At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop Centre Managers while improving centre operations and compliance.
- Company: Family-run early learning group based in Dee Why, Sydney.
- Benefits: $105–120k salary, company car, childcare discounts, and career progression.
- Other info: Direct access to senior management and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in early childhood education and grow your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Early Childhood Education and solid experience as a Centre Director.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 $ per year.
Area Manager | Early Childhood Education & Care | Dee Why, Sydney
Our Centre Managers are good. Your job is to make them better. Ready to take the step up from Centre Director? We’re a privately owned, family-run early learning group, and we’re looking for an Area Manager to lead our centres, reporting directly to our General Manager. You’ll start out based at our Dee Why centre, with travel to our other Sydney centres as the role grows. A company car is provided. No previous Area Manager experience is needed. If you’ve run a strong centre and enjoy growing people, this is your next step.
Why this role is different
- Leadership, not ratios. You won’t be counted in ratios. Your time goes into coaching, planning and lifting performance.
- Close to home for Northern Beaches locals. You’ll start at Dee Why, with no daily commute off the Beaches.
- Short decision chain. You report to the GM. Good ideas get approved in days, not months.
- Real influence. You’ll help set the operational standards for the whole group.
- A genuine pathway. This role leads into senior operational leadership as the group grows.
What you’ll do
- Coach and develop Centre Managers and Educational Leaders
- Lift occupancy, tour conversion, enrolments and family retention
- Lead Assessment and Rating readiness, with a clear goal of Exceeding
- Keep every centre compliant with the NQF, NQS, National Law, Regulations, child safety and WHS
- Improve rostering, wage control and ratio planning
- Build succession plans and prepare 2ICs and Room Leaders for leadership
What you’ll bring
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (a relevant degree is preferred)
- Solid experience as a Centre Director, Centre Manager or Nominated Supervisor
- Strong knowledge of the EYLF, NQF, NQS, CCS and Family Assistance Law
- A track record of improving centre operations, compliance, occupancy and team performance
- The confidence to have hard conversations while keeping relationships strong
- Current NSW WWCC and a full driver’s licence
- willingness to be appointed as Nominated Supervisor where required
What we offer
- $105,000–$120,000 + super, reviewed annually
- Company car provided
- Not counted in ratios
- Up to 50% childcare discount (eligibility applies)
- Direct access to the GM and Managing Director
- Long-term career progression into senior operational leadership
Our process
We value substance over presentation. Our process has three stages: Application review, Structured interview with our Group Head of HR and General Manager, Final interview with our Managing Director, followed by referee checks.
Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centre is a proudly Australian-owned group of childcare centres inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy. We provide exceptional early education and care for children aged 0–6, nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence through play-based learning. Our dedicated educators, The Little Gourmet chefs, and support teams work together to create inclusive, beautiful environments where children, families, and staff feel a true sense of belonging and community.
Area Manager in Sydney employer: Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centre
At Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centre in Parramatta, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values leadership and professional growth. With fully funded training, ongoing mentoring, and a supportive Head Office team, we empower our Centre Directors to lead with confidence and make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Join us to be part of a vibrant community where your contributions are recognised and celebrated.
Contact Details:
Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centre Recruitment Team
