Area Manager

Why Join Us?

Are you ready to step into a leadership role where your impact is real? Enjoy autonomy while working in an environment that values collaboration, recognition, fun, and meaningful outcomes every day.

About the Organisation

This small, well-established organisation blends a modern, forward-thinking approach to early childhood education with genuine team support and collaborative leadership. You'll be encouraged to lead with purpose, creativity and confidence, making a tangible difference for children, families, and educators.

The organisation is expanding and is seeking an Early Childhood Area Manager who shares their passion for high-quality learning environments. If you're an inspiring leader who values meaningful connections and enjoys being part of a warm, team-oriented culture — where laughter and light-hearted banter are encouraged — this could be your perfect next chapter.

The Role

You'll oversee a small, well-supported portfolio of services primarily across Melbourne's South East. With a manageable portfolio, you'll have the time and space to genuinely connect with and mentor your teams — supporting quality, growth and professional development at each centre.

You'll collaborate closely with a highly regarded state manager who is approachable, hands-on, and supportive, as well as a professional and dynamic head office team that ensures you always have the tools and guidance you need to succeed.

This is a role where you'll enjoy autonomy in your leadership while benefiting from strong systems, resources, and structures. You'll focus on mentoring Centre Managers, supporting compliance and educational quality, building strong relationships, and inspiring continuous improvement across your services.

What's on Offer

Your contribution will be valued and celebrated. Enjoy a generous salary package, monthly RDOs, a fully maintained company car (all expenses covered), laptop and phone, additional performance incentives and genuine career progression opportunities within a values-driven organisation that invests in its people.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Management experience in overseeing multiple services in early childhood or long daycare
• Drive team engagement through positive leadership.
• Sound understanding and experience with staff management.
• Foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, teamwork, fairness, achievement and recognition.
• Sound Understanding of Education and Care Regulations.
• Oversee all services in implementing strategies for curriculum planning.
• Policy reviews.
• High-level understanding of Child Protection laws and Mandatory reporting.
• Sound knowledge of Early Years Learning Framework.
• Forecast and Budget planning.
• Reporting to the senior supervisor of quality assurance and business progress.
• Liaising with relevant community and agencies.
• High-level of verbal and written communication.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor or Diploma of Early Childhood (ACECQA recognised)
• Have at least 2 years of full time multisite experience as an area manager.
• Current WWCC/VIT
• First Aid and Anaphylaxis
• Sound understanding and experience in application and documentation of the NQF
• High track record of meeting deadlines
• Extensive experience in mentoring and managing a large team
• Experience in liaising with external professional bodies
• Familiar with Qikkids software or similar
• MUST have 2 senior references, your direct report (will not be contacted until offer is provided)
• Must have full working rights in Australia.

If you think this position is for you, please apply through the link or email

MH Consulting and Services is a recruitment company specialising in Early Childhood in finding suitable candidates for permanent placements. Our experienced consultants are committed and driven to providing exceptional quality service by matching the right candidate to the role within this vulnerable industry.