Centre Manager

About Us:

Guidepost Global Education (GGE) is a leading provider of world-class education, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child. We operate the world’s largest Montessori network, under brand ‘Guidepost Montessori’ and ‘Nest Pre-school’ with more than 100 schools across the United States and Asia. We are committed to building teams that are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, fostering an environment where our educators and staff can thrive and grow.

We are thrilled to be launching our first Australian campus in Doncaster in March 2026, bringing high-fidelity Montessori education and exceptional service to the local community.

Role Overview:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a visionary leader to become the Founding Centre Manager or our first school in Australia. You will be the cultural and operational cornerstone, responsible for building our school from the ground up. You will hire and inspire the founding team, establish our reputation for excellence, cultivate a strong parent community, and ensure the school's operational and financial success from day one. This role is perfect for an entrepreneurial leader who thrives in a start-up environment and is passionate about launching something extraordinary.

Key Responsibilities:

• Founding Leadership & School Launch

• Lead all pre-opening activities, including staff recruitment, family enrolment drives, community outreach, and facility setup.

• Serve as the public face of Guidepost Montessori in Melbourne, building strong relationships with prospective families and community partners.

• Establish and embed the school's culture, ensuring it reflects Guidepost’s core values and commitments.

Operational & Financial Excellence:

• Oversee all daily operations, ensuring the school meets all Victorian regulatory and compliance requirements (under the National Quality Framework).

• Manage annual and monthly budgets by tracking of enrollment goals, as well as other key financial reporting items to ensure the financial sustainability of the school

• Ensure the school environment is safe, clean, beautiful, and impeccably maintained by following Guidepost standards.

• Develop and execute a local marketing and enrolment strategy to achieve and maintain target occupancy.

• Conduct compelling school tours and information sessions for prospective families.

• Act as the key ambassador for the school, effectively communicating the unique value of a Guidepost Montessori education.

Exceptional Family Engagement and Customer Service

• Spearhead the organization and execution of community outreach, events, workshops, and gatherings to strengthen the parent communities.

• Facilitate a calendar of engaging activities that cater to the interests and educational goals of our families across our network.

• Ensure frequent, high-quality parent communication from teachers and other administrative staff daily

• Lead parent events to build and enhance the community engagement (e.g. Parent Information Evenings; Children’s Night; Coffee Chats)

• Ensure that enrolled families feel connected to the school and are delighted with their experience

• Act as an ambassador for the school

Leadership and Staff Development

• In partnership with our global Program Team, ensure the high ensure quality implementation of Montessori pedagogy, curriculum, and programs that meet Guidepost’s standards

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a team of passionate Montessori educators and administrative staff.

• Create a compelling and collaborative campus culture that emphasizes Guidepost’s core values, and attracts, retains, and motivates a team of top-quality staff

• Hold regular group and one-on-one meetings with campus staff, as needed for culture building and program quality

• Conduct regular classroom observations, provide constructive feedback, and facilitate professional development to ensure exceptional educational outcomes.

• Plan professional development for staff as needed to meet program quality standards

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within an early childhood education setting, with Centre Manager experience highly preferred.

• A proven track record of meeting or exceeding enrolment and financial targets.

• Deep understanding of the Victorian/Australian early childhood landscape, including the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.

• Experience in recruiting, managing, and inspiring a team of educators.

• A passionate belief in child-led, developmental education; Montessori certification is a significant advantage.

• A bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Business, or a related field is preferred.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• A entrepreneurial, growth-minded, and resilient attitude, comfortable building processes in a "start-up" environment.