Centre Manager (Maternity Leave Contract)Lead, Inspire & Make a Lasting Impact at Milestones Early Learning Fern Bay

Are you an experienced Centre Manager who thrives on leading high-performing teams, building meaningful family relationships, and creating exceptional learning environments for children?

Milestones Early Learning Fern Bay is seeking a passionate and driven people leader to join our wonderful centre community on a full-time maternity leave contract. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a well-established service where your leadership can make a genuine difference to children, families, educators, and the wider community.

Located just north of Newcastle, Fern Bay offers the perfect balance of coastal lifestyle and career development, with the support, resources, and opportunities that come with being part of one of Australia's largest childcare providers.

At Affinity Education Group, we don't just develop children, we develop careers.

Why You'll Love This Prospect

Attractive Benefits & Rewards

- Generous Centre Manager bonus program with uncapped earning potential
- 50% childcare discount from your first day
- Scholarship opportunities for Bachelor qualifications
- Fully funded Leadership and Management courses through Affinity Learning Academy
- 30% discount on Goodlife and Fitness First memberships
- Access to wellbeing programs through TELUS Health
- Bupa health insurance benefits and discounts with over 100 national retailers

Be Part of a Growing Organisation

- 50% of all leadership appointments are promoted from within
- Ongoing professional development and mentoring
- Dedicated support from experienced operational and quality teams
- Work for a values-driven organisation that genuinely invests in its people

About Milestones Fern Bay

Nestled in the beautiful coastal community of Fern Bay, our centre provides high-quality education and care for children aged 0-5 years in a warm,



welcoming, and family-focused environment.

Families choose Milestones Fern Bay because of our strong community connections, dedicated educators, and commitment to helping every child feel safe, confident, and supported.

Our thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor learning environments encourage exploration, creativity, and development through play. With spacious natural playgrounds, engaging learning experiences, and a close-knit team culture, this is a centre where both children and educators can thrive.

About the Role

As Centre Manager, you'll be at the heart of our service, empowering your team to deliver exceptional outcomes while driving operational success.

You will:

- Lead, mentor, and inspire a passionate team of educators
- Create a positive, inclusive, and high-performing centre culture
- Build strong relationships with children, families, and the local community
- Ensure compliance with National Quality Standards and regulatory requirements
- Drive occupancy growth through community engagement and local marketing initiatives
- Monitor centre performance, budgets, and operational targets
- Champion child safety, wellbeing, and educational excellence

This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys balancing people, quality, and business success while making a genuine impact every day.

About You

You are a confident and experienced leader who is passionate about early education and developing others.

You'll bring:





- Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or ACECQA-approved equivalent)
- Previous experience in a Centre Manager position
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities
- Proven ability to drive occupancy and operational performance
- Robust understanding of compliance, legislation, and quality standards
- Current Working with Children Check
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Most importantly, you'll be someone who leads with heart, inspires excellence, and believes every child deserves the best start in life.

Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum

At Affinity, our educators are supported by Australia's most advanced approach to early childhood education.

Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum combines contemporary research, evidence-based practice, and proven educational frameworks including:

- Circle of Security
- Abecedarian Approach Australia
- Project-Based Learning

This unique curriculum empowers educators to deliver meaningful learning experiences that support every child's development, confidence, and lifelong love of learning.

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Affinity Education Group is a Child Safe Organisation.

The safety, rights, and wellbeing of children are our highest priorities. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and harm and are committed to creating environments where children feel safe, respected, valued, and heard.

We are equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member is treated with dignity, respect, and belonging.

Ready to Lead Something Meaningful?

If you're looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity where you can inspire a team, build strong community connections, and shape the future for young children, we'd love to hear from you.

LOVE. LEARN. GROW.

Apply now and discover what makes Affinity Education Group a great place to belong, lead, and thrive.

📌 Centre Manager (Newcastle)
🏢 Affinity Education Group
📍 Newcastle