Y Kinders Operations Manager

The Y Ballarat; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Y Day

Wellbeing days

Staff Discounts

Salary Packaging

Paid Qualifications

Job summary

The Y Ballarat is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join the Y Kinders Leadership Team in Victoria. You will lead across a broad network of kindergartens, early learning services and OSHC programs, driving operational excellence and quality outcomes for children, families and educators.

As a values-driven leader, you will develop workforce capability, strengthen governance and support sustainable growth across the portfolio, while collaborating with dedicated teams and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education and care sector preferred.
• Knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF) and compliance.
• Experience in workforce leadership and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence across a broad kindergarten network.
• Support service quality and workforce capability.
• Drive sustainable growth and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship building

Strategy & planning

Education

Business

Management

Early Childhood Education

Human Resources

Education

Related disciplines

Job description

Lead, influence and make a meaningful impact across one of Victoria's largest kindergarten networks.

At Y Ballarat, we believe in the power of inspired young people and strong communities. As a respected not-for-profit organisation, we deliver programs and services to more than 100 communities across Victoria, including rural and remote regions. With over 900 employees and a growing portfolio of services, we are committed to creating positive outcomes for children, young people and families every day.

Our Children's Services division operates more than 90 kindergartens, early learning centres, and Outside School Hours Care services across Victoria. Through our dedicated educators and leaders, we support thousands of children to learn, grow and thrive.

We're now seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to join our Y Kinders Leadership Team.

Why Join Y Kinders?

This is more than an operational leadership role. It's an opportunity to influence quality outcomes across a diverse network of kindergarten services while helping shape the future of early childhood education.

What Makes This Role Different?

Purpose-Driven Leadership
Make a genuine difference to the lives of children, families, educators and communities across Victoria.

Portfolio-Wide Impact
Lead operational excellence across a broad and diverse kindergarten network, supporting service quality, workforce capability and sustainable growth.

Collaborative Culture
Work alongside passionate leaders, educators and support teams who share a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children.

Opportunity to Innovate
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, strengthen systems and processes, and contribute to strategic organisational goals.

Professional Growth
Join an organisation that invests in leadership development, ongoing learning and career progression.

As part of Y Ballarat, you'll be supported by experienced leaders and dedicated shared services teams, allowing you to focus on achieving meaningful outcomes.

What You'll Enjoy

Supportive and Connected Team

Join a welcoming and collaborative workplace where you'll be supported to grow professionally and personally.

Wellbeing and Benefits

Access a range of wellbeing initiatives, including:

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Wellbeing programs and resources

Leadership support and mentoring

Access to Y Ballarat's extensive organisational network

What Our Team Says

"I feel connected, supported, and collaborate with my colleagues"

"Strong sense of belonging to my service and community"

"I have strong commitment to children and families to deliver quality programs "

"I have purpose in my work, and value the opportunities to develop and progress my career"

About You

We're looking for a capable and values-driven leader who can build strong relationships, support service excellence and drive operational outcomes.

Qualifications

A relevant tertiary qualification in one of the following areas is desirable:

Business

Management

Early Childhood Education

Human Resources

Education

Related disciplines

Experience

Experience within the early childhood education and care sector will be highly regarded, including knowledge of:

National Quality Framework (NQF)

Early childhood compliance and operational requirements

Workforce leadership and stakeholder engagement

Perks and benefits Annual Y Day & 3 Wellbeing days per year Staff Access & Family Discounts Retailer Discounts Salary Packaging Options Reward & Recognition Paid Qualifications