Operations Manager

• Attractive Salary + Motor Vehicle Allowance
• Referral bonuses | Generous childcare fee discount*
• Full time opportunity

The opportunity:

The Operations Manager is responsible for supporting a portfolio of Centres to achieve operational excellence, financial performance, compliance, and leadership development

This role will mentor and coach Centre Directors and leadership teams, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, regulatory requirements, and our commitment to delivering high-quality education. You will play a key role in identifying opportunities for improvement, supporting new Centre openings, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

As Operations Manager, your responsibilities will span across six key areas:

• OHS & Compliance: Promote a culture of safety and compliance, ensure adherence to policies and regulations, and lead proactive safety initiatives across Centres.
• Service Operations: Support Centre operations including rostering, budgeting, reporting, occupancy growth, and financial efficiency.
• Policy & Procedure: Ensure policies are embedded into daily practices, guide teams in policy interpretation, and drive operational clarity and quality.
• Leadership & Coaching: Mentor Centre Leaders, support leadership development, goal setting, team accountability, and professional growth.
• Culture: Foster a positive, values-driven culture of collaboration, integrity, and respect. Support team engagement, talent development, and succession planning.
• Quality & Environment: Maintain high standards in Centre presentation, learning environments, and resource quality. Proactively manage maintenance, upgrades, and operational improvement project.

Alongside the General Manager of Operations, you will support the following portfolio of centres:

• Armadale
• Boronia
• Brighton East
• Beaconsfield
• Clyde North
• Croydon
• Dandenong
• Frankston North
• Mornington
• Nunawading
• Surrey Hills- Elgar Road
• Surrey Hills - Stanley Terrace

What you bring:

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (or ACECQA-approved equivalent).
• Current Working with Children Check and Driver's Licence.
• At least 5 years' experience as an Early Childhood Teacher, with experience in leadership or multi-site support.
• Strong knowledge of EYLF, NQF, ACECQA standards, compliance, and early years legislation.
• Demonstrated experience coaching teams, improving operations, and supporting Centre openings.
• A collaborative, empowering leadership style.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage rosters, budgets, and reporting.
• Deep understanding of quality frameworks and the ability to translate them into daily practice.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, inclusion, and professional integrity.

Why Join Explorers?

• Competitive Salary + Motor Vehicle Allowance
• Annual Awards Party + Regular Professional Development
• Generous Childcare Discount (T&Cs apply)
• Career Growth in a Rapidly Expanding Organization
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Strong Leadership Support

About Us:

Explorers Early Learning is a fast-growing, family-owned business with 20 (and growing) purpose-built Centres across Melbourne. We are dedicated to delivering premium early education in enriching environments inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

We strongly believe in nurturing the growth and potential of our team members, and we're dedicated to providing a clear career path for those who share our passion for early childhood education.

Join our team and become a leader in the sector, delivering authentic Reggio Emilia-inspired, quality early education.

Explorers is committed to being a flexible, safe, equal, and inclusive workplace where we embrace and support diversity.

We encourage applications from people who are from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people of any age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, and cultural background.