Operations Manager

Eden Academy - Childcare And Kindergarten; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-award salary

Weekly Ops Manager meetings

Strategy Days and Annual LeadershipCon

Flexible work arrangements

Flexible budgets

Equipment and resource allowances

Direct access to owners and Senior LEA

Supportive leadership team

Referral rewards

Internal transfers

Job summary

Eden Academy is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead multiple childcare services across South Australia. You will mentor Centre Managers, drive operational excellence, manage budgets, and strengthen family and community connections while upholding Eden’s high standards.

Based in Adelaide, you will oversee a cluster of services, ensuring compliance, quality, and continuous improvement across the network with support from a dedicated leadership team.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood or equivalent.
• Proven multi-site leadership experience across childcare services.
• Strong knowledge of NQF and EYLF.
• Experience budgeting, forecasting and workforce planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Centre Managers to achieve potential.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for each service.
• Strengthen family and community connections through CRM engagement.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and operational performance.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and quality across sites.
• Drive continual improvement and strong leadership across centres.

Skills

Multi-site management

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder engagement

NQF & EYLF knowledge

Communication excellence

Leadership & mentoring

CRM systems proficiency

Education

Diploma or Bachelor in Early Childhood

Tools

Kidsoft

CCSS

ISS

CRM systems

Job description

Welcome to Eden Academy.We area child safe organisation, committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of all children.

We are dedicated to cultivating a holistic and nurturing approach to the Childcare and Kindergarten sector, but we couldn’t do it without our incredible team.

As we continue to grow across Australia, we’re seeking a Operations Manager, a dynamic, relationship-driven leader who continue to uplift our Centre Managers, strengthen centre operations, and champion the Eden culture.

This role is for an experienced early childhood leader who thrives on connection, collaboration and operational excellence.This position is based inAdelaideand is responsible for overseeing a cluster of services acrossSouth Australia.

Why Eden Academy?

At Eden, we combine heart and high standards. You’ll join a passionate team who genuinely care about people—our staff, our families, and each other. In this role, you will influence service quality across multiple centres across South Australia, shape leadership capability, and make a meaningful impact on children’s learning environments nationwide.

About You

As our newOperations Manager, you will:

• Lead with purpose-mentoring teams and empowering Centre Managers to achieve their potential
• Develop and implement strategic plans tailored to each service to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth
• Strengthen family and community connections through effective communication and CRM engagement
• Oversee service performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and operational efficiencies
• Champion strong leadership and engagement strategies across multiple centres
• Monitor maintenance requirements and liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and high-quality standards
• Conduct regular audits to maintain compliance, best practice, and continuous improvement across all services

What You’ll Bring

• Diploma, Bachelor, or equivalent qualification in Early Childhood
• A compassionate leadership style and a proactive, can-do approach
• Proven multi-site management experience
• Strong knowledge of the NQF and EYLF
• Commitment to delivering high standards in quality, compliance, and operational performance
• Experience in budgeting, workforce planning, and service oversight
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in Kidsoft, CCSS, ISS, and CRM systems
• Knowledge of legislation across SA
• Valid Police Check, WWCC, First Aid/CPR, Child protection & Australian working rights.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Generous above-award salary
• Weekly Operations Manager meetings to collaborate, share insights, and support each other
• Dedicated Strategy Days and Annual Leadership Conferences
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance
• Flexible budgets
• Monthly equipment and resource allowances
• Direct access to our owners and Senior Leadership Team
• A supportive, collaborative group of leaders
• Rewards for referring family and friends
• Opportunities to transfer across our expanding network

About Us

At Eden Academy, we’re more than an early learning provider—we’re a family. When our educators and leaders feel a genuine sense of belonging, that care naturally flows to the children, families, and communities we support.

What’s Next?

Your journey with Eden Academy starts here.

Together, we’ll create a world where children flourish and educators thrive.