Early Childhood Area Manager

Little Zak's Academy

Our staff are dedicated professionals who value the importance of maintaining an optimum level of care and education for all children. We select our staff based on knowledge and values, vision for children and learning, and commitment to families.

With a strong reputation in New South Wales, we are expanding into South Australia, beginning with our brand-new, 94-place service in Elizabeth Downs, set to open in July/August 2025.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Area Manager to lead this exciting expansion. The successful candidate will initially take on the role of Nominated Supervisor at our Elizabeth Downs service, playing a key role in its successful opening and establishment.

As additional centres open across South Australia, this role will transition into a broader Area Manager position, overseeing multiple services and driving our continued growth in the region.

About the role:

• Lead the opening, operations, and performance of our first centre in SA, ensuring it meets compliance, quality, and enrolment targets.
• Support and mentor Centre Directors and teams to ensure the consistent and effective delivery of our educational programs.
• Oversee strategic planning for each service, ensuring programs and practices remain current, compliant, and aligned with Little Zak's values.
• Build and develop relationships with families, ensuring their individual needs are met and fostering a strong sense of community.
• Provide training and guidance to Centre Directors and educators to maintain the safety, care, and welfare of children and their families.
• Monitor incident reporting and compliance, ensuring accurate documentation and appropriate responses to serious incidents.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, hygiene, and environment to create welcoming indoor and outdoor learning spaces.
• Manage financial aspects, including budgeting and cost control, to ensure financial sustainability.
• Workforce planning and staffing oversight, ensuring correct educator-to-child ratios and approving new vacancies as needed.
• Liaise closely with the Approved Provider to support service operations, policies, and compliance.
• Drive enrolment and occupancy across centres, ensuring optimal utilisation of services.

About you:

• Proven experience as an Area Manager or multi-site leader in early childhood education.
• ACECQA-approved Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Strong understanding of EYLF, NQF, mandatory reporting requirements, and other relevant regulations.
• Experience with Assessment and Rating processes.
• Financial management experience, including budgets, costs, and P&Ls.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take ownership and drive results.
• High-level organisational and computer skills to manage reporting and compliance requirements.
• Current Working with Children Check, First Aid Certificate, Asthma & Anaphylaxis training.

Benefits for you:

• Competitive salary package + performance-based incentives
• Up to $2,000 annual bonus
• 50% staff childcare discounts for your own children
• A paid day off on your birthday & a well-being day (on top of your annual leave)
• $1,000 staff referral bonus for every successful referral
• Continuous career development opportunities and Future Leaders Program
• Study allowances to upskill your qualification including ECT degrees (T&Cs apply)
• Travel Allowances (T&Cs apply)
• Mentoring from our values-driven Leadership Team and full support from a well-established Support Office
• Employee Assistance Program

We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children by implementing a comprehensive screening and interview process, conducting thorough candidate reference checks, and other checks to foster a child-safe organisational culture.

We are an equal opportunity workplace where diversity is embraced. We foster a culture that supports inclusion and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Do not miss out on this great opportunity If this sounds like you then, please click 'APPLY NOW' or call *** for more information.
Additional information

• Inclusive, supportive team & get mentored by our experienced leadership
• Lead & support centres, ensuring high-quality operations
• Competitive salary + bonuses + career growth opportunities

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