Head of Children's Services

FULL TIME

The Infants' Home Child and Family Services is a leading provider of high-quality early childhood education and care, allied health and early intervention services for children and families. For over 150 years, the key focus of our work has been supporting families and children experiencing hardship or vulnerabilities to make a more positive future. We provide integrated early childhood services through three Early Care and Education Centres, all rated 'Exceeding the National Quality Standard', plus Family Day Care.

About the role

We are seeking a Head of Children's Services to lead our early childhood services and Family Day Care scheme. This is a leadership role reporting to the CEO and a key member of our Leadership Team. You will oversee service delivery across our services, ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards, and guide practice and pedagogy. You combine strategic thinking with a hands-on, results-driven approach and set a high-performance, values-led culture. The position is based in Ashfield NSW with the opportunity for some remote work.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Driving enrolments and service utilisation to ensure sustainability.
• Ensuring services meet or exceed the National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Leading compliance, safeguarding, and child protection practices.
• Coaching and mentoring service directors and managers.
• Overseeing financial management, commercial acumen, impact reporting, and risk management.
• Building strong relationships with families, regulators, partners, and staff, and communicating clearly with all stakeholders.
• Working with the CEO and Board to deliver strategic priorities, solve problems early, and follow through.

Essential criteria

• Relevant tertiary qualification.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years' experience in multi-site leadership/management role within early childhood education or children's services.
• Strong leadership and coaching ability, with experience providing oversight and guidance to managers on recruitment, induction, staff development, and retention.
• In-depth understanding of the National Quality Framework (NQF), Child Safe Standards, and Reportable Conduct obligations.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and experience in family and community engagement, including play-based and family support settings.
• Proven track record in quality and compliance oversight, including safeguarding and child protection leadership.
• Business acumen with demonstrated success in financial management, including budgets, forecasting, P&L accountability, occupancy growth, debt control, and workforce planning.
• High-level communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with capacity to use data and metrics to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to values-driven leadership, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Completion of an approved child protection training course or unit (CHCPRT001 or CHCPRT025).
• Current Australian Driver's Licence and ability to use own insured vehicle.
• Current NDIS Worker Clearance.
• Recent National Criminal History Check clearance (issued within the last six months).

All employees at The Infants' Home must hold valid working rights in Australia and a current NSW Working With Children Check.

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Salary packaging up to $15,900, with Novated Leasing as an additional option
• Purchase leave (up to two weeks per annum)
• One Wellbeing Day per calendar year
• Annual flu vaccinations
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Dedicated Staff Engagement and Wellbeing Committee to drive engagement and enhance wellbeing
• Dynamic, supportive team environment
• Ongoing career development and mentorship
• Access to learning and professional development opportunities

Application

Please send your resume and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to  If you have any questions about the role, please call Simon Zhu, People & Culture Lead, on

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you haven't received a response within two weeks, we thank you for your interest in The Infants' Home, however you may consider that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.