The Organisation
Edge Early Learning is a privately owned and values-driven early childhood education provider, founded in 2017. Today, Edge operates more than 70 centres across Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, with a clear vision to deliver exceptional education and care while supporting children, families, and educators to thrive.
The organisation is united by its values: Wellbeing, Community, and Leadership. Edge is committed to building fun, safe, and inclusive learning environments, with child safety and safeguarding practices at the heart of every decision. With an innovative and agile culture, Edge empowers its people to trial new ideas and drive meaningful improvements across the sector.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and leading a team of five Area Managers across 26 centres, the State Manager will;
- Coach, support, and inspire Area Managers and Centre Leaders to deliver high-quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and strong team culture.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure effective operations and a proactive approach to compliance.
- Oversee the commercial and operational performance of the state, including enrolments and workforce planning.
- Champion a values-led culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement aligned with Edge’s long-term vision.
About you
You’re a people-first operational leader with a passion for early learning and a track record of building strong teams and thriving centre outcomes.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience leading multi-site teams within early learning or a related people-focused sector.
- Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework, compliance, and child safety.
- Commercial acumen, including experience managing and improving performance.
- A collaborative and innovative leadership style, able to balance quality, compliance, and performance with a supportive team culture.
- Relevant qualifications in business, management, or early childhood education.
What’s on Offer
Why is this role special to others that are advertised?
- A high-impact state leadership role in a newly created position.
- Flexible working arrangements – work from centres or work from home.
- Supportive and visible executive team committed to innovation and quality.
- Relocation support available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Ali Baker of The Orchard Talent Group on 02 91576238 or email alison@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV via the link. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.