Centre Director

Centre Director / Head of School – Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne – New service We’re supporting the appointment of a Centre Director / Head of School to lead the establishment of a new early learning service in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs. This role sits at the intersection of education, leadership and operations and will suit an experienced early childhood professional who values clarity, accountability and thoughtful decision‑making – and who is motivated by building something well, rather than quickly. “Our job is to guide gently, to prepare an environment that invites curiosity, and to offer safe hands as children navigate learning through exploration, discovery and experimentation. That’s where the magic of real education lives.” - Gavin McCormack, Good Reading Magazine About the opportunity You will have genuine authority over day‑to‑day operational and educational decisions, with clear accountability for outcomes – not layers of approval that distance leadership from practice. This service is being established with a clear educational philosophy and a strong emphasis on quality, consistency and community trust. It is not driven by volume targets at the expense of practice, nor by constant program changes disconnected from what works on the ground. - Lead the service from pre‑opening through to operation. - Build the founding team and set the tone for culture and practice. - Establish strong relationships with families and the local community. - Ensure operational, financial and regulatory integrity from day one. What the role involves as a founding leader - Leading pre‑opening activities including recruitment, enrolments and community engagement. - Establishing the service culture and expectations from the outset. - Acting as the primary point of leadership for families, staff and stakeholders. - Ensuring compliance with the National Quality Framework and Victorian regulations. - Overseeing daily operations, systems and processes. - Managing budgets, enrolments and occupancy targets with accountability. - Supporting high‑quality, child‑centred practice across the service. - Partnering with educators to maintain strong pedagogical standards. - Observing practice, providing feedback and supporting professional growth. - Leading tours, information sessions and enrolment conversations. - Building a connected, informed parent community. - Ensuring families experience consistent, respectful communication and service. This role will suit someone who - Has a completed, ACECQA approved, Bachelor level qualification in Early Childhood Education. (required) - Has senior leadership experience in early childhood education of 5+ years. (required) - Understands the Australian ECEC landscape, including the NQF and regulatory requirements. - Is confident leading people, systems and outcomes. - Values child‑led, developmentally informed education. - Is comfortable working in a start‑up or establishment phase. - Approaches leadership with professionalism, calm authority and accountability. Montessori experience or alignment is highly regarded, but mindset, leadership maturity and values alignment are critical. What you can expect - A senior leadership role with real influence and responsibility. - The opportunity to establish a service from the ground up. - Clear expectations and structure, with professional trust in how outcomes are achieved. - Competitive remuneration aligned with experience and performance. - Ongoing professional development and access to external expertise that is used intentionally. - A workplace culture built on respect, clarity and shared standards. Remuneration - Package (base and super) in the range of $123,000 – $145,000, depending on experience. - Performance incentives linked to agreed milestones (up to $12K per year). - Additional benefits including extensive professional development and family support (discount for your own children of up to 75% if required). Child Safeguarding Looking for an individual that will understand, adhere to and promote the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations (the Child Safe Standards). In your position you will take action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people. - Working With Children Check - Thorough screening - Reference checksA national criminal history check How to apply Apply via the link or reach out to the team at apply@fireflyhr.com.au for a confidential conversation. This appointment is being managed confidentially and exclusively by the Firefly HR team. If this role aligns with how you approach leadership and you’re interested in contributing to the establishment of a high‑quality service built with intention, we welcome your application. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a conversation focused on mutual fit. Firefly HR – Made by Educators, for Educators We partner with services that do things differently, who lead with integrity, hold onto what matters and create workplaces educators deserve. Unlock job insights Salary match Number of applicants Skills match Your application will include the following questions - Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? - How many years' experience do you have as a centre director? - Have you worked in a role which requires a sound understanding of the National Quality Framework? - What's your expected annual base salary? - How much notice are you required to give your current employer? - Do you have experience working in, or leading, a Montessori informed environment? - In a sentence or two, what does “respect for the child” mean to you? - What type of leadership environment brings out your best work, and what environments don’t? #J-18808-Ljbffr