Join the ECMS Team: Service Implementation Project Manager

Are you passionate about shaping young minds and making a difference in your community?

ECMS’ philosophy is simple: we foster lifelong learning. As a for-purpose organisation, with over 75 Kindergartens and Early Learning and Care Centres, we support more than 6,500 Victorian children each week.

Our Planning & Projects team connects strategy to delivery - leading planning processes, establishing new services, and driving growth opportunities across our network.

The Service Implementation Project Manager leads the end-to-end delivery of new kindergarten services. You will ensure each service is operational, compliant, and set up for long-term success from day one.

This includes coordinating multiple projects to meet Term 1 openings, embedding strong operational foundations, and contributing to a target of at least 50% of new services achieving an Exceeding rating in their first Assessment & Rating cycle.

You will also work closely with key stakeholders, including Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and the Department of Education, supporting growth, partnerships, and future service opportunities.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who understands the operational complexities of managing multiple services and brings strong stakeholder management skills, both internally and externally, with a proven ability to get things done.

This is a full-time, ongoing position.

What will you do?

• Lead end-to-end delivery of new kindergarten services from planning through to operational readiness
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, milestones, and dependencies
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to ensure readiness across infrastructure, staffing, compliance, and systems
• Ensure all services are delivered on time for Term 1 commencement
• Identify and manage risks, issues, and dependencies to maintain delivery timelines
• Drive quality outcomes, supporting services to achieve strong Assessment & Rating results
• Build and manage relationships with LGAs and key partners to support portfolio growth
• Contribute to tender submissions, business cases, and Board or Executive papers

About You:

• Qualifications or equivalent experience in project, program, or change management
• Strong stakeholder management experience
• Strong operational and strategic capability, including budget oversight and service delivery at scale
• High level commercial and systems thinking, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities
• Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into action
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across all levels
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and bring others along the journey

What's in it for you?

• Exposure to high-impact projects and senior stakeholders
• 2% professional development budget tailored to your growth
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in communities
• Generous benefits, including 50% childcare discount and retail discounts
• Paid parental leave
• A supportive and inclusive culture - 84% of staff recommend ECMS as a great place to work

Join us!

ECMS is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.