Opportunity to make a real difference across a growing sector. Lead a dedicated team in this newly created role
At Explorers Early Learning, the environments where children learn and grow matter deeply. We're looking for an experienced Facilities Manager to take ownership of our physical spaces - keeping every centre safe, compliant, and running at its best so that our educators and families can focus on what matters most.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations Manager, you'll lead the day to day facilities function across our growing network. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee a small team of administrators and field-based maintenance staff. You will manage our preventative maintenance programme, and be the go to person for all things facilities.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Leading OHS, compliance, and child safety obligations across all centres, including contractor management, risk assessments, and safety inspections
- Developing and managing a rolling preventative maintenance programme, and resolving reactive maintenance requests within agreed timeframes
- Maintaining an accurate asset register and overseeing minor capital works and refurbishments
- Building strong, trusted relationships with Centre Directors and Operations Managers, and communicating proactively about planned works and disruptions
- Leading, scheduling, and developing a team of 4–6 direct reports
- Managing the facilities budget, processing purchase orders, and reporting to the COO/ General Manager on maintenance status, project progress, and compliance
About You
You're a practical, organised, and solutions-focused facilities professional who takes pride in delivering environments where people thrive.
You'll bring:
- Demonstrated experience in a facilities, property, or operations management role -ideally across multiple sites
- Proven leadership of small teams, including field based workers
- Strong knowledge of building compliance, WHS obligations, and preventative maintenance best practices
- Experience managing budgets and procurement
- A current Victorian driver's licence and the ability to hold (or current holder of) a Working with Children Check
- Clear, confident communication — comfortable working with educators, contractors, and senior leadership alike
- A genuine commitment to child safety and creating safe environments for children and families
A trade or tertiary qualification in facilities management, property, engineering, or a related field is desirable, as is familiarity with the National Quality Framework's physical environment standards and experience using a CMMS platform.
About Explorers
Explorers Early Learning is a family-owned and operated business with more than 21 purpose-built centres across Melbourne.
When Lynda Salvo founded Explorers in 2004, her vision was simple but powerful: to build centres where children and educators could truly thrive together. That mission hasn't changed. Every decision we make - from the environments we create to the people we bring into our team - is guided by Lynda's founding belief that exceptional early learning starts with exceptional people.
We invest in our team, create clear pathways for growth, and foster a culture built on accountability, curiosity, and genuine care.
We offer a range of competitive benefits for our team members, including:
- Career Pathways & Industry-Leading Professional Development
- Onsite Parking* for added convenience
- Ongoing Professional Learning & Development Opportunities
- Culture Club & Team Events
- Annual Explorers Awards Night
- Hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance
- Exclusive Employee Retail Discount Program designed to save you money, with access to discounted in-store and online vouchers from hundreds of retailers
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous Referral Bonuses for recommending great people to join our team
Our Commitment
Explorers is committed to being a flexible, safe, equal, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and cultural background.
Child safety is a shared responsibility at Explorers. All team members, regardless of role, play a part in protecting children and upholding our culture of safety.
Ready to lead the spaces where childhood flourishes? We'd love to hear from you. Apply now.
