Lead people. Drive performance. Shape exceptional early learning experiences.
At Explorers Early Learning, we're not just operating early learning centres; we're building communities where children, families and educators thrive.
We're looking for an experienced Area Manager to lead a portfolio of centres across Melbourne's East and South-East, extending to the Mornington Peninsula. You will partner with Centre Directors to drive operational excellence, commercial success and exceptional experiences for children, families and our teams.
Why join Explorers?
At Explorers Early Learning, this isn’t just another job in childcare. It’s the beginning of a career with a founder-driven, women-led organisation created to raise the standard of early learning in Australia. When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in 2004, her mission was simple but powerful: to build centres where children and educators could thrive together. That same mission continues today, with every decision focused on investing in the people who bring our centres to life
Explorers is designed around people first, with a culture where belonging and joy are as essential as curriculum. Here, you’ll find mentoring, leadership development, and the encouragement to stretch into new opportunities. It’s not just about compliance or ticking boxes; it’s about giving you the tools, trust, and community to grow into the educator and leader you want to be.
Some of our benefits:
- Culture Club & Team Events that celebrate connection and wellbeing
- Annual Explorers Awards Night to recognise and celebrate our people
- Career growth opportunities in a fast scaling business
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & strong leadership support
- Employee Retail Discount Program designed to save you money, with access to discounted in-store and online vouchers from hundreds of retailers
About the role
As an Area Manager, you'll lead and support a portfolio of Centre Directors, driving occupancy, commercial performance, operational excellence and team engagement across your region - Melbourne's East and South-East, extending to the Mornington Peninsula.
You'll be a visible and supportive leader, regularly visiting centres, coaching leaders to achieve their full potential, and ensuring every service consistently delivers exceptional experiences for children and families.
What you'll be doing
- Coach, mentor and develop Centre Directors to build high-performing teams and strong leadership capability
- Drive occupancy growth through local area marketing, enrolment strategies and community engagement
- Lead commercial performance across your portfolio, including budgets, occupancy and financial outcomes
- Monitor operational performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives
- Support recruitment, succession planning and performance management of Centre Directors
- Lead operational readiness for new centre openings and growth projects
- Partner with Network Leaders to ensure operational decisions support quality education and compliance outcomes
- Oversee facilities, resourcing and physical environment improvements across your region
- Build strong relationships with families, community partners and internal stakeholders
- Foster a positive culture where operational excellence enables exceptional learning outcomes
About you
You're an experienced multi-site leader who enjoys developing people, solving complex operational challenges and delivering strong commercial outcomes.
You'll bring a balanced leadership style, combining coaching, accountability and collaboration to help others succeed.
You'll also have:
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or ACECQA-approved equivalent).
- Current Working with Children Check and Driver’s Licence.
- At least 5 years’ experience as an Early Childhood Teacher, with experience in leadership or multi-site support.
- Strong knowledge of EYLF, NQF, ACECQA standards, compliance, and early years legislation.
- Demonstrated experience coaching teams, improving operations, and supporting Centre openings.
- A collaborative, empowering leadership style.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to manage rosters, budgets, and reporting.
- Deep understanding of quality frameworks and the ability to translate them into daily practice.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, inclusion, and professional integrity.
- Experience supporting new service openings (highly regarded)
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Explorers Early Learning is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to acting in the best interests of every child.
Successful applicants will undergo comprehensive pre-employment screening, including reference checks and relevant child safety and compliance checks.
Ready to make your mark?
If you're a passionate operational leader who thrives on developing people, driving performance and creating exceptional experiences for children, families and teams, we'd love to hear from you.
