Job Title: Full Time Early Childhood Centre Director - Hawthorn

Salary field: Approx $100,000 (dependent on experience) + Super

Job Summary:

Tradewind Australia is recruiting for a Centre Director for an excellent Early Learning Centre, based in Hawthorn, Melbourne to start in September 2025.

• Permanent, Full Time and Ongoing Position
• Interview tips and preparation provided
• Work with a dedicated consultant who will walk you through the application process

About the Role:

Tradewind Australia | Early Learning Centre Director| Hawthorn Melbourne

Tradewind Australia is partnering with a high-quality Early Learning Centre in Hawthorn, Melbourne, to find a passionate and experienced Early Childhood Leader for a permanent, full-time leadership opportunity.

This role offers the chance to lead within a purpose-built centre featuring exceptional indoor and outdoor learning environments, tailored to engage children from 6 weeks to school age. You will work closely with a supportive team of educators and the off-floor Assistant Director, sharing responsibility for open and close shifts. You'll also collaborate with the Educational Leader and Curriculum Leader to enhance the learning program and uphold the centre's strong reputation for quality practice.

We are seeking either an experienced Centre Director ready for a fresh opportunity or a standout Assistant Director/2IC looking to step into a senior leadership role.

If you're driven to make a meaningful impact in a welcoming, community-focused environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Key duties:

• Lead, support, and mentor educators and staff to cultivate a collaborative, positive, and high-performing team culture
• Ensure the centre operates in full compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standards (NQS), Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and evaluation of engaging and inclusive educational programs that promote each child's development and wellbeing
• Foster strong, respectful partnerships with children, families, team members, and the wider community
• Manage daily centre operations, including enrolments, staffing, rosters, budgeting, and allocation of resources
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including quality assurance, centre self-assessments, and reflective practices
• Maintain compliance with all legislative, regulatory, and policy requirements, including Child Safe Standards and Occupational Health & Safety guidelines
• Support ongoing professional growth through mentoring, training opportunities, and regular performance reviews
• Act as the central point of contact for families-responding to enquiries, addressing concerns, and promoting engagement in the centre's community
• Represent the service during external assessments, audits, and regulatory visits
• Champion the centre's vision, values, and philosophy across all aspects of leadership and daily operations

Required Qualifications & Attributes

• Diploma, Graduate Diploma, or Degree in Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)
• In-depth knowledge of the EYLF and National Quality Standards (NQS)
• Strong understanding of compliance, regulations, and Child Safe Standards applicable to Victorian early childhood services
• High level of written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer and documentation skills
• Current Working with Children Check or VIT
• Approved First Aid Certificate including Asthma, CPR and Anaphylaxis training
• Current legal working rights in Australia

Skills & Experience:

• Proven leadership experience working in an Australian-based Early Learning setting as a Director, 2ic or Assistant Director
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and inspire a diverse team of educators and support staff
• Excellent organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial and operational management capabilities, including budgeting, staffing, and resource allocation
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with children, families, staff, and external stakeholders
• Commitment to continuous improvement, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with children, colleagues, and families

Why work with Tradewind?

Tradewind Australia is a specialist, education recruitment agency and is the preferred supplier of Educators for many schools and Early Learning Centres across Australia. We have a strong reputation of providing high calibre Educators with fantastic contract and casual opportunities and helping to pursue a rewarding career. Our aim is to cultivate an excellent ongoing relationship with you throughout your growing career.

How to apply:

To apply, follow the link provided or apply on our website
Alternatively, email your resume to [email protected]
For any queries regarding the position or application process, contact the Early Years Team on 03 9110 0090

Commitment to Child Safety and Equal Opportunity

Tradewind Australia is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Our Child Protection Policy and Code of Conduct ensure a safe environment for all children, including those with a disability, from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

All applicants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including a Working with Children Check, and identity verification. We encourage candidates to highlight any experience working with diverse children and communities.

TRADEWIND AUSTRALIA IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and those with lived experience.