About Us:

At Firefly HR, we redefine what it means to find exceptional talent in the education and care profession. We work exclusively with a select group of exceptional clients and candidates, ensuring that only the best are connected with the highest quality opportunities - like this one:

ECE - Head of Early Learning | Upper North Shore, Sydney

Are you a relationship driven early childhood professional ready for your next chapter - not just a job? This is a rare opportunity to lead a high quality exceeding early childhood education service with heart, autonomy and a clear path for impact.

We’re seeking a steady and thoughtful leader to steward an established early learning community through its next stage of growth - someone who can hold space for a team, engage deeply with families, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

You’ll be trusted to continue to shape the already positive culture in place, guide practice and contribute creatively to community engagement and enrolment growth.

It takes a village to raise a child - and a great leader to nurture that village.

Why this role could be your best yet?

• You’ll lead with autonomy, not micromanagement.
• You’ll be backed by a thoughtful leadership team that knows the profession well.
• You’ll be part of a values led small, local provider that prioritises people over profit – genuinely.
• You’ll have true off the floor time to do the work that matters most - supporting your team and growing your service.
• You’ll join a team that sees leadership as a relational process, not a checklist.

What you’ll bring

• A strong foundation in early childhood pedagogy (Diploma or ECT qualification – ACECQA approved) and a passion for reflective practice.
• Confidence in your leadership - you know how to mentor, guide and uplift a team without overpowering.
• A calm presence with the ability to lead change gently but decisively.
• A creative and community minded approach to building occupancy and engagement.
• This is a Nominated Supervisor position, with strong support behind you so you can lead confidently and with clarity.
• Accredited and current First Aid, Asthma & Anaphylaxis, and Child Protection training.

The leadership culture?

Inspired by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory and the EYLF’s emphasis on relationships and agency, this employer believes leadership is about being with people – not above them.

As Malaguzzi said, “The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.” The same applies to the educators who guide them.

In return

• Above award pay ranging from $90K - $120K + super (pending experience and qualification).
• Custom package options in that this employer values the right long term fit and is open to tailoring the package to reflect leadership capability and potential.
• Staff discount on care and the space to bring your own child/ren if needed.
• A down to earth environment - no red tape, just thoughtful leadership and meaningful connection with your team and families.
• A leadership role that offers meaning, challenge, and the chance to leave a lasting legacy.
• Ongoing professional development including genuine and thoughtful team events multiple times throughout the year.
• Flexibility in schedule - no fixed hours, just a presence that works for the team and families.
• A strong, stable team and supportive employer you’ll actually enjoy working with.

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 help to take action to promote child wellbeing and prevent harm to children and young people.

Child safeguarding methods for this position, include, but are not limited to:

• A NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC) or willingness to obtain.
• Thorough screening.
• Reference checks.
• A national criminal history check.

What’s Next?

If this role sounds like the kind of opportunity you’ve been holding out for, we’d love to hear from you.

Click apply to send through your interest, or reach out to us directly at [email protected] with any questions - we are happy to talk it through.

When You Apply

We’re not looking for perfect resumes - we’re looking for people who care.
So feel free to tell us:

• What excites you about leading a team?
• What kind of service culture helps you thrive?
• What’s a moment in your career you still think about?

This isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about finding the right fit - for you, and for the service.

Firefly HR – Recruitment by Educators, for Educators

We know what matters because we’ve been there.
We lead with heart, respect, and a real understanding of what makes great early learning communities thrive.