Because Exceptional Early Learning Starts with Exceptional People
- Step straight into a leadership role with full autonomy
- Up to $145k salary package for the right candidate
- Step into a leadership role at a purpose-built, modern 40 place centre where your leadership directly impacts children, staff, and families
- 12-month fixed term parental leave cover - possible temp to perm position
- Family-owned, values-driven organisation that respects your expertise and time
About Smart Cookies
Smart Cookies is a proudly family-owned childcare provider with over 11 years of experience with services in Liverpool, Beecroft and Ermington and is recognised for delivering exceptional early childhood education through genuine relationships, strong community values and a personalised approach to care. Our close-knit team is passionate about creating environments where children thrive, families feel connected, and educators feel genuinely valued and supported.
At Smart Cookies, we believe that by investing in our team and nurturing a positive culture creates and enriching environment for children, families and educators. We celebrate our people through initiatives such as Employee of the Month, regular team events, ongoing professional development, and genuine support from an experienced family-led leadership team. We believe exceptional leaders deserve to be recognised, empowered and supported to grow.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Centre Director to join our warm community-focused service in Liverpool, NSW.
This position is offered as a 12-month fixed-term parental leave cover, with the possibility of ongoing employment as a permanent Centre Director or another suitable leadership opportunity beyond the initial term within the Smart Cookies Group. You’ll be fully responsible for day-to-day leadership and operational management of a boutique 40-place centre.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced early childhood leader to step into a well-established leadership role and make a genuine impact within a small close-knit service. You'll have the autonomy to lead the centre, support a dedicated team and build strong relationships with children, families and the wider community.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Leading daily operations of the service, ensuring compliance and quality standards
- Managing rosters, staff performance, and team engagement
- Handling budgets, reporting, and all financial aspects, including P&L
- Building strong relationships with families and the local community
- Maintaining high standards in safety, care, and regulatory documentation
- Overseeing Assessment & Rating processes and continuous improvement planning
About You
To qualify, you will need a minimum of a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and prior experience as a Centre Director or Nominated Supervisor. A minimum of 2+ years in a leadership role within early childhood education is essential.
You’ll also hold:
- Current Working With Children Check & Police Check
- First Aid, CPR, Asthma & Anaphylaxis certifications
- Accredited Child Protection Training Certificate
- National Child Safety Training Certificate
- Permanent work rights in Australia
The following will also be highly valued:
- Thorough understanding of the NQF, EYLF, ECEC National Law and Regulations
- Strong understanding and implementation of paramount consideration and child safety
- Excellent leadership, communication, organisation and time-management skills
- Proven success navigating A&R and compliance standards
- Experience managing small teams in tight-knit environments
- Confidence in rostering, budgeting, and centre administration
- A proactive approach with the ability to work autonomously and take initiative
You’re a confident and experienced leader who takes pride in creating high-quality learning environments and building strong, supportive teams. You enjoy what you do, lead by example, and genuinely care about helping your educators grow. This role suits someone who thrives in a close-knit setting where their impact is visible every day.
About the Benefits
Your experience and leadership will be rewarded with a competitive annual salary of $110,000 – $115,000 + super, plus:
- Worker Retention Payment
- Up to 50% childcare discount for your child (gap fee)
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
- A well-established, close-knit service with a strong community focus
- A high degree of autonomy and genuine leadership impact
- Support from an experienced, family-owned leadership team
- Employee recognition programs including Employee of the Month
- Regular team celebrations and social events
If you're an experienced and passionate early childhood leader looking for an opportunity to lead, inspire and shape an established 40-place service, we'd love to hear from you. Join Smart Cookies as our Centre Director and become part of a family-owned organisation where your ideas are valued, your leadership is recognised, and your career can truly flourish.
Apply now and help create something special for the children, families and community of Liverpool.
Centre Director in Liverpool employer: Smart Cookies ELC
Smart Cookies Early Learning Centre is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and nurturing work environment, offering competitive pay rates of $38 to $43 per hour along with generous benefits such as up to 50% childcare discounts and monthly bonuses. Our family-owned centre in Liverpool, NSW, fosters a culture of appreciation and growth, ensuring that educators feel valued through regular team-building activities and ongoing professional development opportunities, making it a truly rewarding place to thrive in your career.
