Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS) is a for-purpose organisation fostering lifelong learning by providing high-quality early learning and care for Victoria's children, families, and communities. Each week, we work with over 6,500 children across 76 kindergarten and childcare centres, providing a foundation for curiosity, growth, and wellbeing. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly accomplished and values-driven leader to join us in a newly created role that will have strategic influence across the organisation. This role is critical to ensuring operational excellence, effective governance, and the successful delivery of ECMS's strategic objectives and the reform agenda. At ECMS, we are passionate about championing the voice of the child and embedding child-centred practice in every decision, policy, and service delivery approach. The Role Reporting to the Executive Director Early Childhood and Care, the General Manager Operations - Early Childhood and Care is responsible for the end-to-end management of operational functions, driving efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement across the organisation. The role requires a leader with strong commercial acumen, sound judgement, and the ability to lead complex operations within a values-driven environment. This role is critical to ensuring operational excellence, effective governance, and the successful delivery of ECMS's strategic objectives and the reform agenda, while championing children's rights and ensuring the voice of the child is embedded in decision-making, practice, and service delivery. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic and operational leadership across all operational portfolios Ensure the effective implementation of organisational strategy and reform agenda through operational planning and execution Lead and develop senior managers and teams to achieve high performance and accountability Embed child-centred and rights-based practice across operations, ensuring the voice of the child informs policy, service design, quality improvement, and reform initiatives Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability Ensure compliance with all regulatory, governance, risk, and quality requirements Oversee operational performance, resource allocation, and reporting frameworks Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support organisational objectives About You Demonstrated experience in a senior operations leadership role, ideally within the Early Years sector A collaborative leader who brings positive energy, emotional intelligence, and a solutions-focused mindset to their work Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams and complex operational environments Strong strategic, financial, and operational management capabilities Demonstrated commitment to child-centred, rights-based practice and advocacy for the voice of the child Highly developed communication, leadership, and stakeholder-engagement skills Experience leading organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives Why Join ECMS Contribute at a senior level within a respected, values-driven organisation A role with real influence over organisational performance, culture, and outcomes Professional, collaborative, and values-based working environment that champions children and families Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience To request a candidate information pack and to apply, please refer to the McArthur website www.mcarthur.com.au, reference J8912 in the job search bar. For any queries or to have a confidential conversation, please contact Fiona Bain on 0404 204 372. Applications close: - Thursday 26th February 2026.