Little Zak's Academy is privately owned and family run. Our aim is to provide early childhood care and education in a safe, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.

Our staff are dedicated professionals who value the importance of maintaining an optimum level of care and education for all children. We select our staff based on knowledge and values, vision for children and learning, and commitment to families.

This is an opportunity to join one of New South Wales' leading early childhood providers and make a genuine impact across multiple services.

We are seeking an experienced Area Manager to oversee a portfolio of centres across the South Coast region, including Corrimal, Wongawilli, Shellharbour, Kiama and Bomaderry.

Working closely with our Executive Leadership Team, you will support and develop Centre Directors, strengthen operational performance, and ensure every service delivers exceptional outcomes for children, families and educators.

You will have the autonomy to lead your portfolio while being supported by experienced senior leaders who are invested in your success.

Why Join Us?

- Executive salary package based on qualifications and experience, with discretionary performance bonuses offered from time to time
- 4-week structured induction with established systems, solid foundations and supportive leadership
- Paid birthday leave and an additional wellbeing day each year (after 12 months)
- 50% childcare discount for your own children
- Health and wellness allowance reimbursing up to $50 per month
- $1,000 employee referral bonus for each successful referral
- Study allowance for your Early Childhood Teaching degree (T&Cs; apply)




- Employee Assistance Program via Sonder, offering unlimited confidential counselling and wellbeing support
- Strong promote-from-within culture with long-term career opportunities

About the RoleAs an Area Manager, you will be responsible for the overall success of your portfolio by:

- Leading, mentoring and developing Centre Directors and leadership teams
- Driving high-quality educational practice aligned with the EYLF, National Quality Framework and National Regulations
- Supporting services through Assessment and Rating while maintaining compliance across all centres
- Building strong relationships with children, families and local communities
- Driving occupancy, financial performance and sustainable growth across your portfolio
- Supporting workforce planning, recruitment and succession planning
- Monitoring budgets, financial performance and operational outcomes
- Ensuring child safety, incident management and compliance requirements are consistently met
- Working closely with the Approved Provider and Executive Leadership Team to deliver strategic business objectives
- Identifying opportunities to improve service quality, operational performance and team capability

About You





- Previous experience as an Area Manager or in a multi-site leadership role within Early Childhood Education and Care
- ACECQA-approved Diploma or Early Childhood Teaching qualification
- Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring and developing Centre Directors and leadership teams
- Strong knowledge of the EYLF, National Quality Framework, National Regulations and compliance requirements
- Experience supporting services through Assessment and Rating
- Financial management experience, including budgeting and overseeing service performance
- Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving abilities
- Current Working with Children Check
- Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis certification

Little Zak's Child Safety Commitment

Little Zak’s Academy is a Child Safe Organisation. We prioritise the safety, wellbeing, and rights of all children and maintain a strong culture of child safety across our services. As part of our commitment, we have a rigorous recruitment and screening process in place, including comprehensive reference checks, Police checks and child-safe employment checks.

By applying for a role with Little Zak’s Academy, you acknowledge and agree to undergo all required child safety checks as part of our employment process.

We are an equal opportunity workplace where diversity is embraced. We foster a culture that supports inclusion and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Do not miss out on this great opportunity! If you are open to a confidential conversation, apply now or contact Tan on 0485 982 *** for more information.

📌 Early Childhood Area Manager (Wollongong)
🏢 Little Zak's Academy
📍 Wollongong