service offers a truly supportive and community-oriented workplace. About the Role As an Area Manager, you will lead and inspire a team to deliver exceptional care and education in a warm and engaging environment. Your role will focus on ensuring the centre operates smoothly, maintaining high-quality standards, and supporting the growth and development of both the children and your team. Key Responsibilities Leadership: Overseeing a team of Centre Managers to meet targets in critical areas – high-quality practice, outstanding business performance, exceptional family and team experiences, and safety and compliance. This is achieved through the creation and execution of high-quality action plans for each centre and your cluster of centres. Performance Improvement: Implementing sustainable performance improvements within your cluster of centres and scaling insights derived from the process. Collaboration: Fostering strong connections and collaboration between centres within your cluster and across other clusters. Team Optimisation: Ensuring the right individuals are in the right roles at the right time within key centre leadership team roles. Capability Building: Developing the capabilities of centre leadership team members and establishing robust talent pipelines within centres to support career succession plans and talent pathways. Network Contribution: Contributing to the broader network by creating tools and insights to enhance the performance of all centres. Accountability: Being accountable to the General Manager for People Practice and Performance outcomes for each centre within your cluster. Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and protocols to enhance efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. Monitor and manage budgets, financial performance, and resource allocation across multiple childcare centres. Collaborate with various stakeholders, including educators and parents. About You Tertiary or university degree in Early Learning. 6 to 8 years of experience in a multi-site business, with a minimum of 5 years in a management role. Solid knowledge of the National Quality Framework. Extensive previous work experience in business improvement/business efficiency roles, encompassing solution design, implementation planning, training, and toolkit development. Proven expertise in performance improvement, demonstrating a track record of enhancing multi-site performance within short timeframes. Demonstrates a high level of business acumen knowledge and skill. What's on Offer Attractive salary package and benefits. Join a positive team and culture. Expand your skills and experience as a leader. Career development and progression opportunities. Why Apply with SSR Unmatched Expertise: We understand leadership on a profound level, thanks to our deep knowledge and commitment to this sector. Passion-Driven: Our core values—passion, growth mindset, and respect—drive everything we do. We partner with providers who share our values, ensuring a perfect fit for your leadership journey. Exclusive Insight: Our focused approach means we know the intricacies of leadership roles and respect their significance. Our in-depth knowledge of the ECEC sector sets us apart, ensuring that we place the right leaders in roles where they can thrive. Proven Success: With a track record of placing hundreds of candidates in a diverse range of providers across Australia, we’re dedicated to finding the right match for both candidates and clients. Our dedication to our values has been the cornerstone of our success, and it will continue to guide us in the future. How to Apply: To express your interest, submit your resume and cover letter to Selina at contact@sstanleyrecruitment.com or phone 0449 865 003. Let SSR be your partner in finding the perfect leadership opportunity that aligns with your skills and aspirations!
