Little Stars Early Learning & Kindergarten
Little Stars Early Learning & Kindergarten is seeking an experienced and highly motivated
Operations Manager
to join our senior leadership team and support a portfolio of our early learning services.
This is a hands-on operational leadership role for someone who enjoys being
visible in services, developing Centre Managers, solving problems and driving results
.
We are looking for a leader who can balance the two critical sides of successful early childhood operations:
quality and compliance, alongside strong commercial and operational performance.
About the role
Reporting directly to the General Manager, you will take responsibility for the operational performance of a portfolio of Little Stars services in the South Eastern Suburbs. You will work closely with Centre Managers, providing clear direction, coaching and accountability while ensuring each service is delivering high-quality outcomes for children and families. This is a hands-on operational leadership role for someone who enjoys being visible in services, developing Centre Managers, solving problems and driving results. You will balance the two critical sides of successful early childhood operations: quality and compliance, alongside strong commercial and operational performance.
Key responsibilities
Providing solid, visible leadership across your portfolio of centres
Coaching and developing Centre Managers to become confident and accountable leaders
Driving occupancy, enquiries, tours,



enrolments and family retention
Monitoring wage performance and supporting effective rostering and workforce management
Maintaining a strong focus on compliance, quality and continuous improvement
Supporting services through Assessment & Rating and regulatory requirements
Reviewing centre KPIs and quickly responding when performance is below expectations
Supporting Centre Managers with staffing, performance management and difficult operational matters
Ensuring centres maintain excellent presentation and consistently high standards
Building strong relationships with children, families, employees and local communities
About you
Significant multi-site operational experience within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector, with a demonstrated ability to improve centre performance
Strong sense of urgency and accountability
Proactive and doesn't wait to be told what needs to happen
Comfortable having difficult conversations when required
Can identify an issue and move quickly from problem action result
Understands occupancy, labour management and the commercial drivers of an early learning service
Can drive occupancy growth and strong conversion focus
Strong knowledge of the NQF, National Law and Regulations and quality improvement processes
Builds genuine relationships with Centre Managers while maintaining clear expectations
Enjoys spending time in centres with teams, rather than managing solely from behind a desk
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📌 Operations Manager - Early Learning (Melbourne)
🏢 Little Stars Holding
📍 Melbourne