Lead and drive operational excellence across multiple childcare centres in South Australia.
About Us At Guardian Childcare & Education, we celebrate childhood and create inspiring learning environments where children thrive. As one of Australia’s leading early childhood education providers, we empower our educators and leaders to deliver exceptional care and learning experiences. We believe in fostering a supportive culture, investing in professional development, and providing outstanding career opportunities.
The Opportunity We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Manager to oversee our childcare operations across a South Australian region. This leadership role requires strong commercial acumen, operational excellence, and a deep passion for early childhood education.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and direction to Portfolio and Centre Managers, ensuring alignment with Guardian’s high standards and expectations.
- Monitor and evaluate the operational performance of each centre, focusing on financial viability, occupancy rates, team retention, family experience, and quality of care.
- Develop and implement strategies to achieve and exceed enrolment targets, revenue goals, and operational efficiencies, including labour management.
- Foster a positive, high-performing team culture that promotes professional growth and development.
- Collaborate with internal teams, including HR, Compliance & Practice, and Facilities, to drive centre improvements.
- Ensure compliance with licensing, regulatory, and safety requirements across all childcare centres within the region.
- Conduct regular site visits to assess program quality, facility maintenance, and operational effectiveness.
- Serve as the key liaison between childcare centres and the support office, providing insights, updates, and recommendations.
About You To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- 5+ years of experience in multi-site management (e.g., as an Area Manager).
- Experience managing Area Managers (desirable but not mandatory).
- Strong expertise in business improvement and operational efficiency, including solution design, implementation planning, training, and toolkit development.
- A proven track record in performance improvement, driving measurable success across multiple sites.
- High-level business acumen and commercial thinking.
- A strong coaching and leadership mindset, with the ability to develop and inspire high-performing teams.
- A solid understanding of the National Quality Framework and state regulatory requirements (desirable).
- Experience with business acquisitions (desirable).
Desired Skills:
- Extensive experience in the childcare industry.
- Strong understanding of commercial operations and business drivers.
- Analytical and methodical approach to problem-solving.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal).
- Demonstrated ability to work with and enhance business systems.
- Strong project management experience.
- Results-driven, with the ability to analyse and resolve complex problems involving multiple stakeholders.
- Outstanding relationship-building skills.
What’s in It for You?
- Professional Development: Access to coaching, mentoring programs, workshops, short courses, and qualification updates.
- Attractive Remuneration: Competitive salary with opportunities for career progression.
- Recognition Programs: Rewarding outstanding individuals and teams, with compelling incentives for key achievements.
- Annual Award Nights & Events to celebrate success.
- Generous Childcare Discounts for your own children.
- Supportive Work Environment: A high-quality, well-resourced setting with a strong commitment to employee well-being.
Apply Now!
So, what are you waiting for? Take the next step in your leadership career and APPLY NOW to join Guardian Childcare & Education!
Referrals
We offer an employee referral program! If you’re already part of Guardian, refer a friend and earn rewards. Visit guardian.edu.au/careers/refer-your-friends for more details.
Guardian Childcare & Education values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences strengthen our teams and help us grow. We are committed to providing a workplace where every person is valued, respected, and supported to progress.
We are also deeply committed to Reconciliation and creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People feel a strong sense of belonging and connection.
The safety and wellbeing of children will always be our top priority, Guardian Childcare & Education has a zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm.