_{21st May, 2026}

Centre Director – Hoppers Crossing, VIC

Ever walked into a service and instantly thought, 'If I had full ownership of this place, I could really take it somewhere special'?

This is that kind of opportunity.

We are seeking a Centre Director to step into a small–medium early learning service in Hoppers Crossing that is already on a strong upward trajectory.

The service has been through a period of real investment and improvement 

• in people,
• leadership,
• systems, and overall quality.

The momentum is there. Now it needs the right leader to bring it all together.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will be visible, present, and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the service, supporting your team, guiding practice, and setting the tone for culture and expectations.

You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be backed by engaged, approachable owners who are actively involved and committed to building a strong, high-performing service.

About the Company

A small–medium long day care service operating Monday to Friday.

This is a service currently in a strong period of positive change and growth, supported by highly engaged and hands-on owners who are actively involved in building quality, capability, and culture across the service.

Over the past 12 months, there has been significant investment into leadership development, people, compliance, and overall service presentation — with clear improvements already visible across the service.
Occupancy is steadily growing, supported by strong word-of-mouth and positive community relationships.

The service uses OWNA and Employment Hero to support structure, systems, and operational consistency.

There is a genuine long-term focus on strengthening the service, lifting standards, and continuing to build a high-performing team and environment.

The Role
This is a leadership role where your impact will be visible every day.

You will:

• Lead the overall operations of the service
• Be a consistent, visible presence across the rooms
• Build and shape team culture and accountability
• Support and develop educators and room leaders
• Maintain compliance, quality, and operational standards
• Manage staffing, rostering, and daily flow of the service
• Strengthen relationships with families and the local community
• Work closely with ownership to continue improving the service

What’s on Offer

• up to $115K - 120K (DOE) + super 
• A service already in momentum - not starting from scratch
• Strong, engaged, and supportive ownership team
• Real opportunity to shape culture and direction
• Hands-on leadership environment where you’re present and involved
• Long-term growth opportunity within the service

About You

We’re looking for a leader who:

• Has experience as a Centre Director or strong senior ECEC leadership background
• Knows how to build culture, not just manage tasks
• Understands compliance and operational requirements (NQF)
• Can build strong, accountable teams
• Demonstrates clear and professional communication with staff and families
• Is confident driving improvement and change
• Cares about quality early childhood education

If you are ready to lead a high-quality service and build long-term impact for children, families, and teams, we invite you to submit your application.

For further information, please contact:
Tano – gaetano@ss-recruitment.com.au

Let SSR help you discover a leadership opportunity that aligns with your skills, aspirations, and passion for quality early education.

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