Role: Centre Director

Location: Brighton, VIC 3186

Centre: Goodstart Brighton – Cochrane Street

Employment Type: Full Time, Fixed-term (until Jan 2027)

Pay: $55.73 - $57 p/h (Depending on experience) + Super

• Use your experience in early learning to manage and develop your own centre, guiding the next generation of educators
• Competitive pay – 12% above award + childcare discount + salary packaging available
• Work for Australia’s largest early learning Not-for-Profit

Are you an experienced early learning professional ready to elevate your career, refine your leadership skills, and drive a thriving business? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

As a Centre Director at Goodstart, you’ll be at the heart of our leadership team, playing a pivotal role in supporting and developing the Teachers and Educators in your centre. You'll build strong, meaningful relationships with children, families, and communities, fully embracing the profound impact of your role in their lives.

In this role, you will:

• Deliver our bespoke learning program developed in collaboration with global leaders in pedagogical practice
• Build and encourage a talented team of early learning professionals, sharing your knowledge and contributing to a culture of reflective practice and ongoing improvement
• Work with your team to plan for the future of your centre, building the attendance pipeline and maintaining a revenue-generating business
  
  

About Goodstart Brighton – Cochrane Street

Goodstart Brighton – Cochrane Street is seeking an experienced Centre Director to lead our warm, community‑focused 60‑place centre on a fixed‑term basis until January 2027.

Ideally located in a welcoming residential community, Goodstart Brighton – Cochrane Street is just a short walk from Brighton North train station, making it easily accessible for families and educators. Operates within four thoughtfully planned learning environments, purposefully designed to extend children’s interests and support holistic development across all domains. You’ll be joining a friendly and passionate team that values collaboration, consistency and strong professional relationships, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

As Centre Director, you will have overall responsibility for the educational, operational and commercial success of the centre. You will lead and inspire your team, strengthen family and community partnerships, and drive enrolments and occupancy growth while ensuring exceptional outcomes for children. You will be required to work across the centre’s operating hours of 7:00am – 6:30pm, supporting the needs of the service and team.

We’re seeking a confident and experienced early childhood leader who brings:

• Demonstrated experience leading teams within the Early Childhood sector
• Proven success in community engagement and increasing occupancy
• Strong operational and commercial capability
• A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (or higher), approved by ACECQA
• Sound knowledge of the EYLF, NQS and regulatory requirements
• Availability to work within centre operating hours (7:00am – 6:30pm)

What Goodstart can offer you:

💰 At least 12% above the award rate

👨‍👧‍👦 Up to 50% discount off your childcare gap fees and up to 6 weeks paid parental leave

🏋 Fitness Passport - access to gyms and pools for you and your family at a heavily discounted price

💳 Tax benefits through salary packaging

📚 Paid professional development

💆🏽‍♀️ Two wellbeing days included in your personal leave per year
👩‍⚕️Free annual flu shot (optional)

✈️ Option to purchase extra leave for even greater work life balance  
First Nations Support and Cultural Leave

🎁 Retail and childcare discounts on insurance, travel and technology

👕Uniform allowance and employee referral program

You’ll need:

• A Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (must be an approved qualification by ACECQA)
• Experience with leading and managing change within education, health or community services
• Experience in delivering integrated early childhood services in areas of disadvantage
• Proven commercial acumen with financial and operational performance management

How to apply

Click ‘Apply Now’ and submit your application.

We review applications as they are submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for your best chance to progress to the next stage of the process.

Have a question? Contact Salena from our Talent Acquisition Team on 1800 222 543 or via email svo@goodstart.org

At Goodstart we are deeply committed to Reconciliation and encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. For further information and support email deadlycareers@goodstart.org.au

Supporting our people and protecting our children

We’re an equal opportunity employer that is proud of our inclusive and diverse work environment. We know that Goodstarters from diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We’re also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.

Safety is our priority and we will take any action necessary to ensure that all children can feel safe and be safe, and are safeguarded from abuse, neglect and harm. As a Child Safe Organisation, all of our candidates must have or obtain a valid working with children check.

#gscentredirector

Posting Notes: BRIGHTON, MELBOURNE || VIC || Australia (AU) || | || Diploma - Children's Services or equiv || Full-Time