Job Description

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- $111,811 – $123,329 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
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- Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs
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Who we areSurf Coast Shire Council delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and all of the communities in-between, spanning the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Locals experience a sought-after quality of life, and when you work with Council, you are helping our community and environment to thrive.

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Our people play vital roles in creating an innovative, safe, respectful, and supportive workplace, living our values, and delivering exceptional services to our community.

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We empower our people to do their best and be proud of their achievements. We have a commitment to growth and development and our employees enjoy a contemporary working environment with flexibility and hybrid working arrangements.

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We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

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Your new careerThe Team Leader Kindergarten Programs plays a key leadership role within Surf Coast Shire Council's Early Years Management (EYM) team, overseeing the delivery of high-quality kindergarten programs across six services.

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Through regular travel across the municipality, including to kindergarten services in Lorne, Winchelsea, Anglesea, Jan Juc and Torquay Township, the role provides:

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- on-site leadership,
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- operational guidance,
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- and program support to teachers and educators.
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Working closely with staff and stakeholders, the Team Leader ensures children aged 3 to 6 years have access to inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences while supporting continuous improvement and maintaining compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards.

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What you will bring to the roleYou are an experienced and passionate early childhood leader who thrives on supporting people, building solid relationships, and driving high-quality outcomes for children, families, and educators.

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To thrive in this role you will:

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- Lead and inspire high-performing teams by fostering a positive workplace culture, providing mentoring and professional guidance, and supporting educators to deliver exceptional kindergarten programs.
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- Build robust and team-oriented relationships with educators, families, community groups, schools, and government stakeholders to strengthen service delivery and achieve positive outcomes for children.
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- Drive quality, compliance, and continuous improvement by confidently managing operational requirements, supporting services to meet legislative and funding obligations, and identifying opportunities for growth and innovation across the kindergarten network.
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Most importantly, you will bring a genuine passion for early childhood education, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to lead with confidence, empathy, and integrity across multiple kindergarten services.

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Key selection criteriaMandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

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- A Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education (must be in accordance with Education and Care services Nationals Regulations, a qualification check will be conducted)
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- Minimum of five years' experience in early years or other appropriate experience at a supervisory level.
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- Demonstrated knowledge of the National Quality Framework in relation to leading a kindergarten service.
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- Demonstrated experience in leading and supervising individual staff members and staff teams
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- Demonstrated knowledge of the Kindergarten Early Years Management Framework and Kindergarten Funding Guidelines
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- Demonstrated high level writing skills including; funding applications, acquittals, reports and policies.
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- High Level of understanding of established partnerships with government and non-government services and agencies relating to Kindergarten programs
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- Demonstrated computer skills in a variety of online portals and applications, such as MS Word and Excel.
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- Demonstrated capacity in understanding the purpose of values in an organisation.
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- A current Working With Children Check
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- You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
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- Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.
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What you'll love working with usCouncil embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

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We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

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There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

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- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
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- Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
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- Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
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- Operational use of Council vehicle
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- Purchase of additional annual leave
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- Free onsite parking
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- Leave loading.
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For more information

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You'll find further details about the role, including accountabilities and key selection criteria, in the Position Description on our website – [Position Description PDF]

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If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Melissa Iannazzo, Coordinator Early Years on 5261 0600.

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Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 30 August 2026.

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Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.

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📌 Team Leader Kindergarten Programs (Torquay)
🏢 Surf Coast Shire Council
📍 Torquay