Centre Director – Maitland NSW We are seeking a confident and experienced Centre Director to take the lead at a newly established early learning service in Maitland. This is not a “keep things ticking over” role. It’s a genuine leadership position where your impact is felt through people, culture, and quality practice - not constant admin pressure or being pulled away from what good leadership actually looks like. You’ll step into a service that already has foundations in place, a committed team, and strong organisational backing. What it needs now is a leader who can bring clarity, confidence, consistency, and direction. About the Company This is a privately owned early learning organisation with a strong focus on quality education, child safety, and long-term service sustainability. Leadership here is not about hierarchy or control, it’s about trust, support, and giving leaders the space to lead properly. You will be backed by an engaged and passion owner and operational support structure that understands a simple truth: Great services are built through great leaders - not overloaded ones. The Role As Centre Director you will take responsibility for the overall leadership of the service, with a strong focus on culture, quality, and team development. This is a visible leadership role , but not one that requires you to be constantly “on the floor” or absorbed in operational noise. Your focus will be on guiding the team, lifting capability, and strengthening practice. Your key focus areas: People & Leadership You will mentor and develop educators and emerging leaders, building a culture of accountability, confidence, and professional pride. You lead through coaching, presence, and clarity - not micromanagement. Quality & Practice You will strengthen educational practice across the service, supporting consistency in programming, pedagogy, and reflective practice aligned with the EYLF and NQS. Operational Leadership You will ensure compliance, safety, and operational standards are met, with strong systems already supporting the administrative side of the service. Culture & Stability You will play a key role in shaping a calm, stable, and positive team culture — addressing performance where required and supporting the team through change and growth. Family & Community Relationships You will build strong, respectful relationships with families and position the service as a trusted part of the local community. What’s on Offer Salary up to $120,000 (DOE) super KPI-based performance bonus (reviewed at 6 and 12 months) Up to $2,500 annual bonus linked to centre goals and QIP outcomes Strong operational and administrative support A leadership role with genuine autonomy and trust Opportunity to influence a growing up to 100 place service About You We are looking for a leader who is confident, steady, and experienced, someone who understands that strong centres are built through people, not paperwork. You will bring: Experience as a Centre Director or senior ECEC leader Strong knowledge of the NQF, EYLF, and compliance requirements The ability to lead through coaching, not control Confidence to make decisions and hold standards A calm, grounded leadership style in a busy environment A genuine passion for developing people and improving practice Most importantly, you are someone who can walk into a service and bring clarity, direction, and presence from day one. Why This Role Feels Different This is not a role where leadership gets buried under administration. It’s a role where leadership is the work. You’ll have the space to step back from unnecessary operational noise and focus on what actually drives quality: people, culture, practice, and consistency. You’ll be joining at an important stage of growth for the service, with the opportunity to shape not just the team, but the future direction of the centre itself. Apply Now If you’re ready for a leadership role where you can genuinely lead - not just manage — we’d love to hear from you. For a confidential discussion, contact: Gaetano – gaetano@ss-recruitment.com.au Let SSR help you discover a leadership opportunity that aligns with your skills, aspirations, and passion for quality early education.
