Recruiting Across All Roles | Brand New Centre Opening late 2026
Inspire. Lead. Grow. Build something amazing with Guardian.
A brand-new centre. A brand-new team. A brand-new opportunity.
Please note: This advertisement is for future opportunities at our new Hillside West centre. We will begin interviewing and contacting shortlisted candidates closer to the centre opening, with recruitment expected to commence throughout late 2026.
Guardian Hillside West is opening in late 2026, and we’re looking for passionate, experienced early childhood professionals who want to be part of something special from day one.
This isn’t just another role in an established centre. It’s an opportunity to help shape the culture, practices, and success of a brand-new community. You’ll work alongside a newly appointed leadership team and a group of passionate professionals to create an exceptional environment for children, families, and each other.
We’re building our founding team now and are seeking expressions of interest for a range of opportunities, including Centre Managers, Assistant Centre Managers, Educational Leaders, Lead Educators, Educators, and Chefs. Whether your passion is leading a team, inspiring educational practice, nurturing children, or creating nutritious meals, there’s an opportunity to make your mark from day one.
Why join a brand-new centre?
As a founding team member, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Help establish room practices, routines, and team culture from the very beginning.
- Build strong relationships with a brand-new team and leadership group.
- Create inspiring learning environments in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art centre.
- Be part of a fresh start where your ideas, experience, and leadership can make a real impact.
- Welcome new families and support children as they begin their journey with Guardian.
- Contribute to a centre culture built on collaboration, growth, and excellence.
Why Guardian?
At Guardian, we’re committed to helping our people thrive.
You’ll enjoy:
- The 15% Government Funded Wage Increase.
- Above-award wages and a $750 annual Room Leader allowance.
- Access to Thrive, our framework that supports high-performing rooms and educator success.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Career progression pathways across one of Australia’s leading early learning providers.
- Purpose-built centres with premium resources and environments.
- A supportive culture that celebrates achievements and recognises great work.
What you’ll bring
- Previous experience as a Lead Educator/Room Leader.
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (completed) OR higher.
- A passion for mentoring, supporting, and developing educators.
- Strong understanding of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standards.
- Current Victorian Working with Children Check.
- Full-time availability, Monday to Friday, across rotating shifts between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Highly regarded
- Child Protection Certificate.
- Food Safety Certificate.
- 2–3 years’ experience within the early childhood sector.
Ready to be part of something new?
If you’re excited by the opportunity to help build a brand-new centre, work alongside a new team, and create something special from the very beginning, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now to join our talent pool for Lead Educator opportunities at Guardian Thornhill Park. We’ll be in touch with shortlisted candidates as recruitment commences throughout July and August 2026 ahead of our September opening.
Please note: This is a full-time opportunity. Applicants must have full Australian working rights. Unfortunately, sponsorship is not available for these positions.
Guardian Childcare & Education values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We are committed to providing a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to progress.
We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.
At Guardian Childcare & Education, children’s safety and wellbeing are our top priority. We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm. We rigorously screen all potential team members, requiring a 10-year verifiable resume, 5 years of direct manager references, and other security checks to ensure they meet our high standards.
*for those who have not been in employment that long, these expectations will be adjusted.