Head of Planning, Projects and Portfolio chez Early Childhood Management Services

Lead strategy, projects and growth at ECMS!

ECMS' philosophy is simple; we foster lifelong learning. As a for purposeorganisation, with 75 Kindergartens and Early Learning and CareCentres, we impact the lives of more than 6,500 Victorianchildren each week.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategicleader to work in partnership with our Executive Leadership Team as Head ofPlanning, Projects and Portfolio. Reporting intothe CEO, you will lead a small team, focusing on connecting theorganisation with our strategic aspirations through value-add planningprocesses, overseeing the creation of a PMO and maximizing the opportunitiesfor growth as a result of the ‘Best Start, Best Life’ reforms in Victoria. Akey part of this role will be embedding practices and disciplines that improvethe cultural, financial, operational sustainability of our organisation.

This is an ideal role for a strategy lead or projectmanager with hands on experience in driving the full lifecycle of transformation/changeproject and is looking to extend their career at an organisation where they canmake a meaningful impact.

What will you do?

• Lead the design and facilitation of an organisational multi-year strategic planning process.
  
• Ensure change management is embedded throughout the planning process.
  
• Work closely with the CFO and other teams on the alignment of strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting.
  
• Oversee the development of a PMO and ensure ECMS’ project and change portfolio is embedded part of our planning process.
  
• Ensure that ECMS’ portfolio of services continues to meet the needs of communities and is commercially viable.
  
• Lead the strategic thinking, governance and execution of new service acquisition and/or geographic expansion.

More about you

• Proven leadership experience, including building and guiding high-performing teams.
  
• Demonstrated experience in cross-functional planning, portfolio/program management or large-scale change management.
  
• Strong commercial and strategic acumen, with the ability to balance innovation and pragmatism.
  
• Ability to critically reflect and be curious - challenge what you do, make space and respect others' point of view.
  
• A sophisticated thinker, comfortable in the grey and holding tensions and prioritising between comparably good ideas.
  
• Ability to foster strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
  
• Expertise in project and change management methodologies (Prince2, Agile, Prosci, PMP or similar) is desirable.
  
• Experience in early childhood education, community services, health, aged care, or not-for-profit sectors will be highly regarded.

Why ECMS?

• 50% childcare discount!
  
• 6 weeks paid parental leave.
  
• Discounts to hundreds of retail and recreational activities such as Coles, JB-Hi-Fi and Booking.com.
  
• A chance to work in a highly flexible and outcome-focused organisation.
  
• Flexible working hours and work from home opportunities.
  
• Opportunity to accelerate your career due to high level of responsibility, opportunities and a 2% professional development budget catered just to you.

ECMSis committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children. Successfulapplicants are required to adhere to our child safe practices and policieslocated on our website. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeoples and people from diverse communities and backgrounds are encouraged. 

Ifyou're passionate about early childhood education and care, and you're lookingfor a rewarding career with a supportive and inclusive organisation, weencourage you to apply today! To be considered submit your resume and cover better before the 19th October2025. For more information, reach out to Stephanie at [email protected].