Area Manager - Early Learning

Work options: Hybrid

This is a hybrid role. You’ll spend the majority of your time in centres, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week, and attend off‑site meetings at our state office in Box Hill or satellite sites as needed.

The scope of the secondment may include OSHC, School Holiday Programs and occasional care settings, based on organisational needs.

• Lead at scale; Network impact; Grow leaders;
• Hybrid working both from home and across our services
• Free access to gyms, recreation, and aquatics centres across the state

At the Y our vision is a better tomorrow where all people can belong.

Reporting to the Executive Manager – Early Learning, this role leads across a network of services, partnering with Centre Managers, executive leaders and specialist teams to strengthen quality, performance and leadership capability.

YMCA Children’s Programs continues to grow its footprint across Victoria, with a strong focus on high‑quality education and care, meaningful community partnerships, and sustainable, future‑focused service delivery.

As Area Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Quality uplift across all National Quality Standard areas
• Consistent operational performance across budgets, KPIs, occupancy and compliance
• Building confident and capable Centre Managers through coaching and mentoring
• Driving strategic thinking to support service sustainability, continuity and growth

What you’ll lead

People and Culture

• Coach, mentor and support Centre Managers and leadership teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement
• Be a visible, connected leader across services and local communities

Quality, Programming and Compliance

• Embed the YMCA Philosophy and Approach to Learning
• Support services to achieve and maintain at least Meeting NQS
• Partner with specialist teams to strengthen and sustain high‑quality practice

Business Performance

• Lead service planning, budgeting and performance oversight
• Drive participation, occupancy and long‑term sustainability
• Contribute to performance reporting, insights and action planning

Growth and Partnerships

• Support service retention and continuity
• Contribute to new service and expansion opportunities
• Build strong partnerships with VECRA, councils, schools and community stakeholders to enhance local impact

You’ll spend the majority of your time in centres, with the flexibility to work from home one day per week, and attend off‑site meetings at our state office in Box Hill or satellite sites as needed. This is a full time permanent position with a package up to $126,389 plus super dependent on experience.

What you bring

• Proven experience delivering quality uplift and strong performance outcomes
• Experience leading across multiple services or complex environments
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework and early learning operations
• Confidence coaching, influencing and building trusted relationships
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to lead through change
• High emotional intelligence, resilience and a people‑centred leadership style

Qualifications

• Minimum Diploma in Early Childhood or Children’s Services (or equivalent)
• Tertiary qualification preferred
• Current First Aid and CPR
• Anaphylaxis and Asthma qualifications
• Child Safety and Mandatory Reporting training

Commitment to Child and Young People Safety;

YMCA Victoria has robust policies and practices to prevent harm to children and young people. The Y is committed to identifying and removing potential risks and hazards. All positions are subject to a satisfactory Police Check, Working with Children Check and a pre-employment medical declaration prior to commencement.

Y Victoria are proud to be a 2026 Circle Back Initiative Employer, we commit to respond to every applicant.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv6C_FRRDLxT0hmydRRWCvOeOsYEl6c5O

Video