Area Manager

Nurturing the greatness in every child - and in you.

Lead performance. Develop leaders. Drive exceptional outcomes across a portfolio of early learning centres.

We’re looking for an experienced multi-site operational leader from the Early Childhood sector to join G8 Education as an Area Manager.

Reporting into regional leadership, you’ll have accountability for a portfolio of approximately 9 early learning centres in the Western suburbs of Victoria region, directly leading and developing the Centre Managers responsible for each service.

This is a commercially focused leadership role for someone who understands the complexities of early childhood operations and has demonstrated experience leading leaders, driving performance and creating accountability across multiple teams or locations.

You’ll bring together people, commercial performance, growth, quality, safety and family experience, ensuring each centre is positioned to deliver sustainable results.

The opportunity

As Area Manager, you’ll operate as both an accountable business leader and trusted coach to your Centre Managers.

You’ll have ownership of portfolio performance while building the capability of your leaders to confidently run successful, safe and high-performing centres.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead, coach and develop Centre Managers across approximately 9 early learning centres, building capability and accountability.
• Own the commercial and operational performance of your portfolio, including occupancy, revenue, labour productivity, retention and profitability.
• Use performance data and insights to identify opportunities, address underperformance and drive improvement plans.
• Drive occupancy growth and family retention through strong centre performance and local growth strategies.
• Maintain strong oversight of child safety, quality, compliance and operational risk across the portfolio.
• Lead workforce planning, performance, talent and engagement initiatives, including complex or escalated people matters.
• Drive strategic priorities, change and continuous improvement, partnering with Regional Leadership and specialist teams to deliver sustainable results.

About you

You are an experienced operational leader who understands that successful early learning centres require the right balance of strong leadership, commercial discipline, exceptional family experience, quality and safety.

You’ll bring:

• Previous leadership experience within the Early Childhood Education sector, with a strong understanding of centre operations.
• Experience leading multiple sites, centres or operational teams, ideally as an Area Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Manager or similar.
• Strong commercial acumen and demonstrated experience improving business performance across measures such as occupancy, revenue, labour, productivity or profitability.
• Confidence interpreting operational data and translating insights into clear actions and performance improvements.
• Demonstrated experience coaching and developing operational leaders while also creating clear accountability for performance.
• Strong judgement and the ability to confidently manage complex operational, people, family and compliance matters.
• An understanding of the regulatory and compliance environment within Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Experience leading change, improving operational processes and embedding consistent ways of working across multiple locations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence, challenge and partner effectively with leaders at different levels.
• Hold a valid working with children check or willingness to obtain upon commencement.

Benefits at G8

• Competitive salary package
• Car Allowance Provided 
• Monthly RDO
• Career development opportunities as part of a large ASX-listed company 
• Access a 50% discount on early education and childcare fees at any G8 Education Centre. 
• Exclusive access to our G8 Rewards Program with benefits across more than 600 retailers, exclusive cash discounts and more!

Find out more here: G8 Education

United by purpose. Guided by values.

At G8 Education, we’re proud to celebrate, support, and inspire our 10,000+ team members as they make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their own.

Driven by our purpose “to nurture the greatness in every child to grow, thrive and learn” and guided by our values, we’re shaping bright futures for children, families, communities, and each other.

Our values: Safety First & Always, Thriving Together, Owning the Outcome, Being the Difference, Building Bright Futures.

Our Recruitment Process

G8 Education is a committed advocate for child protection, safety and wellbeing. We have a zero tolerance for any form of child abuse or harm. The safety and wellbeing of children will always be our priority, and all team members are expected to embrace this shared commitment. 

Our recruitment process involves several checks including, the possibility of psychometric testing which will be discussed during the initial stage of the recruitment process.  

We also may require a police check along with verification of qualifications and right-to-work status. 

Please note the advertising closing date is indicative only.  G8 Education reserves the right to close the advertisement before this date is reached. Therefore, it is encouraged that you submit your application as soon as possible.