Fixed term position until 30 June 2029.
About the Department
The Department of Education provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.
About the Division
Early Learning Operations and Monitoring (ELOM) Division leads core funding, policy, operational and monitoring functions for funded three and four-year-old kindergarten in Victoria.
The Division consists of two branches:
- Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch
- Sector Monitoring and Support Branch
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:
- kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
- setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
- Free Kinder
- kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting.
Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Sector Monitoring and Support Branch include:
- kindergarten contract management policy and oversight, including risk tiering and assessment of providers
- leading financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers, including through the Kindergarten Audit and Assurance Program
- centrally managed and procured kindergarten supports, including payroll and IT, and dedicated supports for committee of management operated kindergarten services
- support for emergency management coordination and advice for funded kindergarten services.
ELOM Division works closely with other divisions across ECE, other central divisions including Performance and Evaluation Division, and early childhood staff in Regions and Areas. ELOM Division plays a key role in providing input and expertise into the planning and implementation of Best Start, Best Life reform activities as well as providing advice and support to Early Childhood Implementation Branches.
ELOM Division also works in consultation with key sector peak bodies and stakeholders.
About the Role
The Senior Manager, Early Learning Sector Support and Contract Management Strategy is a key leadership position in the Early Learning Operations and Monitoring Division in Early Childhood Education Group. The position oversees 2 units, each with their own manager, that work closely with Regions and Areas and external stakeholders to support the funded kindergarten sector and to help ensure effective and efficient monitoring and contract management processes.
The Early Learning Sector Support Unit leads policy development and project management of key initiatives, including targeted support for committee of management operated services and helps maintain strong, stable and professional quality service providers through a set of centrally managed commercial contracts and supports.
The Contract Management Strategy and Analytics Unit leads process design and improvement across the contract management lifecycle, including to support provider quality expectations and accountability and streamlining of Region and Area practices and processes.
The Senior Manager position provides overarching, strategic leadership for these units, support and guidance for the 2 unit managers and direct input into critical projects.
Attributes
The role is suited to someone with strong people leadership and management skills, the ability to collaborate constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, strong critical thinking and problem solving skills and the ability to manage unpredictability and competing priorities.
This will be a rewarding role for someone who enjoys leading change and seeking new and innovative solutions to complex challenges.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- A suitable tertiary qualification in a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in program or operational management, preferably in a government or complex service delivery setting.
Experience in and / or knowledge of the early childhood education sector is an advantage but not essential.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Mathew Lundgren, Executive Director, Early Learning Operations and Monitoring at [email protected].
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on 11 September 2026.
