'What we offer you '
* Lead with genuine autonomy - Clarity of expectations and high trust
* Resources that match your ambition - Investment in the latest materials, resources, and support to deliver excellence
* Build your career, not just do a job - Join a growing organisation, high priority on ongoing PD investment, and hands-on mentorship
Exciting growth within Stride Early Learning invites experienced and big picture focused Centre Manager
As part of our leadership team, you will be encouraged and resourced to shape your centre's culture, drive quality improvements, and make decisions that matter. You will be supported by a highly experienced leadership team that deeply understands Early Childhood Education and genuinely backs its leaders.
Your key areas of focus
Strategic leadership:
• Lead your Quality Improvement Plan and drive continuous improvement across all NQS areas
• Collaborate on key operational decisions, use your experience to continuously improve our organisation and deliver exceptional experiences for children and their families
Team Excellence:
• Recruit, develop, and inspire an expert team of educators who are passionate about children's learning
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for your team
• Create a positive workplace culture, demonstrating our appreciation for the important work our educators do
Family & Community engagement:
• Build and maintain strong, authentic partnerships with families
Operational management:
• Demonstrate and ensure our full compliance with NQF, NQS, and all regulatory requirements
• Manage budgets, staffing, rostering, and day-to-day operations efficiently
• Maintain uncompromising standards of health, safety, and well-being for children and staff
Why Choose Stride Early Learning?
Leadership support
• Dedicated 2IC support: You won't be alone – work alongside a capable Second in Charge
• Senior leadership access: Regular connection with experienced leadership who understand your challenges
• Professional development: Fully paid PD opportunities, including internal and external leadership training and industry conferences
• Realistic workload: External contract cleaners and in-house maintenance team, so you can focus on leading, not cleaning and fixing
Access to resources
• If you need it for quality education, we get it – learning materials, equipment, and resources without the budget battles
• Access to Xplor and Playground software systems with full training and support
• Free uniforms for all staff
Benefits
• 80% childcare discount on the gap fee – one of the most generous in the industry
• Wage Retention Payments recognising your commitment and expertise
• Career Progression: Clear pathways to Area Manager and senior leadership roles as we continue to grow
• Work-Life Balance: We understand that great leaders need to recharge – reasonable hours and genuine flexibility
Our culture
• Collaborative, supportive team environment across all Stride Centres
• Open-door leadership that listens and acts on feedback
• Recognition and celebration of achievements
• A place where FUN is part of the job description
What you bring
• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Proven experience in Centre leadership or senior management within early childhood education
• Strong understanding of NQF, NQS, and regulatory compliance
• Current and mandatory Certificates and Checks
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to lead, inspire, and develop a team
It would be exceptional if you have:
• Experience with Xplor, Line leader software
• Experience managing Quality Improvement Plans and regulatory assessments
• Demonstrated success in building occupancy and family satisfaction
Ready to lead with purpose?
If you are a highly experienced Early Childhood Leader who is held back by being under-resourced and under-supported, we'd love to hear from you.
Your application: Send your comprehensive Resume and include a Cover Letter sharing:
1. What your ideal centre culture looks like
2. Your proudest achievement as a leader
3. How you can add value to Stride Early Learning
How to Apply:
Please click the ‘Apply’ button and upload your Resume and Cover Letter
This role will be advertised for up to 30 days, unless a suitable candidate is appointed prior. We reserve the right to close this ad at any time.
Candidates progressing to the next stage will be contacted.
An appointment is subject to having full working rights and having all valid mandatory checks and certificates. Where possible, we encourage you to gather these prior to your interview, should you progress through the phone screen stage.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion.
P.S. - If you're currently a 2IC or Educational Leader thinking, \"I could do this, but I don't have Centre Manager experience yet\" – apply anyway. We
Will be happy to consider your application.
Stride Early Learning is committed to child safety, and all appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks including Working with Children Check, National Police Check, and reference verification.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.