Centre Manager Opportunity – Now and Jan,2026

What we offer you

• Lead with genuine autonomy Clarity of expectations and high trust

• Resources that match your ambition Investment in the latest materials resources and support to deliver excellence

• Build your career not just do a job Join a growing organisation high priority on ongoing PD investment and hands-on mentorship

Exciting growth within Stride Early Learning invites experienced and big picture focused Centre Managers / Assistant Centre Managers.

As part of our leadership team you will be encouraged and resourced to shape your centres culture drive quality improvements and make decisions that matter. You will be supported by a highly experienced leadership team that deeply understands Early Childhood Education and genuinely backs its leaders.

Your key areas of focus

Strategic leadership:

Lead your Quality Improvement Plan and drive continuous improvement across all NQS areas

Collaborate on key operational decisions use your experience to continuously improve our organisation and deliver exceptional experiences for children and their families

Team Excellence:

Recruit develop and inspire an expert team of educators who are passionate about childrens learning

Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for your team

Create a positive workplace culture demonstrating our appreciation for the important work our educators do

Family & Community engagement:

Build and maintain strong authentic partnerships with families

Operational management:

Demonstrate and ensure our full compliance with NQF NQS and all regulatory requirements

Manage budgets staffing rostering and day-to-day operations efficiently

Maintain uncompromising standards of health safety and well-being for children and staff

Why Choose Stride Early Learning

Leadership support

Dedicated 2IC support: You wont be alone work alongside a capable Second in Charge

Senior leadership access: Regular connection with experienced leadership who understand your challenges

Professional development: Fully paid PD opportunities including internal and external leadership training and industry conferences

Realistic workload: External contract cleaners and in-house maintenance team so you can focus on leading not cleaning and fixing

Access to resources

If you need it for quality education we get it learning materials equipment and resources without the budget battles

Access to Xplor and Playground software systems with full training and support

Free uniforms for all staff

Benefits

80% childcare discount on the gap fee one of the most generous in the industry

Wage Retention Payments recognising your commitment and expertise

Career Progression: Clear pathways to Area Manager and senior leadership roles as we continue to grow

Work-Life Balance: We understand that great leaders need to recharge reasonable hours and genuine flexibility

Our culture

Collaborative supportive team environment across all Stride Centres

Open-door leadership that listens and acts on feedback

Recognition and celebration of achievements

A place where FUN is part of the job description

What you bring

Diploma or Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care

Proven experience in Centre leadership or senior management within early childhood education

Strong understanding of NQF NQS and regulatory compliance

Current and mandatory Certificates and Checks

Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills

The ability to lead inspire and develop a team

It would be exceptional if you have:

Experience with Xplor Line leader software

Experience managing Quality Improvement Plans and regulatory assessments

Demonstrated success in building occupancy and family satisfaction

Ready to lead with purpose

If you are a highly experienced Early Childhood Leader who is held back by being under-resourced and under-supported wed love to hear from you.

Your application: Send your comprehensive Resume and include a Cover Letter sharing:

your ideal centre culture looks like

proudest achievement as a leader

you can add value to Stride Early Learning

How to Apply:

Please click the Apply button and upload your Resume and Cover Letter

This role will be advertised for up to 30 days unless a suitable candidate is appointed prior. We reserve the right to close this ad at any time.

Candidates progressing to the next stage will be contacted.

An appointment is subject to having full working rights and having all valid mandatory checks and certificates. Where possible we encourage you to gather these prior to your interview should you progress through the phone screen stage.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion.

P.S. If youre currently a 2IC or Educational Leader thinking I could do this but I dont have Centre Manager experience yet apply anyway. We

Will be happy to consider your application.

Contact:

Stride Early Learning is committed to child safety and all appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks including Working with Children Check National Police Check and reference verification.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.