Centre Director - Long Day Care

Job Description

• $96k - $104k per annum + 12% Superannuation
• Full Time Permanent
• Council run Children’s Services Centre based in the Eastern suburbs

At Whitehorse City Council, community is at the heart of everything we do. To stay ahead of and best respond to the evolving changes and needs of the community, the organisation is undertaking an exciting journey that will transform ways of working and will empower employees to be innovative and constantly striving towards providing excellent customer experience at all times. The five pillars of our organisation focus on:

• Excellent Customer Experience and Service Delivery
• Great Organisational Culture
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Good Governance and Integrity
• Long Term Financial Sustainability

This is a great opportunity to lead a team within WELS (Whitehorse Early Learning Service) early years service to influence lifelong learning of all children, to work in partnerships with families and Whitehorse community.

The role

Whitehorse City Council is seeking an experienced and committed leader to influence impact at one of our early years service and integrated kindergarten services within Whitehorse Early Learning Services (WELS).

As Children's Services Centre Director, you’ll provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high quality educational program and service delivery for children aged 6 weeks – 6 years. You’ll foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and continuous improvement across your service, in line with Council values and National Quality Standards, approved frameworks and National Education and Care Law and Regulations.

• Lead, mentor and inspire a team of committed educators to deliver high quality programs and service.
• Oversee compliance in alignment with the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and Council policies.
• Lead the team on continuous improvement, implementation of National Quality Standards and Assessment and Rating
• Build and maintain respectful and reciprocal relationships with families, educators and community
• Drive quality improvement planning, reflective practice and innovative approaches to pedagogy and practice
• Manage the operational aspects of the service including budgets, staffing, enrolments and reporting.
• Contribute to strategic planning within Whitehorse Early Learning Services (WELS)and support service-wide initiatives.

About you

• Supportive and influential leader who models integrity, and Whitehorse Council’s values
• Skilled in managing and leading people, guiding teams through change, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Experienced in pedagogy and practice leadership, knowledge of National Quality Standards, approved frameworks and the National Law and Regulations
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions.

Essential qualifications

• ACECQA-approved Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience in a leadership or management role within an early childhood education and care service.
• Current Working with Children Check (Employee)
• Current First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis and Asthma certifications

In return, we will offer:

The ability to make a difference - Working at Whitehorse City Council you contribute to making a real difference in the lives of the community, children and those that live, learn, work or visit Whitehorse. Every day you really will see how the work you're involved in benefits the diverse community.

Great working conditions – a professional environment, friendly and supportive teams and a flexibility program that promotes employee work life balance.

An extensive Health and Wellbeing offering – Employee assistance program, private health insurance benefits, health checks (skin, hearing and vaccinations), discounted gym membership and facilities (e.g. Theatre, Arts, Leisure) and an active health and wellness program (e.g. stretching, healthy eating demonstrations and health challenges.

Career opportunities – engaging work and the opportunity to apply your skills and experience.

Reward & Recognition - ex tensive reward and recognition program, corporate learning offerings, study assistance and comprehensive leadership development programs.

Further Information

Further information is available from Lilly Ghandchi on 9262 7567. To apply, please submit a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and two page cover letter addressing the selection criteria in the position description and what you would bring to the role by 31 May 2026.

Come and join the transformation!

Director Whitehorse Early Learning Services

City of Whitehorse is a culturally and linguistically diverse community. We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and recognise the strength this provides in meeting the needs of our community. We are committed to upholding a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace that values the contribution of all.

Whitehorse City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation. We recognise our responsibilities to keep children and young people safe from harm and have established policies, procedures and training to achieve these commitments.

The City of Whitehorse, located 15 kilometres east of the Melbourne CBD, is a culturally diverse community of almost 177,000 people. Whitehorse includes the suburbs of Box Hill, Burwood, Nunawading, Blackburn, Mitcham, Forest Hill and Vermont and is characterised by quiet tree-lined residential streets, an abundance of parks, gardens and natural bushland reserves, bustling shopping centres and a diverse range of arts, cultural, sports and leisure facilities.

Whitehorse City Council provides more than 100 services and facilities across a range of areas within our community services, city development, infrastructure, corporate services and transformation directorates. Whitehorse is one of Melbourne’s largest metropolitan councils with a workforce of approximately 1300 employees and aspires to foster an inclusive, vibrant, prosperous and sustainable community. Our employees help us achieve these goals!

At Whitehorse, employee health, wellbeing and development are paramount, and we aim for everyone to become the best they can be in the workplace. Benefits of working with us include:

• A welcoming and supportive working environment
• Great opportunities for training and to build a long-term career within Whitehorse or the local government sector.
• Extensive employee health and wellbeing programs including flexible working arrangements
• Salary sacrifice options for gym / swim memberships, childcare and superannuation; and access to novated vehicle leases.
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment
• Ample onsite parking at most facilities with ready access to public transport