Early Childhood Centre Director

Job No: SSC1867
Location: Sutherland Shire

Lead a Centre. Grow a Team. Change Lives.

Imagine leading a centre where you can focus on children, families and your team, backed by specialist support, experienced peers and a Council that genuinely invests in your success.

At Sutherland Shire Council, you'll be part of a connected network of Early Education services, with the support, flexibility and career opportunities that help you thrive both professionally and personally.

What makes us different?

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary package up to $124,574 + 12% superannuation + ECEC Worker Retention Allowance
  • Council commitment to an 8% pay increase over the next two years
  • Novated leasing / salary sacrificing options
  • Up to 26 weeks paid leave if you or someone in your care experiences a serious illness or accident
  • 14 weeks paid parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support
  • Fitness Passport
  • Annual flu vaccinations

Work-Life Balance That Works

We know great leaders do their best work when they have time for life outside of work too.

  • Accrue up to 2 days off per month
  • 4 weeks annual leave
  • 5 additional MyLeave days (to support your health and wellbeing)
  • 3 weeks sick leave
  • 7 days personal leave

A Leadership Network Behind You

It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a strong support network to lead a thriving early learning service.

As part of our network, you'll have access to specialist support across enrolments, inclusion, curriculum, quality, child safety and business operations, along with a collaborative community of Directors who share ideas, solve challenges and celebrate success together while building a legacy that you can be truly proud of.

Grow Your Career

  • Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
  • Leadership networking and mentoring
  • Career growth within one of NSW's largest local government early education providers

About the Role

This is more than managing a centre. It's about creating a place where children thrive, educators grow and families feel connected.

As Early Childhood Centre Director, you'll lead a high-quality early learning service, building a positive team culture, driving educational excellence and creating meaningful outcomes for children and families.

In this role, you'll:

  • Lead and inspire a team of educators
  • Drive high-quality learning outcomes for children
  • Foster a positive and inclusive team culture
  • Build trusted partnerships with families and the community
  • Oversee centre operations, staffing and budgets
  • Ensure excellence in quality, compliance and child safety
  • Coach, mentor and develop future leaders

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education (ACECQA approved)
  • Current NESA Early Childhood Teacher Accreditation
  • Experience leading teams in an early childhood setting
  • Strong knowledge of the NQF and EYLF
  • Excellent leadership and relationship-building skills
  • Commitment to child safety and quality outcomes for children

Join our Team and Grow with Us!

Join a Council that values early childhood education, invests in its people and understands that great leaders deserve great support.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, check out our Candidate Pack for more information.

  • Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit!
  • Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 6th September 2026.
  • Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated in the week commencing 14th September 2026.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Renae Giles, Senior Manager Early Education & Child Protection, RGiles@ssc.nsw.gov.au PH: 0414 193 615 for any job specific enquiries.
Jodi Johnson, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, JJohnson@ssc.nsw.gov.au PH: 02 9710 0531 can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Click on the link to check out the Position Description

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government's Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

Apply Now

Privacy Acknowledgment

Sutherland Shire Council (Council) adheres to The Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 NSW when collecting, using and storing your personal information, and is committed to ensuring the privacy of your personal information. Council is collecting your personal information as part of the recruitment and selection process and advises your application will be hosted by an external service provider under contract by Council. By proceeding with your application, you acknowledge your personal information will be hosted by Councils’ external service provider until such time as you notify otherwise.


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About Sutherland Shire Council

Sutherland Shire is a unique area in greater Sydney. Boasting iconic beaches, stunning coastline, vibrant town centers, and incredible national parks. All just 26 km from the CBD. As one of the largest Councils in NSW, we're home to a growing and connected community of more than 230,000 people.

Watch the video to hear from our people about the wide range of projects we're delivering for our community.

It's a great time to join our team and do work that matters.