Childcare Center Operations Manager

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership opportunity

Collaborative team

Professional development

Community impact

Established organization

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, seeks a seasoned Childcare Center Operations Manager to run daily operations with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. You will lead staff, manage budgets, ensure licensing compliance, and foster strong relationships with parents and local authorities.

The role is on-site, requiring hands-on leadership, meticulous administrative oversight, and a passion for early childhood education to support a thriving community center and its children.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a management or supervisory role in childcare.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong understanding of childcare regulations and licensing standards.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Must be physically present at the center during operating hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the childcare center.
• Supervise, train, and mentor staff.
• Oversee admissions, enrollment, and parent communication.
• Develop and manage the center's budget.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and licensing.
• Maintain facility safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Manage inventory and resource allocation.
• Serve as primary contact for parents.
• Liaise with external agencies and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Team management

Regulatory knowledge

Administrative software

Time management

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Early Childhood Education

Business Administration

Related field degree

Tools

Record-keeping software

Administrative software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly organized and experienced Childcare Center Operations Manager to oversee the daily functioning of their reputable childcare facility in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA . This role is essential for ensuring a safe, nurturing, and efficient environment for children, staff, and parents. The Operations Manager will be responsible for staff management, budget oversight, regulatory compliance, facility maintenance, and fostering positive relationships within the center community. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of childcare operations, and a commitment to delivering exceptional early childhood education services. This is a critical on-site role vital to the success of the center's mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the childcare center, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of childcare professionals, fostering a positive work environment.
• Oversee admissions, enrollment, and parent communication processes.
• Develop and manage the center's budget, ensuring financial stability and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all local, provincial, and national regulations and licensing requirements.
• Maintain the physical facility, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures.
• Manage inventory, supplies, and resource allocation.
• Act as the primary point of contact for parents, addressing concerns and building strong relationships.
• Liaise with external agencies and stakeholders as required.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a management or supervisory role within a childcare setting.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong understanding of childcare regulations and licensing standards.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency in administrative software and record-keeping systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• A genuine passion for child development and creating a high-quality learning environment.
• Must be physically present at the center during operational hours.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital community childcare center.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Contribute directly to the well-being and education of young children.
• Benefit from being part of a well-established organization.