Job Description

Centre Director – Lead a Brand‐New Flagship Service in Mooroolbark

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Centre Director – Lead a Brand‐New Flagship Service in Mooroolbark

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Lead a Start‐Up Service for a High‐Performing, Highly Respected Early Learning Organisation

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SH Recruitment is working exclusively with a childcare service that is opening a brand‐new, purpose‐built early learning centre in beautiful Mooroolbark. We are searching for an exceptional Centre Director with proven start‐up experience to bring this service to life.

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This is a rare opportunity to shape the culture, build occupancy from day one, and lead a high‐quality program with the full backing of one of the sector's most reputable organisations.

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- Opening Date: The centre is scheduled to open in 2027, and we are looking for someone to start in late 2026 to help prepare for the launch.

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Why This Role Stands Out:

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- Work‐Life Flexibility: Enjoy a leadership role that genuinely supports balance, autonomy, and wellbeing.

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- High‐Performing Company: Join an organisation known for excellence, strong values, and an outstanding reputation in the sector.

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- Build Something From Scratch: Have the opportunity to influence design, culture, community engagement, and enrolment strategies from the ground up.

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- Exceptional Support: Benefit from daily access to an experienced operations team, marketing support for occupancy growth, and a well‐resourced environment.

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- Career Growth: Enjoy ongoing professional development, leadership coaching, and opportunities to advance into broader organisational roles.

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About the Role:

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As Centre Director, you will lead the successful launch, licensing, and ongoing performance of this current service. Your responsibilities will include driving occupancy growth, building a high‐performing team, and creating a warm, inclusive, community‐connected centre that families trust.

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Key Responsibilities:

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- Lead all start‐up operations, including licensing, team recruitment, and community engagement.





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- Drive occupancy growth through exceptional service quality, local partnerships, and strategic enrolment planning.

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- Build and mentor a high‐performing, values‐driven team.

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- Embed a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

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- Ensure compliance with all NQF, regulatory, and organisational standards.

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- Create a welcoming and inspiring environment for children, families, and educators.

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The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

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Proven experience in successfully opening and stabilising new centres

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Strong leadership capability with the ability to build, mentor, and retain high‐performing teams

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In‐depth knowledge of compliance, NQF/NQS, and confidence in achieving high Assessment & Rating outcomes

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Strong occupancy growth mindset with proven results in building enrolments and community engagement

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Excellent communication and relationship‐building skills with families, staff, and the local community

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A proactive, hands‐on approach with strong problem‐solving and decision‐making capability

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A clear and structured approach to pre‐opening planning, including the ability to develop and execute a detailed 3‐month preparation plan prior to opening (staffing, enrolments, compliance readiness, and operational setup)

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If you are a high‐performing Centre Director who thrives in start‐up environments and seeks the freedom, support, and resources to build a truly exceptional service, we would love to hear from you.

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Please note, applications close on the 29th of August 2026, where we will then be shortlisting candidates for interviews.

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Lilydale, Yarra Valley & High Country VIC

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Your application will include the following questions:

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- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?

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- How many years' experience do you have as a centre director?

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- Do you have experience in a community outreach environment?

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- Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework?

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📌 Centre Director - Lead a Brand‐New Flagship Service in Mooroolbark (Bendigo)
🏢 SH Recruitment
📍 Bendigo