Head of Risk, Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

The organisation

At Nido Early School, we believe children are capable, curious and full of potential. Every day of cultivating this, shapes the person a child will become. Every day is the most important day in a child's life, and every day, we're here to make it count.

Nido operate over 100 early learning schools across Australia, delivering high-quality early education and care inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

ASX-listed and rapidly expanding, Nido is committed to operational excellence, safeguarding children, and strong community partnerships. With a focus on quality outcomes, compliance and fostering curiosity and creativity, Nido offers a supportive environment where educators and leaders can rise and make a lasting impact.

The opportunity

Nido are seeking a Head of Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs to lead their commitment to child safeguarding and regulatory excellence across a growing network of 100+ Early Learning Schools. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a strategic leadership role that champions Risk & Compliance across our entire portfolio.

As Head of Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Affairs, you will provide strategic direction and leadership in a complex, multi-site ECEC environment. You will develop and embed enterprise-wide risk management and compliance frameworks, lead a dedicated risk and compliance team, and establish yourself as the trusted partner on regulatory matters across Nido. This role requires expertise in navigating regulatory relationships with state and territory authorities, knowledge of early childhood legislation and quality standards, and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational guidance for schools, leaders and educators across multiple jurisdictions.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, you will balance strategic thinking, while partnering with operational teams to implement change initiatives, strengthen relationships with external regulators, and ensure we consistently meet and exceed National Quality Framework standards. This role combines expertise with exceptional stakeholder management, requiring someone who can lead with integrity while fostering genuine collaboration across a large, multisite organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain compliance frameworks aligned with the Education and Care Services National Law, National Regulations, and National Quality Standard (NQS).
• Lead enterprise-wide risk management strategies, identifying and mitigating regulatory, operational, safety and reputational risks.
• Ensure schools are well-prepared for assessments and achieve outstanding regulatory outcomes.
• Build capability across Nido through training and support on compliance, risk and continuous improvement.
• Lead incident management protocols, including mandatory reporting and serious incident reviews.
• Act as primary liaison with state and territory regulators and oversee investigations.
• Oversee compliance monitoring systems and audit schedules across all services.
• Report to the Executive Leadership Team and Board on risk, compliance and regulatory performance.
• Oversee policy and procedure development, ensuring alignment with evolving legislation and best practice.
• Represent Nido in sector forums and working groups on regulation and quality improvement

About you

• Senior leader with 8–10 years' experience in risk, compliance or regulatory affairs within early learning, education, health or other regulated environments.
• Proven expertise in regulatory affairs and stakeholder management, including liaison with government bodies and oversight of investigations or reviews.
• Strong understanding of the National Quality Framework, including the National Law, Regulations and Quality Standard.
• Experience leading compliance functions across multiple sites or jurisdictions.
• Strategic thinker with a proven ability to balance regulatory requirements and operational realities.
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder, skilled in influencing and guiding diverse teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in Education, Business, Law, Compliance, or Risk Management (or related discipline).
• Current or ability to obtain a Working with Children Check and Police Check

What's on Offer

• National leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Opportunity to shape the culture, standards and systems of a growing national education group.
• Purpose-led organisation committed to continuous growth, learning and development.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• Supportive executive leadership team and -led culture.

This role can be Sydney, Melbourne or Perth based.

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion or role-related questions, please contact Phil Graham or Sarah Curran of The Orchard Talent Group via

To apply, please submit your current CV via the link.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Applications close 1 December 2025.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.