Early Learning Operations Manager

A prime leadership opportunity to lead operational quality improvements, compliance and child safety across early learning with Gowrie Victoria. About the role: The Early Learning Operations Manager ensures Gowrie Victoria’s early learning services operate effectively, safely and in full compliance with legislative, regulatory and funding requirements. The role leads operational compliance, risk management and continuous improvement across multiple services, alongside oversight of child safety. Working closely with service leaders, Executive and corporate teams, the role provides expert operational and regulatory advice, develops systems and reporting frameworks, and leads operational projects and change initiatives. The EL Operations Manager will bring innovations and system improvements to the fore to help us achieve our vision. This is a senior, influential role focused on consistency, quality, strong governance and high-performing early learning services. This is a hybrid role, with travel required between Gowrie sites. We currently operate nine services across Melbourne and Geelong, with a further three to open in 2027. About You Your extensive experience in early childhood leadership roles has seen you grow into a confident, collaborative leader with deep knowledge of the sector and the Victorian regulatory environment. You are highly analytical, comfortable working with data, systems and reports, and have a strong focus on compliance, risk management and continuous improvement. You build trusted relationships, provide clear advice to senior stakeholders, and communicate effectively with diverse teams. Organised and proactive, you can lead projects, manage change and balance competing priorities. You work well in a relational context and bring out the best in your colleagues. You are values driven, outcomes focused and committed to supporting high quality, safe and inclusive early learning services at scale. About Us For 85 years, Gowrie Victoria has been at the forefront of high-quality early learning. We’re a for purpose organisation with a reputation for inspiring others and shining a light on best practice. We are known as a place for demonstration, where generations of teachers and educators have learnt and developed their practice. We build the capability of thousands of leaders, teachers, and educators each year through accredited training, blended learning, coaching & mentoring programs, and networking events. At Gowrie, our strength is our culture. It is built on a foundation of genuine curiosity. We encourage our people to ask questions, be reflective and bring their authentic selves to work. Why Join Us? • We’re a values-led, for purpose, child-first organisation with a strong history in the early learning sector • Be part of a growing organisation during an exciting phase of change and expansion • Opportunity to support and develop both new and existing services • Work with a passionate team committed to high-quality education and care • Competitive salary package and professional development opportunities Are you ready to grow with us? For more information, click Apply to visit Gowrie’s Careers Hub. There you can learn more about working at Gowrie, view the position description and submit your application. Please include a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the required competencies and attributes, including your experience leading across multiple sites and your capacity to travel frequently. Gowrie Victoria is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe organisation.