Early Learning Centre Manager

• Full-time, Continuing role
• Salary Package: From $117,432 - $135,000 per annum + super

Lead with heart as Centre Manager at Gumnut Cottage Child Care Center - fostering a positive and nurturing environment where educators are inspired to create a place where children, families, and staff can thrive

The Role

We're looking for an experienced and inspiring leader to guide Gumnut Cottage Child Care Center into its next chapter. Reporting into the Early Learning Business Operations Manager, you will hold an ACECQA approved Early Childhood Degree. You will be supported by a strong leadership team and work closely with the Practice Innovation Manager and Compliance Officer.

You'll be:

• Acting as Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader
• Managing day-to-day operations and ensuring high-quality programs
• Leading and developing a passionate team
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant frameworks and regulations
• Building strong relationships with families and stakeholders and across the University community

*** Please note this role requires a valid Working with Children Check, National Criminal Record Check, approved First Aid (including Asthma and Anaphylaxis), Child Protection and Food Safety Supervisor training, as well as flexibility to work varied shifts and attend out-of-hours meetings as needed.

About Us

Ltd, known as Campus Life, is a vibrant and collaborative part of Macquarie University. We're not just a workplace - we're a community with a mission to bring life to campus and foster a deep sense of belonging for students, staff, and families alike.

At Campus Life, we celebrate diversity, value every voice, and believe that a supportive and inclusive environment is the key to delivering exceptional programs and services. When you join us, you become part of a dynamic team that's passionate about creating meaningful experiences and progressive change.

Gumnut Cottage is an 82-place centre that offers a play-based educational program based on:

• Supporting and encouraging a love for learning that involves curiosity, creativity, and innovation
• Connecting with others, oneself, and the environment
• Supporting each child's dispositions for learning
• Supporting children's wellbeing
• Celebrating and sharing the importance of childhood as a unique and valuable time

We have access to university spaces and facilities to support and enhance our programs and collaborate regularly with the University's community, including the Macquarie School of Education.

At Campus Life, you'll be part of a team that values your ideas, supports your growth, and celebrates your impact. If you resonate with our CARES values of Courage, Agility, Rigour, Empowerment and Support and if you're ready to bring your passion for early childhood education to a place that truly values it - we'd love to hear from you

Why You'll Love Working Here

We go above and beyond to support our educators and leaders. Here's how:

• Above Award rates - your expertise is recognised and rewarded
• Paid lunch breaks - and yes, you can leave the premises
• Extensive professional development - grow your skills and career
• Free Gold Membership at Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre
• Retail discounts on campus
• Discounted childcare fees at our early learning centres
• Staff wellbeing program, support services, flu shots & more
• Discounted corporate health insurance

Ready to Apply?

To apply, send your resume and a cover letter sharing how your leadership will nurture a joyful, inclusive learning environment, and how your approach to centre management will support a thriving team, high-quality practice, and smooth day-to-day operations.

For a copy of the position description or other enquiries, contact Lucy Tran on or

If you need any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know - we're here to help.

Application Closing Date: Tuesday 7 October 2025 at 11:59pm (AEST)

*** Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

Flexible Work

At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.