Early Childhood Area Manager

Lady Gowrie QLD is a well-respected not-for-profit organisation with a long-standing commitment to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) across Queensland and Australia. As a leader in the sector, we are dedicated to excellence, inclusion, engagement, and integrity—whether we are working with children and families, partnering with communities, or supporting our passionate and professional teams.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated professional to join our team as our Early Childhood Area Manager. This position a full time position and is based in our Brisbane head office.

In this role, you will oversee a portfolio of early childhood centres, making regular site visits to provide leadership, operational guidance, and hands-on support to Centre Managers. You will be instrumental in ensuring high-quality education and care, maintaining compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), and achieving operational and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel to regional Queensland services to provide on-site support and guidance.
• Lead, mentor, and coach Centre Directors to build high-performing teams.
• Offer strong support in Educational Leadership and demonstrate a high level of pedagogical expertise.
• Ensure compliance with Lady Gowrie QLD policies, procedures, and the NQF, fostering continuous improvement.
• Monitor service performance, occupancy growth, and budget targets.
• Prepare reports on visits, service outcomes, and operational progress.
• Maintain readiness for Assessment and Rating visits and regulatory audits.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with families, educators, communities, stakeholders, and regulators.

About You

We are looking for a confident leader with:

• A Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or equivalent) or a relevant early childhood qualification with proven leadership experience.
• At least 2–5 years' experience as a Centre Manager or Area Manager overseeing multiple services (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of child development, early childhood education, and the NQF.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• A strong understanding of service leadership, staff management, and community engagement.
• A current Working with Children (Blue Card) and current First Aid, CPR, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis certification.
• Sound knowledge of ECEC legislation, the Assessment and Rating process, and continuous improvement strategies.
• An understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG).
• A commitment to inclusive, culturally respectful practice and strong family partnerships.
• A valid driver's licence and the ability to travel regularly throughout Queensland.

Why Work With Us?

• Competitive salary plus superannuation.
• Paid Blue Card and First Aid/CPR certification (including asthma and anaphylaxis).
• One wellbeing day per year.
• Two weeks' paid closure over Christmas.
• Ongoing professional development and support from a highly experienced leadership team.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program to support your wellbeing.

Lady Gowrie QLD is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply

If this role matches your skills and passion, please submit your resume and cover letter to For further information, contact our HR Department on

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.