Leadership role that will shape communities and future generations Drive strategic renewal and transformation Brisbane Northern Suburbs based About C K For more than 120 years, C K has been giving Queensland children the very best start in life.
Today it stands as one of Australia's largest and most respected early childhood education organisations — supporting more than 18,000 children each year through a network of over 320 centres, employing more than 2,000 people, and generating annual revenue approaching $200 million.
Its reputation has been built on educational excellence, an unwavering commitment to child safety, deeply trusted community relationships, and a genuine desire to improve outcomes for children and families.
The Opportunity As C K prepares for its next chapter, the Board is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to build on this remarkable legacy and position the organisation for the future.
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Queensland's most recognised and influential not-for-profits through a period of thoughtful strategic renewal.
You'll inherit an organisation with strong foundations, passionate people and an outstanding reputation — and the chance to help shape the future of early childhood education in an increasingly complex and evolving sector.
The Role Working closely with the Board, you will provide strategic leadership across organisational performance, financial sustainability, governance, culture, digital transformation and stakeholder engagement.
Just as importantly, you will inspire the Executive Leadership Team to greater heights, strengthen organisational capability, and ensure C K continues to balance its enduring community purpose with long-term commercial sustainability.
The environment is both exciting and challenging.
Workforce shortages, funding reform, rising operating costs, increasing regulatory expectations,



digital transformation and changing community needs are challenges you'll need to grasp firmly — before shaping a strategic vision built on sound commercial judgement and authentic, values-led leadership.
You will: Review the current operating model for long-term sustainability Use technology and data to strengthen organisational capability and productivity Build a culture centred on accountability, innovation and continuous improvement Ensure child safety remains central to every decision, always About You You are an accomplished Chief Executive Officer or senior executive with significant practical experience leading a complex, multi-site organisation through growth, transformation and strategic renewal.
You work effectively with Boards, government and diverse stakeholder groups.
You know how to build high-performing executive teams and create a culture where people thrive.
Your commercial acumen, sound judgement and ability to make difficult decisions — without ever losing sight of purpose, values or people — are what set you apart.
Prior experience within education, health, aged care, disability or community services is almost essential.
That said, if you are an exceptional leader with a demonstrated track record of balancing commercial performance with meaningful social impact in similarly complex, highly regulated organisations, we want to hear from you.
Tell us why this opportunity appeals to you as your next career step.
Why This Role Matters This is more than a CEO appointment.
It's an opportunity to influence the future of early childhood education, strengthen an organisation that has positively shaped generations of Queensland children, and leave a legacy for the generations still to come.
A substantial six-figure salary package is on offer to attract the highest calibre of candidate to this key role.
How to Apply For a confidential discussion, contact Peter Murphy on ************ .
To apply, forward your resume quoting reference number ******* .
Please note: there is no information pack to be issued, and no selection criteria to be addressed.

📌 Chief Executive Officer (Queensland)
🏢 C3Talent
📍 Queensland