Area Manager – Early Childhood Education and Care

We are seeking an experienced and people-focused Area Manager to support a portfolio of early learning services across Victoria.

This is a key leadership role for someone who is passionate about high-quality early childhood education, strong centre operations, child safety, compliance, team development and creating positive outcomes for children, families and educators.

As Area Manager, you will work closely with Centre Managers and leadership teams to drive service quality, occupancy, team engagement, compliance and operational performance across multiple centres.

About the Role

In this role, you will be responsible for:

- Providing hands-on operational support to Centre Managers and leadership teams
- Driving quality improvement, compliance and best practice across services
- Supporting centres to meet regulatory, child safety and operational requirements
- Coaching, mentoring and developing centre leadership teams
- Monitoring centre performance, including occupancy, staffing, family experience and team culture
- Building strong relationships with families, educators and key stakeholders
- Supporting recruitment, onboarding, retention and performance management processes
- Ensuring services operate in line with the National Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards and company expectations
- Identifying risks early and implementing practical, supportive solutions

About You

You will be a confident and experienced leader who understands the demands of early childhood operations and can balance people, compliance and performance.

To be successful,



you will ideally have:

- Previous experience as an Area Manager, Operations Manager, Centre Manager or similar senior leadership role within ECEC
- Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, National Regulations and Child Safe Standards
- Proven ability to lead, coach and support centre leadership teams
- Strong communication, relationship-building and problem solving skills
- A practical and calm approach to operational challenges
- Experience managing compliance, performance, staffing and family engagement
- A genuine passion for high-quality early childhood education and care
- A Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education is highly regarded

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a growing early learning provider where you can make a genuine impact across multiple services.

You will be part of an supportive leadership team that values quality, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

- Senior operational leadership opportunity
- Supportive and collaborative team workplace
- Opportunity to influence quality and performance across multiple services
- Career development and growth opportunities
- Competitive salary package
- The chance to make a meaningful impact in early childhood education

Child Safety

We are committed to providing child safe environments where children feel safe, supported and respected. The successful applicant will be required to hold a valid Working with Children Check and complete all relevant child safety and compliance requirements.

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📌 Area Manager – Early Childhood Education and Care (Melbourne)
🏢 seek.com.au
📍 Melbourne