Skylark Sports is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day performance of our multi-site children’s sport business.

This is not a role for someone who simply keeps things ticking over.

We’re looking for a commercially minded operator who can understand what is happening in the business, identify what needs attention, make sound decisions and get things done through other people.

You’ll work closely with the owner to turn ideas and priorities into action, while taking genuine ownership of the people, systems and operational detail that keep Skylark performing and growing.

What you'll be responsible for

You’ll oversee the operational performance of programs across our three locations.

A typical week might include:

- reviewing enrolments, class capacity, retention and staffing to identify problems and growth opportunities;

- managing the weekly roster and planning ahead for future staffing requirements;

- leading program managers and developing shift supervisors into effective frontline leaders;

- dealing with day-to-day people and performance issues;

- holding managers and staff accountable for agreed actions and standards;

- identifying opportunities for local-area marketing and working with our existing team and suppliers to drive growth;

- improving how we use systems such as iClassPro and Deputy;

- implementing better processes, automation and new system capabilities;

- ensuring events, competitions, launches and other projects have clear plans, owners and deadlines;

- spending time in our venues while programs are running so you understand what is actually happening; and

- following actions through until they are complete.

Most of our core systems and processes already exist. Your job will be to improve them, simplify them and make sure they are consistently used.

At the end of each week, we want you to have done more than deal with what landed in front of you. You should also have moved the business forward.

Commercial performance and growth

We want someone who naturally thinks about the business behind the programs.

You’ll be comfortable working with information such as:

- enrolments and class capacity;

- customer retention;

- staffing costs and roster efficiency;





- trials and conversion;

- program performance; and

- marketing and growth opportunities.

We don’t just want someone who reports the numbers.

We want someone who asks:

What is happening? Why? What should we do about it?

You should be able to explore the options, use the available information and present a rational recommendation — even when that means respectfully challenging the owner or another manager.

People leadership

A significant part of this role is getting results through other people.

You’ll manage our program managers and help turn our shift supervisor positions into meaningful leadership roles.

That means setting clear expectations, delegating responsibility, giving feedback, dealing with underperformance and making sure managers and supervisors are developing the people underneath them.

You don’t need to personally train every coach. You do need to notice when standards are slipping and make sure the appropriate person takes action.

About you

You have experience managing a busy, people-heavy operation and are comfortable leading a predominantly young workforce.

Experience in a swim school, recreation centre, early learning or childcare environment, children’s activity business, sports organisation, outdoor education program or similar would be particularly relevant.

Gymnastics experience would be helpful, but it is not essential. You will have plenty of experienced technical coaches around you.

You are:

- commercially minded and comfortable making decisions;

- practical, organised and detail-focused;

- able to prioritise without getting bogged down in low-value work;

- confident managing people and having difficult conversations;

- comfortable holding people accountable;

- a strong delegator;

- able to analyse problems and recommend sensible solutions;





- willing to challenge assumptions when the evidence points elsewhere;

- confident working directly with a business owner;

- committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people;

- interested in improving systems and finding better ways to work; and

- someone who follows through.

We are particularly interested in people who can show us something they have improved, not just something they have managed.

Working arrangements

This is a full time role working primarily across our Mount Waverley and Lynbrook locations.

The position is predominantly daytime, although some later starts will be required so you can observe classes, meet staff and see the business operating.

Some work from home may be possible by agreement once you are established in the role.

This is not a regular weekend coaching position, although occasional involvement in significant events or projects may be required.

Salary: $85,000–$105,000 + superannuation, depending on experience.

About Skylark Sports

Skylark Sports provides gymnastics, ninja, tumbling and competitive acrobatics programs for children and young people across Melbourne.

We have approximately 50 staff and a strong focus on providing high-quality experiences for athletes, families and coaches.

Our values are:

Safety Comes First
We Teach the Whole Child
Progress Over Perfection
Fun With Purpose

Child safety

Skylark Sports is committed to the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children and young people.

We use child-safe recruitment practices. Appointment to this role is subject to appropriate pre-employment screening, including referee checks and verification of a valid Employee Working with Children Check.

The successful applicant will be expected to understand and uphold Skylark’s child safety policies, Code of Conduct and reporting obligations.

Interested?

Please send us your resume and a short introduction covering:

- the type of operation or team you have managed;

- an example of something you improved commercially or operationally; and

- why this role interests you.

We’re interested in what you’ve actually done, not how many management buzzwords you can fit into a cover letter.

📌 Operations Manager (Mount Waverley)
🏢 Skylark Sports
📍 Mount Waverley