Director of Operations

Lead. Inspire. Transform.

We’re seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across a regional portfolio of 40–60 early childhood education centres across northern New South Wales — spanning Sydney through to the North Coast and inland to the Tamworth region.

This is a key executive role driving quality, growth, and performance — ensuring excellence in every centre, every day.

If you’re an inspiring, commercially savvy leader who thrives on building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional outcomes for children, families, and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

The role

You’ll partner closely with the COO and cross-functional leaders in Education, People & Culture, Finance, Risk, Quality and Facilities to deliver Affinity’s transformation agenda and empower regional success. Your focus will be on balancing three pillars — child safety and quality, financial sustainability and people and culture — while strengthening our mission to ensure every child thrives in a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment.

In this role, you will:

• Champion child safety and wellbeing in every decision, practice, and performance expectation.
• Lead regional operations to deliver quality, growth, and strong financial results across your portfolio.
• Mentor, support, and develop a talented team of Regional and Centre Managers to achieve and exceed quality, occupancy, and financial goals.
• Drive continuous improvement, operational excellence, and innovation through collaboration and data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee compliance with the National Quality Framework and state regulatory requirements, promoting a culture of quality and accountability.
• Build trusted relationships with families, regulators, and the community that enhance reputation and stakeholder confidence.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned to Affinity’s values and growth objectives.

About you

• 8–10 years of senior operational leadership in a multi-site, highly regulated environment (ECEC, Aged Care, Health, or Human Services preferred).
• Proven experience improving service quality, uplifting leadership capability, and delivering strong commercial outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF), National Quality Standards (NQS), and Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
• A degree in Early Childhood, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Genuine passion for child safety and building capability in others.

Why you’ll love working with us

• Attractive executive remuneration package and performance incentives.
• Flexible working arrangements supporting balance and wellbeing.
• A values-driven culture built on trust, collaboration, and empowerment.
• Opportunities for growth, professional learning, and regional autonomy.
• Discounts on childcare gap fees and access to health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits.

At Affinity, children and people come first.
We’re proud of our culture of excellence and care. Our Safety Commitment ensures the safety, rights, and wellbeing of every child — and every member of our team. We celebrate inclusion, diversity, and integrity across all that we do.

If you’re ready to lead transformation and champion excellence in early education, apply today and help shape the future of Affinity Education.