Ops Manager / Area manager - boutique childcare provider

Prolific Holdings Pty Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Job summary

Mellow ELC is opening new Gosford and Woonona services in NSW. We are seeking an experienced Area Manager / Operations Manager to shape how our services run, set the standard for quality and compliance, and build the culture our educators, children and families will experience daily.

As a small, autonomous operator, you will report directly to the owners and have real influence over operations, staffing, and service development across both sites.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Willingness to travel regularly between Gosford and Woonona.
• Current NSW Working With Children Check (employee) and a full driver’s licence.
• Experience opening new services or leading change is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance with NQF, NQS, and National Regulations across Gosford and Woonona.
• Prepare services for Assessment and Rating and lead continuous improvement through the Quality Improvement Plan.
• Support, coach and develop Centre Directors and leadership teams.
• Build a positive, values-led team culture at both new services.
• Manage occupancy, budgets, rostering and staffing to support sustainable growth.
• Develop and embed policies, procedures and systems for a small, agile provider.
• Build strong relationships with families, the community and the Regulatory Authority.

Skills

Multisite leadership

Compliance focus

Autonomy

Willing to travel

Education

Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care

Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher

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