Lead a small portfolio of growing early learning services with the autonomy to shape operations, develop leadership teams and influence the future of an expanding provider.
anzuk Education is partnering confidentially with an independent early childhood provider seeking an experienced Area Manager / Operations Manager to support its growing portfolio of services across NSW. This is an opportunity for an experienced early childhood leader who enjoys being hands-on, building strong teams and having a genuine say in how services operate.
Unlike larger organisations, you'll work closely with the owners, with the freedom to introduce systems, influence decisions and establish a positive culture.
The owner is open to a 2027 start if that is a preference.
What's on offer?
- $140,000–$160,000 super, depending on experience
- Leadership responsibility across a small portfolio of growing services
- Genuine autonomy and direct access to the owners
- Opportunity to shape systems, processes and team culture
- Independent provider with opportunities for future growth
- Opportunity to influence quality, compliance and operational performance
About the role Working closely with Centre Directors, you'll oversee the operational performance of a small number of early learning services across NSW.
Your responsibilities will include
- Supporting and mentoring Centre Directors and leadership teams
- Overseeing compliance with the NQF, NQS and National Regulations
- Driving continuous improvement and preparing services for Assessment and Rating
- Supporting occupancy growth, budgets, staffing and operational performance
- Establishing effective systems, policies and procedures
- Building positive team cultures and supporting staff development
- Maintaining strong relationships with families, educators and key stakeholders
- Working collaboratively with the owners to support the long-term success of the services
About you We're looking for an experienced early childhood leader who combines strong operational knowledge with a genuine ability to build relationships and support others.
Ideally, you'll bring:
- Previous experience as an Area Manager, Operations Manager or senior leader within early childhood education
- A strong understanding of the National Quality Framework and regulatory requirements
- Experience mentoring Centre Directors and developing solid teams
- Confidence managing compliance, staffing, budgets and occupancy
- A Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education or ACECQA-approved equivalent
- Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills
- A current NSW Working With Children Check and driver's licence
- Flexibility to travel regularly between services
Experience opening new services or supporting organisational growth would be highly regarded. Interested in learning more?
If you're an experienced early childhood leader looking for greater autonomy and the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.
For a confidential discussion, contact Cormac O'Farrell at anzuk Education on 02 8024 7 or email *@anzuk.education.
Alternatively, apply now with your updated CV by email.
Our commitment to child safety and inclusion ANZUK Education is a child-safe organisation committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. All applicants must complete child safety screening before starting, and all staff must follow our child-safe practices and those of our partner schools and early childhood services.
We support educators in finding rewarding careers across early childhood, primary, secondary, and special education settings, within government, faith-based, and independent schools, both in Australia and overseas.
As a diverse and inclusive employer, we welcome applicants of all ages, genders, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and beliefs, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
#SCR-cormac-ofarrell
📌 Area Manager / Operations Manager | Early Childhood | 2027 Start Available (Sydney)
🏢 Anzuk
📍 Sydney