Regional Operations Leader (Area Manager)

About This RoleLead with HEART. Grow with Purpose. Impact with Vision.Sydney NSW Western Suburbs locationAt Only About Children (OAC), we believe in the power of early education to transform lives. With over 80 campuses nationally, we're committed to delivering high-quality early childhood education and care that places children at the centre of everything we do. As we continue to innovate and grow, we are looking for an inspiring and commercially astute Regional Operations Leader (ROL) to take the reins across a defined portfolio of campuses in NSW.This is more than an operational role - it's a chance to lead change, mentor future leaders, and shape the daily experiences of hundreds of children, educators, and families. As a key member of our national Operations leadership team, you'll work closely with a Director of Operations to drive performance uplift, build high-performing campus cultures, and embed consistent, values-driven practices across your region.Your Key ResponsibilitiesAs a Regional Operations Leader, you'll play a vital role in lifting performance, strengthening leadership capability, and ensuring every child, team member, and family experiences the best of what OAC has to offer. In this role, you will:Coach and empower Campus Directors to lead with confidence and consistency, supporting their professional development, performance, and wellbeing.Ensure operational excellence by guiding campuses to achieve occupancy growth, cost management, labour optimisation and service delivery targets aligned to their individual P&Ls.Actively visit and support your campuses, spending time on-site each month based on performance needs – from high-touch support to light-touch check-ins.Drive a culture of child safety, quality, and continuous improvement, in partnership with Quality Assurance, Education and WHS teams.Collaborate across functions including People & Culture, Education, Finance, Marketing and Family Support to implement strategic initiatives and deliver seamless service experiences.Identify risks and remove barriers to performance, compliance and enrolment conversion, including handling complex incidents or family matters when needed.Champion the OAC Way – ensuring consistency in philosophy, HEART values, and leadership behaviours throughout your region.Contribute to business-wide strategy and leadership forums, presenting insights and recommendations from your portfolio to influence company direction.What You'll BringMinimum 5 years' experience in Early Childhood Education, with multi-site or area management responsibilitiesApproved Early Childhood Teaching qualification or Diploma of Children's ServicesA strong track record of commercial leadership – including P&L ownership, performance uplift and workforce planningDemonstrated experience leading large teams and coaching others to successA deep understanding of compliance, safety, and quality frameworks within the early childhood sectorOutstanding interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skillsA genuine passion for early education, with a strong alignment to OAC's HEART principlesWhy Join Us?Purpose-driven leadership role with national impactWork for a high-quality operator in a growing, innovative organisationProfessional development, coaching, and tailored growth pathwaysCompetitive remuneration and vehicle allowanceStaff discounts on childcare, paid parental leave, and wellbeing support50% childcare discount for your little ones2 extra wellbeing days off each yearAccess to free counselling via our Employee Assistance ProgramApply now to lead with HEART and make your mark in a values-led organisation committed to children, families, and people. Together, we grow.At Only About Children we have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and we want you to bring your whole self to work. We welcome and encourage applications from all members of the community, particularly those who identify as Australian Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander.Only About Children is proud to share that our application for the Worker Retention Payment has been approved! This means our team members will receive an additional 10% on top of the award rate, plus an extra 5% from December 2025, funded by the Australian Federal Government until 30 November 2026. Now is the perfect time to join a team that truly invests in its people. Apply today and make a real difference!At Only About Children (OAC), every child's safety, wellbeing, and protection is our highest priority. We have an unwavering committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child feels safe and valued. All employees are required to hold a current Employee Working with Children Check before beginning employment. Additionally, throughout the recruitment process, we conduct thorough assessments to ensure the suitability of all candidates for working with children.