Job Description

About the role

The Manager Early Years is a significant leadership role which will lead the Early Years department and contribute as a member of Knox City Council’s Senior Leadership Team. In this role, you will provide strategic direction, lead service delivery and support the effective management of people, resources and programs across the portfolio.

Reporting to the Director Connected Communities, you will provide expert advice to the Director, Executive Leadership Team and Council. You will help shape strategic policy, programs and service models that respond to emerging community needs and key drivers of change across the early years sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders and the community
• Lead high-performing, values-driven teams
• Drive strategic direction, innovation and continuous improvement
• Oversee service delivery to meet community and legislative requirements
• Manage planning, budgeting, performance and workforce outcomes
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and Council
• Lead change initiatives that improve service quality and efficiency

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead meaningful service improvement, champion best practice and help position Early Years services at Knox for long-term success.

What you will bring to this role

You will be a credible and values-led leader with strong people leadership skills, sound judgement and a high level of emotional intelligence. You will bring the ability to build trusted relationships, lead through complexity and support teams to deliver strong outcomes in a dynamic and politically aware environment.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education or a related discipline that meets ACECQA requirements
• Demonstrated leadership experience in early childhood services within local government, community services or a similarly regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework and relevant legislative obligations
• Proven ability to lead teams through change while maintaining staff wellbeing, engagement and service quality
• Experience managing budgets and contributing to strategic and operational service planning
• Strong commitment to excellence with a practical and results focused approach and a proven ability to steer, manage and implement change.

This is a maximum term, Senior Officer position. Remuneration will be based on skills and experience, plus superannuation in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee.

The role is primarily based at the Civic Centre, with regular travel to other sites to support Early Years staff and services.

How to apply

Please submit your application online, including your resume, cover letter and response to the application question, via the Apply button by 5:00pm on Monday 8 June 2026

Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Applications sent directly to the hiring manager will not be considered.

For further information on this role please contact Judy Chalkley, Director Connected Communities, at judy.chalkley@knox.vic.gov.au or on 0419 794 319.

A link to the position description is available in the job listing on the Knox City Council Jobs and Careers page.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may close earlier than the advertised closing date.

Why work at Knox

Discover your future at Knox City Council, where you will deliver meaningful impact, find great opportunities and work with committed people to shape our community. As an employee of Knox, you can enjoy:

• Accrued or rostered days off available for full-time roles, depending on operational requirements

• Broad range of leave options including up to 16 weeks primary and up to 4 weeks secondary parental leave

• Salary sacrifice option for Council-owned childcare fees

• Opportunities to take on temporary roles or work in different teams to build skills and support career growth

• Support towards further study

• 50% off Knox Leisureworks memberships

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support in managing personal and work-related challenges.

To find out more about the benefits of working at Knox City Council, visit knox.vic.gov.au/why-work-knox

Inherent requirements

To view the inherent requirements for this position please see attachment below. 

• Office Based role(s) - Inherent Requirements Table .DOCX

Our commitments

Knox City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to providing a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

Knox City Council has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. All children and young people who access our services, programs, events and facilities have the right to feel safe and be safe. This includes spaces owned or managed by Council. We take the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in our care seriously. We maintain a child safe organisation by embedding the protection of children into everyday thinking and practice. All Knox City Council employees, contractors and volunteers are responsible for ensuring children and young people are valued, heard and protected from abuse.

Knox City Council acknowledges our offices are located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.

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