Area Manager

Connect, Learn & Grow with Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten

At Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten, we are committed to providing high-quality early learning experiences that nurture confident, capable, and curious children.

Since our foundation in 2017, we have grown rapidly and now operate 34+ centres across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Western Australia—with 80 more in the pipeline over the next few years.

As part of our exciting growth journey, we are expanding our South-East leadership team and seeking an experienced, values-driven Area Manager to lead a portfolio of centres in this thriving region. This newly created role reflects our commitment to ensuring strong support as Aspire continues to grow.

About the Role

As an Aspire Area Manager, you'll oversee up to 7 centres in Melbourne's South-East suburbs. This includes a mix of established services and new centre start-ups.

You'll provide strategic and operational leadership, coaching Centre Managers to deliver excellence in education, care, compliance, and community engagement. This is a dynamic and rewarding role where you'll directly influence centre success, family experience, and educator development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across your portfolio of centres
• Mentor and develop Centre Managers into confident, high-performing leaders
• Ensure centres achieve and exceed National Quality Framework (NQF) standards
• Drive KPIs including occupancy, wages, enrolment conversion, and team performance
• Lead compliance audits, quality improvement planning, and continuous improvement
• Partner with internal teams (Operations, People & Talent, Finance, Marketing)
• Model and promote Aspire's values and positive culture
• Build strong family and community relationships to enhance centre reputation
• Support new centre openings as part of Aspire's growth strategy

About You

You're a high-performing leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about shaping the future of early childhood education.

You will bring:

• Proven experience as an Area Manager, Regional Manager, or Multi-Site Manager in early childhood education
• Strong operational and business acumen with a track record of driving results
• A recognised early childhood qualification (Diploma or higher)
• Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework and compliance requirements
• Exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to balance multiple priorities
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel between services and Head Office

Why Join Aspire?

• Company car, phone, laptop + competitive salary package with incentives
• Up to 50% discount on childcare at Aspire centres
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - available 24/7
• Ongoing professional development, training, and networking opportunities
• Career growth in a rapidly expanding organisation
• Be part of a values-driven team shaping the future of early learning

Our Commitment to Child Safety and Inclusion

Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is committed to child safety and wellbeing. We welcome children of all abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children from culturally diverse backgrounds. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and uphold the highest standards of care and inclusion.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and every team member feels valued and supported.

Make Your Impact

This is more than a role—it's an opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape communities in Melbourne's South-East. As an Aspire Area Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting our people, families, and children to thrive.

Apply today and join us on our journey to grow, learn, and connect.