General Manager - Children

Place Children at the Heart of Strategy and PracticeGeneral Manager, Children | Catholic Early EdCareThe OrganisationCatholic Early EdCare (CEEC) is a leading not-for-profit provider of early childhood education and care across Southeast Queensland, operating under the mission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane. With a network of more than 134 services, including Long Day Care, Kindergarten, and Outside School Hours Care, CEEC supports families and communities through inclusive, values-based care that shapes the early years of children’s lives.In recent years, CEEC has grown significantly, expanding its footprint across parish communities while strengthening its operational foundations. Backed by a strategic leadership team and committed workforce, CEEC is entering a new phase of service transformation; focused on operational excellence, sustainable growth, and deepening relationships with families, partners, and communities.About The RoleThe General Manager - Children is a key senior leadership role responsible for embedding a child-first culture across all aspects of Catholic Early EdCare’s operations.As the architect of CEEC’s Children Strategy, you will lead the organisation’s approach to safeguarding, pedagogy, inclusion, child voice, and wellbeing - ensuring that every decision, policy, and practice reflects our purpose and commitment to the best outcomes for children.Reporting directly to the Director, and working alongside the General Managers of People, Customer and Safety, you will form part of CEEC’s Senior Leadership Team. This role will drive measurable improvements in learning quality,inclusion outcomes, and service excellence across a diverse portfolio of early learning and care services.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the development and delivery of CEEC’s Children Strategy, with a focus on child safety, pedagogy, wellbeing, inclusion, and child voice. Champion a culture of child-centred practice, ensuring the child’s perspective informs every level of decision-making. Oversee safeguarding and compliance frameworks, ensuring obligations are met and exceeded in line with legislation and the National Quality Standard (NQS). Drive quality improvement through the design and implementation of CEEC’s pedagogical and assurance frameworks. Lead inclusion and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring equitable access, belonging, and holistic support for all children. Collaborate across CEEC’s leadership network to build workforce capability, strengthen family engagement, and embed evidence-informed practice. Provide strategic advice to governance committees, the Director, and regulatory bodies on emerging trends and policy developments in early childhood education. About YouYou are an accomplished and values-driven leader with deep expertise in early childhood education, pedagogy, and safeguarding. You thrive on leading change, building capability, and creating systems that ensure every child feels seen, safe, and supported.You BringA Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (mandatory) Postgraduate qualifications in Education, Leadership, or a related field (highly regarded) Extensive experience leading large-scale early childhood or education services Proven success in driving quality, safety, and inclusion outcomes Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, EYLF, QKLG, and sector regulatory requirements Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills A collaborative and mission-aligned leadership style Licences And Clearances RequiredQueensland Blue Card (Working with Children Check) Driver’s Licence Criminal History clearance COVID-19 vaccination (in line with Archdiocese of Brisbane policy) Why Join Us At Catholic Early EdCare, you’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation that genuinely values people and their contribution to children’s lives. You’ll lead transformational work that shapes the future of early education across Queensland, supported by a passionate team and strong organisational values grounded in faith, integrity, and care.We OfferA senior leadership opportunity within a respected, values-based organisation Access to professional development and leadership growth pathways The opportunity to make an enduring impact on children’s learning, safety, and wellbeing Our Commitment to Keeping our Staff and Children Safe Catholic Early EdCare is dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children in its care and maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any form of abuse. The protection of children is our highest priority. To uphold this commitment, we conduct referee checks and criminal history screenings as part of our recruitment process, and all employees working with children must hold a current Queensland Working with Children Check (Blue Card).How To ApplyIf you are a visionary leader passionate about putting children at the centre of everything you do, we’d love to hear from you.Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? To apply, submit your resume, along with a cover letter telling us why you're the perfect fit for the role.Catholic Early EdCare is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all individuals, including those from diverse backgrounds.