Ops Manager / Area manager - boutique childcare provider

Prolific Holdings Pty Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Mellow ELC is opening new Gosford and Woonona services and is seeking an Area Manager / Operations Manager to shape operations from day one. The role offers autonomy to implement quality, compliance and culture across sites.

You will work closely with Centre Directors, travel between Gosford and Woonona, and lead a small, values-driven team to deliver high standards of care and education while growing sustainable services.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a multi-site, area, operations or senior leadership role in early childhood education.
• Strong compliance background with in-depth knowledge of the NQF, NQS and National Regulations.
• Confident working autonomously, making sound decisions and taking ownership of outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing compliance with the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and the National Quality Standard.
• Preparing services for Assessment and Rating and leading continuous improvement through the Quality Improvement Plan.
• Supporting, coaching and developing Centre Directors and leadership teams.
• Building a positive, values-led team culture from day one at both new services.
• Managing occupancy, budgets, rostering and staffing to support sustainable growth.
• Developing and embedding policies, procedures and systems that work for a small, agile provider.
• Building strong relationships with families, the community and the Regulatory Authority.

Education

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher (or ACECQA-approved equivalent)

Job description

Area Manager / Operations Manager – Early Learning
Mellow ELC | Gosford & Woonona, NSW | Full-time

MUST BE WILLING TO TRAVEL to services

Build something from the ground up

Mellow ELC is a small, independent early learning provider with brand new services opening in Gosford and Woonona. We're looking for an experienced Area Manager / Operations Manager who wants more than a role in a big network. This is a chance to shape how our services run, set the standard for quality and compliance, and create the culture our educators, children and families will experience every day.

Because we're small, you won't be one of many managers following a head-office playbook. You'll have real autonomy, a direct line to the owners, and the trust to make decisions and see them through.

About the role

You’ll lead operations across our Gosford and Woonona services, working closely with Centre Directors to deliver high-quality care and education while keeping our services compliant, well run and sustainable. Your responsibilities will include:

Overseeing compliance with the National Quality Framework, Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, and the National Quality Standard

Preparing services for Assessment and Rating and leading continuous improvement through the Quality Improvement Plan

Supporting, coaching and developing Centre Directors and leadership teams

Building a positive, values-led team culture from day one at both new services

Managing occupancy, budgets, rostering and staffing to support sustainable growth

Developing and embedding policies, procedures and systems that work for a small, agile provider

Building strong relationships with families, the community and the Regulatory Authority

About you

Proven experience in a multi-site, area, operations or senior leadership role in early childhood education

A strong compliance background with in-depth knowledge of the NQF, NQS and National Regulations

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care or Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher (or ACECQA-approved equivalent)

Confident working autonomously, making sound decisions and taking ownership of outcomes

Experience opening new services or leading change is highly regarded

A genuine passion for creating supportive, high-performing team cultures

Current NSW Working With Children Check (employee) and a full driver's licence

Willingness to travel regularly between Gosford and Woonona

Why Mellow ELC?

The rare opportunity to shape brand new services and set the culture from the start

Genuine autonomy and influence, without the layers of a large corporate network

Direct collaboration with a supportive leadership team

Competitive salary package

Ready to make your mark?

If you're an experienced leader who wants to build something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.