ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.
The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Fixed term position until 19 June 2026.
Are you an experienced manager with a passion for operational excellence and leading complex service delivery in a dynamic, high-pressure environment?
The Manager, Early Learning Operations plays a key leadership role in driving the delivery of high-priority early childhood policies, programs, and initiatives. This position oversees the operationalisation of major reforms to a high standard, ultimately supporting improved outcomes for children and families across Victoria.
The role provides both strategic and operational leadership across the early learning portfolio, offering expert advice, program oversight, and cross-sector coordination. Success in this role requires strong leadership, sound judgement, advanced problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of operational delivery in complex policy environments.
The incumbent will lead a high-performing team, manage complex and high-risk projects within tight timeframes, and work closely with policy and program areas to implement reforms effectively. The role also requires strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to navigate organisational complexity to deliver impactful outcomes. The role works closely with senior leaders to ensure initiatives align with departmental and government priorities.

Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Funding and Operations Branch include:

• kindergarten organisational and program requirements as set out in the Kindergarten Funding Guide
• setting funding rates and eligibility for all kindergarten setting types and subsidies
• Free Kinder
• kindergarten data collection, monitoring and reporting

Key responsibilities of the Early Learning Sector Monitoring and Support Branch include:

• kindergarten contract management policy and oversight
• leading financial assessment and monitoring of funded kindergarten providers
• data insights and analytics
• centrally managed and procured kindergarten supports, including payroll and IT
• Early Years Management
• Central Enrolment and Registration
• coordination of ECE’s contribution to key departmental processes including business planning, the annual report, budget submissions and parliamentary committees