Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Small Friends Childcare & Education Group
Location: Melbourne, Victoria (Regular interstate travel required)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: Executive remuneration package (Negotiable based on experience)
About Us
Small Friends Childcare & Education Group is a growing Australian early childhood education provider operating multiple childcare centres across Australia. Our vision is to deliver exceptional education and care while building one of Australia's leading childcare organisations.
As we continue to expand, we are seeking an outstanding Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organisation, oversee all Australian operations and drive the next stage of our growth.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Group CEO will have overall responsibility for the strategic leadership and operational management of all Small Friends Childcare & Education centres across Australia.
This position requires an exceptional leader with extensive experience in the childcare industry who can successfully manage a multi-site organisation while delivering outstanding operational, financial and educational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the operations of all Small Friends Childcare & Education centres across Australia.
- Develop and implement the Group's long-term strategic plan.
- Drive occupancy growth, profitability and sustainable business expansion.
- Lead and mentor Centre Directors, Area Managers and the Support Office team.
- Oversee Human Resources, recruitment, staff development and organisational culture.
- Manage financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and profitability.
- Develop and execute marketing strategies to maximise enrolments and strengthen the Group's brand.
- Ensure compliance with the National Quality Framework (NQF), ACECQA, Education and Care Services National Law and all relevant State legislation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government agencies, landlords, suppliers, families and other key stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for acquisitions, new centre developments and continuous improvement.
- Prepare executive reports and recommendations for the Board.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Extensive experience in the Australian Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) industry is essential.
- Minimum 10 years' experience within the childcare industry.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior executive or senior management role overseeing multiple childcare centres.
- Proven experience managing multi-site operations.
- Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, profit & loss, forecasting and business performance.
- Demonstrated leadership in Human Resources, recruitment and organisational development.
- Experience developing and implementing successful marketing and enrolment strategies.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the National Quality Framework (NQF), ACECQA and State regulatory requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
- Ability to travel regularly across Australia.
Applications from candidates without childcare industry experience will not be considered.
Highly Desirable
- Experience managing groups with multiple childcare centres.
- Experience in acquisitions, business expansion or opening new childcare services.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Business, Education, Management or a related discipline.
- Current Working with Children Check.
- Current Driver Licence.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead one of Australia's growing childcare groups.
- Executive-level salary package with performance incentives.
- Significant autonomy to lead and grow the business.
- Long-term career opportunity with future expansion plans.
- A professional and supportive Board committed to sustainable growth.
How to Apply
If you have the experience, leadership capability and vision to lead a growing national childcare organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your resume and cover letter to:
[email protected]
Previous Australian childcare industry experience is mandatory. Applications without relevant industry experience will not be considered.
Pay: $90,707.50 – $225,262.97 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Maternity leave
- Parental leave
Work Location: In person
