Operations Manager - Early Education

About this role

Introduction

Operations Manager - Early Education

As an Operations Manager in Early Education, you'll play a key leadership role in supporting a portfolio of St Nicholas services to achieve excellence in quality, compliance and operational performance.

Working closely with the Head of Early Education and the St Nicholas Leadership Team, you will lead, mentor and develop Centre Directors to deliver exceptional outcomes for children, families and staff. You'll drive continuous improvement, foster a strong culture of child safety, support workforce capability, and contribute to the ongoing financial sustainability and success of our services.

If you're a collaborative and experienced leader who is passionate about empowering teams and making a meaningful impact in Early Education, we'd love to hear from you.

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this position is to provide leadership and management over the operations of a portfolio of St Nicholas’ services (Early Education). Reporting to the Head of Early Education and working in close collaboration with other members of the St Nicholas Leadership Team and Shared Services functions.

The position will lead the Nominated Supervisors (Centre Directors), to deliver the day-to-day operations ensuring compliance with the National Law and National Regulations, and maintaining high standards of child safety, high quality programs and practice, lead and support workforce development, and contribute to the management of ongoing financial sustainability of each service.

The Benefits

St Nicholas offers a wide range of benefits that support and enrich the lives of our employees, including:

• mnBenefits program: Enjoy up to 10% off at top retailers with our mnBenefits program
• Salary: Attractive Salary + Super
• Flexibility: You will be supported to balance work and personal commitments through flexibility
• Growth: Paid Industry-leading training and career progression within the organisation through a variety of learning and development pathways
• Facilities: Purpose built office space and onsite cafe
• Additional Benefits: Employer-funded parental leave, salary packaging, corporate benefits including;
• Fitness Passport (T&C's apply), EAP and flu injections
• 50% off childcare fees for all full and part-time employees
• $1,000 staff referral bonuses ($1,500 for eligible positions)

Skills and Experiences

EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA

• Minimum 5 years experience in a senior leadership role overseeing a portfolio of Early Childhood Centres or OOSH Services.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience with quality assurance initiatives and experience of conducting and participating in the auditing of Early Education or OOSH services to ensure they are meeting all quality areas to a high standard.
• An expert understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and the National Quality Framework.
• Proven ability to effectively manage a large workforce through leading, coaching and supporting.
• Experience with managing complex complaints and incidents, acting as a point of escalation.
• Prior experience with the implementation of new change initiatives relating to systems, procedures, team changes and the development / set up on new centres.
• Developing and managing a budget and ensuring the services are operating within financial

performance metrics such as utilisation and staffing.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully support the Early Years Learning Framework and My Time Our Place curriculum for School Aged Children.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma in Children’s Services or Early Education or Degree in Early Childhood Teaching as identified by Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) or business-related qualification or demonstrated professional experience.
• Current First Aid Certificate, Anaphylaxis and Asthma Management training.
• NSW Early Learning Commission prescribed child protection and child safety training must be completed.
• Current Working With Children check (WWCC).
• Current Class C Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel across regional areas.
• National Criminal History Police Check.

Be willing to accept the role of Nominated Supervisor, if required from time to time, under the Children (Education and Care Services National Law Application) Bill 2010 and Education and Care Services National Regulations.

If this sounds like an opportunity for you, we would love for you to APPLY now.

Applications Close - 11:59pm Tuesday, 18 August 2026.

Applications for this position will only be considered if submitted through the following platforms: our careers page on our website, mnpeople, Indeed, Seek, or LinkedIn. Please head to our St Nicholas Careers page if you wish to view the Position Description. https://stnicks.org.au/careers/

For any questions, please contact

Jodie Miller - Talent Partner

T: 02 4979 1368

E: jodie.miller@mn.catholic.org.au

Additional Information

The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons.

All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation.

St Nicholas promotes the safety and wellbeing of children from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from people from culturally or linguistically diverse background.

St Nicholas promotes the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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