21st May, 2026
Centre Director - South East Melbourne, VIC | 12-Month Fixed-Term contract
Have you ever walked into a service and thought,
'This already feels calm, supported, and stable… imagine what I could achieve leading a team like this?' This is that kind of opportunity.
We are seeking a passionate and confident Centre Director to step into a beautiful early learning service located in Melbourne’s South East on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This is not a role where you walk into chaos or spend your days constantly firefighting staffing challenges.
Instead, you’ll be stepping into a fully occupied small service with strong foundations already in place, including a stable team, supportive family community, and an experienced leadership structure around you.
The service operates across three rooms, creating a close-knit environment where relationships, collaboration, and quality practice are genuinely valued.
You’ll be supported by an excellent Assistant Director and Educational Leader, allowing you to focus on leadership, mentoring, culture, compliance, and continuing the positive environment already built within the service.
This is an opportunity for a leader who enjoys being present, building strong connections with their team, and leading with confidence while still feeling supported themselves.
About the Company
A well-established long day care service located in Melbourne’s South East operating Monday to Friday.
The service offers:
- Full occupancy with strong stability across both the team and family community
- Excellent support structure already in place
- No current staffing vacancies within the service
- A warm, welcoming, and collaborative team environment
- Strong relationships with families and the wider community
This is a service where the culture and systems are already functioning well — giving the incoming Centre Director the ability to focus on people, leadership, mentoring, and maintaining quality outcomes.
The Role As Centre Director, you will:
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the service
- Support, mentor, and guide educators and room leaders
- Build positive team culture and maintain accountability
- Ensure compliance and operational standards are maintained
- Foster strong relationships with children, families, and the wider community
- Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director and Educational Leader
- Continue supporting a stable, positive, and high-quality learning environment
What’s on Offer - 12-month Fixed-Term contract
- Flexible salary package depending on experience and suitability
- Fully occupied and stable service environment
- Strong leadership support already in place
- No staffing shortages or major operational rebuild required
- Opportunity to lead a close-knit and well-functioning team
- Supportive ownership and leadership structure
About You We’re looking for a leader who:
- Has experience as a Centre Director or within senior ECEC leadership
- Leads with confidence, professionalism, and empathy
- Builds positive team culture and strong educator relationships
- Understands compliance and operational expectations within the NQF
- Communicates effectively with both staff and families
- Enjoys mentoring and supporting educators to grow
- Is passionate about delivering high-quality early childhood education and care
If you are looking for a refreshing leadership opportunity where you can step into a stable, supported, and community-focused service, we would love to hear from you.
For further information, please contact:
Tano – gaetano@ss-recruitment.com.au
Let SSR help you discover a leadership opportunity that aligns with your experience, leadership style, and passion for quality early childhood education.
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