Operations Lead

Position Description: Operations Lead Reports to:State Manager Indirectly reports to:Head of Operations Department:Operations Employment Type:Full-Time - Travelling across sites in VIC  Connect, Learn & Grow with Aspire Early Education & KindergartenAt Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten, we are committed to providing high-quality early learning experiences that nurture confident, capable, and curious children.

Since our foundation in 2017, we have grown rapidly and now operate 35+ centres across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Western Australia—with 80 more in the pipeline over the next few years.

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Lead plays a pivotal role in strengthening leadership capability and operational performance across Aspire's network. Reporting to the State Manager, this role is responsible for supporting, coaching, and holding Area Managers accountable for achieving excellence across their regions.

Through a focus on leadership development, operational consistency, and performance outcomes, the Operations Lead ensures Aspire's centres deliver high-quality education and care, meet compliance and business standards, and uphold Aspire's values in every decision and interaction.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Coaching & Accountability

• Coach, mentor and support Area Managers to build capability, confidence, and consistency in their leadership approach.
• Drive a culture of accountability through regular one-on-ones, clear expectations, and progress tracking against operational KPIs.
• Provide feedback and guidance to strengthen decision-making, performance management, and centre leadership outcomes.
• Facilitate reflective discussions and support Area Managers in building strong, effective relationships with their Centre Managers.
• Identify emerging leaders and support succession planning and leadership readiness across the network.

Operational Excellence

• Monitor centre performance across key metrics, including occupancy, financial performance, compliance, staffing, and engagement.
• Support Area Managers in actioning performance improvement plans, turnaround strategies, and centre support initiatives.
• Champion consistency in the execution of Aspire's operational frameworks, policies, and procedures across all centres.
• Partner with key stakeholders (Finance, People & Talent, Compliance, Quality, Facilities, etc) to resolve complex operational challenges.
• Review data and reporting to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, ensuring proactive management of outcomes.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure Area Managers maintain high standards of compliance aligned with ACECQA, DET, and Aspire's internal requirements.
• Lead centre quality improvement discussions and support Area Managers in driving continuous improvement plans.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with the State Manager to align operational priorities, strategic goals, and performance expectations.
• Act as a liaison between senior leadership and Area Managers to ensure clear communication, consistency, and visibility of initiatives.

Leadership Development & Culture

• Role-model Aspire's leadership behaviours and values — inspiring trust, collaboration, and high performance.
• Champion wellbeing, engagement, and recognition initiatives across the network.
• Support the delivery of leadership workshops, Area Manager forums, and centre manager development initiatives.

Success Measures

• Area Managers meet or exceed defined KPIs (occupancy, compliance, engagement, retention, financial performance).
• Evidence of improved leadership capability and consistency across Area Managers and their centres.
• Strong collaboration and alignment across Operations and Support Office teams.
• Positive feedback from Area and Centre Managers regarding leadership support and clarity of expectations.
• Reduction in reactive escalations and improved proactive management of performance and compliance risks.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in multi-site or senior operational leadership, ideally within early education.
• Proven track record in leading and developing leaders across multiple sites.
• Strong understanding of early learning operations, NQF, and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through influence, coaching, and structured accountability.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills.
• Current Working with Children Check and valid driver's licence.

Personal Attributes

• Authentic, empathetic, and confident leader with a coaching mindset.
• High personal accountability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
• Skilled at balancing strategic oversight with hands-on operational support.
• Data-driven, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Embodies Aspire's values — Inspiring & Nurturing, Building Trust, Empowering Excellence, and Connecting Communities.

Why Join Aspire?

• Company car, phone, laptop + competitive salary package with incentives
• Up to 50% discount on childcare at Aspire centres
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - available 24/7
• Ongoing professional development, training, and networking opportunities
• Career growth in a rapidly expanding organisation
• Be part of a values-driven team shaping the future of early learning

Our Commitment to Child Safety and Inclusion Aspire Early Education & Kindergarten is committed to child safety and wellbeing. We welcome children of all abilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children from culturally diverse backgrounds. We have zero tolerance for child abuse and uphold the highest standards of care and inclusion.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and every team member feels valued and supported.

Make Your Impact This is more than a role,it's an opportunity to lead, inspire, and shape communities in Melbourne's Western Suburbs. As an Aspire Area Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting our people, families, and children to thrive.

Apply today and join us on our journey to grow, learn, and connect.