Early Childhood Operations Manager

Early Childhood Operations Manager

Flexible Work Arrangement | Fixed-Term Contract to 30 June 2026

Part-Time: 22.8hrs - 25 hours per week

Location: Hazelbrook NSW

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Are you a passionate leader with a strong background in early childhood education and operational excellence? Connect is seeking a dynamic Early Childhood Operations Manager to support the Head of Early Education Programs in delivering high-quality services across our early years portfolio.

This is a part-time, fixed-term role through to 30 June 2026, with flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle:

• Option 1: 3 x 7.6-hour days per week (excl unpaid 30min break)
• Option 2: 5 x 5-hour days per week (25 paid hours total)

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About The Role

In this key leadership role, you’ll work closely with the Head of Early Education Programs to support strategic and operational functions across multiple early childhood sites. You'll champion best practices in education and care, compliance, and team development while contributing to the long-term vision and quality of our programs.

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Key Responsibilities

• Support program delivery across sites aligned with the National Quality Framework and Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics.
• Lead and mentor Early Education Program Directors, supporting professional growth and high performance.
• Ensure compliance with Working with Children Checks, police checks, and child safety standards.
• Monitor and manage organisational risk, compliance, funding requirements and WHS obligations using systems such as Employment Hero, FOLIO, and StoryPark.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and a strong quality and safety culture.
• Promote and model Connect’s values across the organisation and the wider community.

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What You’Ll Bring

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing an early learning centre or group of centres.
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector, including managing funding and reporting requirements.

Key Skills

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to drive innovation.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Collaboration: Ability to build and maintain effective community and organisational partnerships.
• Operational Proficiency: Knowledge of compliance, budgeting, funding management and early education regulation.
• Organisation: Strong time-management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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Why Join Us?

At Connect, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion and are committed to creating a child-safe organisation. We offer a supportive, flexible working environment and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and communities.

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How To Apply

Ready to lead with impact? Submit your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

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Connect is a child-safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.