Centre Director | Wholechild Early Learning – Coffs Harbour

Are you a passionate and driven leader ready to take the next step in your career?

For the first time since opening 4.5 years ago, an exciting opportunity has become available to lead our beautiful Wholechild Early Learning service in Coffs Harbour.

 

Our current Centre Director has played an instrumental role in building strong foundations, a thriving team culture, and meaningful relationships with children and families. She will now be transitioning into a dedicated curriculum and mentoring role, where she can continue doing what she loves—supporting children, families, educators and her young family.

This creates a rare opportunity for the right leader to step into a well-established, high-performing service, with the added benefit of a supported transition and ongoing mentorship from experienced leadership.

Why This Role is Unique?

This is not a “walk in and take over” role.

You will be guided through a structured transition period, with direct access to the current Director, along with ongoing support from our Operations Manager, Approved Provider, and wider leadership team.

You’ll be stepping into a centre with:

• Strong foundations already in place

• A positive, values-driven team culture

• Established systems, processes, and community connections

•  The opportunity to bring your own ideas and leadership style

About Wholechild Early Learning

At Wholechild, we believe in nurturing the whole child.

Our unique curriculum is built on our Five Foundations—social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development—supporting each child to grow into a confident and resilient individual.

We understand that the early years are critical, with 90% of brain development occurring before the age of five. This is why we are deeply committed to delivering meaningful, high-quality early learning experiences.

The Role

 As Centre Director, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the service with the support of a full-time admin and Assistant Director

• Mentor, inspire and support your team to build a strong, positive culture

• Lead and mentor your lead educators to be strong sucessful leaders

• Work collaboratively with the Educational Leader and mentoring team

• Champion Wholechild’s curriculum, policies, and compliance requirements

• Build strong relationships with families and the wider community

• Oversee the admin in relation to enrolments, occupancy, and CRM systems (OWNA)

• Lead by example in professionalism, communication, and practice

What We Offer

• A rare leadership opportunity within an established, high-performing service

• A structured handover and transition period

• Currently at 100% occupancy with strong systems in place, supported by an experienced Admin Manager who manages enrolments and family accounts—allowing you to focus on leadership, not heavy admin.

• Distributed leadership model, where responsibility is shared across a strong leadership team—so you’re supported and not expected to “wear all the hats”

• Well-structured support network, including Admin, Assistant Director, 3IC/Educational Leader and Operations team, ensuring you have the resources and guidance to lead with confidence

• Ongoing mentorship from experienced leadership, including the current Director

• Support from a passionate and hands-on Approved Provider and Operations Manager

• Access to collaboration to our Armidale service and Experienced Centre Director

• Attractive remuneration package based on experience- including bonus structures annually based on quality and staff retention

• Full-time off-the-floor role so you can effectively support your team and families

• Strong leadership structure with Admin, Assistant Director and Educational Leader support across shifts

• Staff childcare discount

Beautiful, purpose-built facilities including:

• Sports Stadium

• Creative studio

• Program room

• Staff room

• Consult room

• Light-filled, thoughtfully designed spaces

About You

You are a confident and capable leader who:

• Has experience as a Centre Director, Operations Manager, or in a senior leadership role within Early Childhood Education and Care

• Is ready to step into, or continue in, a high-level leadership position

• Brings strong operational knowledge alongside a passion for people, culture, and quality practice

• Leads with confidence, authenticity, and accountability

• Thrives in a collaborative environment and values ongoing mentoring and growth

• Passionate about safeguarding children, with a clear understanding of current child safety frameworks, recent changes, and best practice in child protection training.

You also understand that this is a rewarding yet demanding leadership role. Leading a service of this standard requires passion, resilience, and dedication. In return, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and your team every single day, while working for a company that truly has the best interests of children at heart. 

Pre-requisites

• Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood Education and Care (ACECQA approved or equivalent)

• Previous leadership experience (Centre Director level or above preferred)

• Current First Aid, CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis certification

• Valid Working With Children Check (WWCC)

• Child Protection Training

• Strong knowledge of the EYLF and NQS

• PRODA registered or willing to obtain

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this opportunity excites you, we would love to hear from you.

Apply via SEEK with your resume and cover letter outlining your experience and passion for the role.

For a confidential discussion, please contact:

lau•••@wholechildearlylearning.com

Apply now — this rare opportunity will be filled once the right candidate is found.