Centre Director | Caroline Springs A brand-new, architecturally designed 125-place early learning centre is preparing to open in Caroline Springs, and we’re seeking an experienced, confident Centre Director to lead the full pre-opening journey. You’ll receive strong, on-the-ground support while you plan staffing, establish quality frameworks, and build community engagement. This is an opportunity to create a centre with your leadership at the heart of its vision and identity. About the Role Large, purpose-built centre. Scheduled to open early–mid 2026. Before opening, you will work across established centres to: Learn systems, processes, and operational frameworks. Build alignment with organisational standards and expectations. Begin recruitment, enrolment planning, and service approval preparation. What's on Offer Attractive salary package Oversee the full pre-opening process including service approval and compliance documentation. Recruit, select, and onboard an entire new staffing team. Set culture, expectations, and pedagogical direction from day one. Establish strong community relationships to support enrolment growth. Build cohesive team culture and operational excellence from the start. About You You are authentic, warm, and passionate about creating environments where children and educators thrive. Minimum 6 years Centre Director experience (or equivalent senior leadership experience). Proven capability in opening a centre or leading large, complex services. Strong operational knowledge of the NQF, NQS, service approval requirements, and team development. A calm, confident, and professional leadership presence. Thrives in well-structured environments with strong support frameworks. Passionate about building high-performing teams and strong cultural foundations. Key Responsibilities Lead, coach, and inspire a high-performing team through clear expectations, mentoring, and professional development. Champion a strong Child Safe culture, ensuring all practices, environments, and decisions prioritise child safety and comply with National Child Safe Standards. Oversee daily operations, including staffing, rostering, enrolments, compliance, facilities management, and health & safety. Drive quality practice aligned to the NQS, embedding reflective practice, pedagogical leadership, and readiness for A&R. Ensure compliance with the NQF, Education and Care Services National Regulations, policies, risk management processes, and reporting obligations. Build trusted and respectful relationships with families, supporting communication, inclusion, and community engagement. Manage centre performance, including occupancy growth, budget oversight, fee management, and KPI achievement. Foster a positive team culture, promoting wellbeing, engagement, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving. Lead smooth recruitment, onboarding, and induction of educators to maintain ratio compliance and workforce stability. Champion continuous improvement, using data, audits, and feedback to strengthen practice and outcomes. Represent the service professionally, maintaining strong partnerships with local agencies, stakeholders, and the community. 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, collaboration and transparency 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/or email us at Jenny@ss-recruitment.com.au Let SSR be your partner in finding the perfect leadership opportunity that aligns with your skills and aspirations!
