Join Lifestart in this 9-month fixed-term parental leave opportunity commencing in October 2026.

Join Lifestart in this 9-month fixed-term parental leave opportunity commencing in October 2026.This hybrid role offers the flexibility of working 2 days from home and 3 days from our Port Kembla office. As the Early Childhood Service Area Manager, you'll provide operational leadership to Team Leaders, Senior Coordinators and Early Childhood Coordinators, ensuring high-quality, person-centred services are delivered in line with NDIS requirements and Lifestart's values. You'll lead, coach and support your team while driving performance, collaboration and positive outcomes for children and families.As the Service Area Manager for the Illawarra Shoalhaven region, you will be joining Lifestart's Early Childhood Senior Leadership Team alongside 4 other Service Area Managers and a Program Enhancement Manager, reporting to the General Manager, Early Childhood. The team meet regularly online and in person, working collaboratively to ensure high quality supports are delivered across all five Lifestart EC regions.

• Experience working as an NDIS Partner in the Community preferred (Early Childhood Approach desirable, Local Area Coordination or Agency may demonstrate transferrable skills)
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood, Education, Allied Health, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience, preferably in the early childhood, disability or community services sector.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Early Childhood Intervention.
• Strong understanding of the NDIS and person and family-centred practice.
• Experience leading teams, managing performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Current Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check. (Or Willingness to obtain)
• Current Driver Licence and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• Ability to travel across service locations as required.

• Experience working as an NDIS Partner in the Community preferred (Early Childhood Approach desirable, Local Area Coordination or Agency may demonstrate transferrable skills)
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Early Childhood, Education, Allied Health, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership or management experience, preferably in the early childhood, disability or community services sector.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Early Childhood Intervention.
• Strong understanding of the NDIS and person and family-centred practice.
• Experience leading teams, managing performance and driving continuous improvement.
• Current Working with Children Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check. (Or Willingness to obtain)
• Current Driver Licence and access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• Ability to travel across service locations as required.

Competitive Remuneration

• Attractive salary packages
• Superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Up to $6,500 in salary packaging benefits through non-profit tax advantages

Additional Leave Benefits

• 5 gifted days annually
• 5 additional personal leave days
• Paid cultural and ceremonial leave

Flexible Work

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements aligned to role requirements

Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family

• Internal recruitment prioritised
• Clinical supervision and peer support
• Individual and team professional development budgets

Lifestart Co-operative Ltd. is seeking an Early Childhood Service Area Manager for the Illawarra Shoalhaven region. The role combines leadership of Team Leaders, Senior Coordinators and EC Coordinators with a focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred supports under the NDIS framework.

The position is hybrid, with 2 days from home and 3 days at the Port Kembla office, reporting to the General Manager, Early Childhood. Parental leave cover is 9 months, commencing October 2026.