ELC Area Manager

About the Role

As the Early Learning Centre Area Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across multiple Early Learning Centres, ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and care that reflects our commitment to children, families, and communities.

Reporting to the Children's Services Operations Manager, you will lead, mentor, and support Centre Directors and leadership teams to achieve excellence in educational practice, compliance, workforce capability, and service performance. You will play a key role in driving continuous improvement, maintaining National Quality Standard outcomes, and fostering a positive, child-safe culture across all services.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced multi-site leader who is passionate about early childhood education, developing high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional outcomes for children and families.

 What We're Looking For

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a leadership or management role within an early childhood education and care setting.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple Early Learning Centres or comparable multi-site operations.
• Proven leadership experience in coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong understanding of the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.
• Extensive knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Framework (NQF), and National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Experience leading services through Assessment and Rating and continuous quality improvement.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, occupancy, workforce planning, and operational performance.
• Strong commitment to child safeguarding, inclusion, and creating safe environments for children.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with children, families, educators, regulatory authorities, and community stakeholders.
• A proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused leadership style.

 What You'll Need

• An ACECQA-approved Early Childhood Education and Care qualification (Bachelor, Diploma or equivalent).
• Current ACT Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Registration and NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC), or the ability to obtain both prior to commencement.
• Current HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting, including CPR, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management. (or willingness to obtain)
• Current Child Protection training, including Mandatory Reporting requirements.
• Current ACT Government Keeping Children and Young People Safe training or willingness to obtain prior to commencement.
• Current Foundations of Child Safety Training or willingness to obtain prior to commencement..
• Current unrestricted Australian Driver Licence and access to a reliable motor vehicle, as regular travel between services is required.
• Full Australian working rights.

 Why Join The Y?

At The Y, we’re committed to creating a rewarding and supportive workplace where both children and our team thrive. Here’s why you’ll love working with us:

• Health & Wellbeing Support – Free flu shots and 24/7 confidential counselling for you and your immediate family through Telus Health Global.
• Career Growth – Advance with industry-leading training, including Child Safeguarding certifications.
• Employee Perks & Discounts – Access rewards through Y Thanks, plus 20% off Y Canberra Region services, including childcare fees and accommodation.
• Paid Onboarding & Training – Fully paid training from day one.
• WWVP & WWCC Renewal Reimbursement – We reimburse the cost of your Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) and Working with Children Check (WWCC) renewal for eligible staff.
• Medibank Corporate Health Cover – Get a 9% discount on health insurance.
• Beny – Access exclusive perks and insights to enhance physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

The Y Canberra Region has a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable people first and foremost in all of our programs and activities. We have extensive Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures which help us to continually embed a safe culture. The safety, health, and wellbeing of our participants is our paramount consideration in all decisions, actions, and practices within Y Canberra Region’s services. To find out more please visit: Safeguarding Policy Document

Important Information

Pre-employment checks include:

• Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)
• International Police Check - If applicable
• Two Verbal reference checks - At least one referee must be your manager or supervisor from your most recent role
• Candidates must have the legal right to work in Australia without sponsorship.
• Applications close on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM, unless a suitable candidate is found earlier.
• Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and be part of a team that’s shaping young minds and creating a positive, supportive community. We can’t wait to welcome you!