State Manager

Childcare Jobs - Executive/Senior leader, Full Time - Adelaide SA, Australia

Edge Early Learning is seeking an exceptional
State Manager
to lead our South Australian operations with autonomy, vision, and passion. This is your opportunity to shape the future of early childhood education across an entire state while being part of a values-driven organisation committed to excellence.

What Makes this Role Special?
Autonomous Leadership
- Run SA operations independently with executive support while leading high-performing teams across all levels. You'll motivate Area Managers and Centre Directors to achieve excellence, coach and develop the State Support Team in partnership with their direct reports, and work with People & Culture to create a collaborative environment that balances operational success with staff wellbeing and continuous improvement.

Meaningful Impact
- Lead multiple Area Managers and drive strategic change across our growing portfolio of centres.

Trusted Partnership
- Leverage your established relationships with the ESB to advance our mission.

Connected Leadership
- Balance hands-on presence at centres with hybrid flexibility, plus monthly strategy sessions in Brisbane.

What We're Looking For

• Early Childhood Expertise - Substantial experience in the early childhood education sector (this is essential)
• Multi-Site Leadership - Proven track record managing Area Managers across multiple locations/portfolios
• SA Department Relations - Strong existing rapport and successful history working with SA regulatory authorities
• Travel Commitment - Available for regular centre visits across SA + monthly Brisbane office attendance
• Change Leadership - Demonstrated ability to drive transformation and continuous improvement
• Leadership Excellence - Experience scaling operations in high-growth, regulated environments

Your Impact
As our State Manager, you'll:

Strategic Leadership

• Operate with full autonomy to deliver exceptional results across all SA centres
• Partner directly with our COO on state-level strategy and growth initiatives
• Lead, inspire and develop your team of Area Managers

Operational Excellence

• Drive performance through occupancy optimisation, staff retention, and customer satisfaction
• Ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining our reputation as a trusted sector partner
• Use data-driven insights to continuously improve operations

Relationship Building

• Maintain and strengthen our valued partnership with SA Department for Education
• Represent Edge Early Learning as a thought leader in the SA early childhood community
• Build lasting relationships with families, staff, and community stakeholders

Change & Innovation

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across all centres
• Lead transformation projects that enhance quality and efficiency
• Foster a culture of innovation while maintaining our core values

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred) with 5+ years senior operational leadership.
• Previous leadership or management experience within early childhood education (preferably in a multi-site or turnaround role).
• Strong working knowledge of the EYLF, NQS, and compliance frameworks.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Confidence working autonomously, with the flexibility to travel often and stay on location as needed.
• Valid Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain), First Aid/CPR, driver's licence, and reliable transport.

Ready to Lead SA's Early Childhood Future?
If you're an experienced early childhood leader with the autonomy, relationships, and change mindset to excel in this role, we want to hear from you.

Applications Must Demonstrate

• Your early childhood sector experience and achievements
• Examples of leading Area Managers across multiple sites
• Your experience working with SA regulatory authorities
• Your approach to driving change and continuous improvement

About Edge Early Learning
Since our founding in 2017, Edge Early Learning has been dedicated to providing exceptional early childhood education and care services across Southeast Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. We believe that building a passionate and skilled team is key to our success, and we're committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Edge Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer that understands the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment for our educators and families. We encourage applications from people from all ages, nationalities, abilities and cultures - including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders people. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a barrier-free recruitment process.