The Opportunity
Lead alongside the owner to grow from 1 to 3–5 centres. Shape operations, support teams and build something meaningful.
About Us
At First5Years, we’re building something we genuinely care about.
We exist to bring city-quality early learning to regional communities, creating environments where children, families, and educators thrive.
Our values guide everything we do:
Passionate – we care deeply about outcomes for children and families
Empowering – we support our people to grow, lead and succeed
Inclusive – we build respectful, connected communities
We currently operate one centre, with two in development and a plan to grow to 4–5 centres over the next 12 months.
This is a rare opportunity to join early and help shape what that growth looks like.
About the Role
This is not a standard operations role.
You will work directly with the business owner to lift, strengthen and scale operations as the business grows.
We are specifically seeking an experienced Area Manager or Operations Manager from early learning who brings strong multi-site or operational experience — and is looking for something more flexible, meaningful, and hands-on.
This role combines supporting current centre performance, building systems and structure for growth, and helping shape the future of the business.
Why This Role is Different
Be part of a business growing from 1 to 3–5 centres
Work directly with the owner — no layers, real access
Have genuine influence on how the business operates
Flexible, remote-friendly working arrangement
Opportunity to grow into senior business leadership
What You’ll Be Doing
Strengthen & Support Operations
Work closely with the Centre Director to ensure strong, consistent daily operations
Step into challenges and help solve them quickly, calmly and practically
Bring clarity, structure and momentum to how the centre runs
Build for Growth
Help shape how the business operates as we expand from one centre to multiple
Implement simple, effective systems that scale with growth
Identify what’s working, what’s not, and continuously improve it
Develop People & Build Culture
- Work closely with Centre Directors and teams to support, guide and grow their capability
- Create an environment where people feel supported to achieve their goals — both professionally and personally
- Build on and scale the strong foundations already in place across
Bring Commercial Awareness
Maintain awareness of performance, costs and opportunities
Support simple budgeting and operational discipline
Think beyond the centre — contribute to the overall success of the business
About You
You are an experienced Area Manager or Operations Manager in early learning.
You bring a strong operational foundation, but equally, a genuine passion for pedagogy, educational leadership, and delivering meaningful outcomes for children.
You’re not looking for another corporate structure — you’re looking for:
You bring:
Proven experience in a multi-site or operational childcare role
Strong understanding of compliance, quality frameworks, and best practice
A passion for pedagogy and educational outcomes — not just operations
Experience supporting and developing Centre Directors and leadership teams
Confidence in guiding educational practice and continuous improvement
A practical, solutions-focused approach to challenges
The ability to bring structure and clarity without overcomplicating
Commercial awareness and comfort working with budgets and performance
Initiative, ownership, and a genuine interest in growth
What sets you apart
You care deeply about quality early learning outcomes, not just running a centre
You enjoy working at both the operational and educational level
You naturally support and elevate others, building strong leaders around you
You are equally comfortable thinking strategically and rolling up your sleeves
You want to be part of a business where you can influence, build and grow
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
