Children's Services Operations Manager

THE ROLE

As a highly motivated and customer focused employee, the Children's Services Operations Manager will form part of a highly engaged and dedicated leadership team of children's services staff in the exceptional delivery of the Out of School Hours Care and Early Learning Care services within South Australia. This role will drive operational performance across our Children’s Services teams, leading quality improvement, analysing performance metrics and identifying improvements across all areas.

You’ll guide Regional Managers and Directors through coaching, strategic planning and continuous improvement, while fostering a collaborative and growth-focused culture. A core part of the role is building strong partnerships with schools, government and community organisations to enhance outcomes for children and families.

The position also contributes to financial management and performance monitoring across all service areas, supporting budget planning, KPI development and data-driven decision-making. With a strong focus on child safeguarding, staff development, innovation and community impact, this role is central to strengthening YMCA SA’s children’s services statewide.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• National Police Check (issued in the last 6 months).
• DHS Working With Children Check.
• International Criminal History Record Check (if worked/lived overseas in the last 5 years).
• RRHAN-EC Masterclass – Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect – Education & Care.
• Tertiary qualification in Children’s Services (relevant field) or relevant experience.
• Current Provide Emergency First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (HLTAID012).
• Provide CPR Certificate (HLTAID009) or equivalent.
• Strong leadership experience to staff including training, quality improvement, support, and maintaining the standards of the service.
• Demonstrated knowledge on how educational leadership is provided to ensure quality care, recreation and leisure programs for children, and direction, support, and continuous learning for staff according to the National Quality Standards.
• Strong understanding of how to develop staff awareness of accountability, legal liability, and duty of care to children.
• Demonstrated ability to build the capacity of staff by supporting and mentoring others to take on leadership roles.

The full position description is available on our website at https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/get....

ABOUT THE Y

YMCA South Australia is a not-for-profit community organisation that has served the South Australian community for more than 170 years. Our aim is to develop the whole person, helping all South Australians connect with a better life - not only physical fitness and capabilities but also sense of identity, purpose, hope and dignity, psychological health, resilience, social connectedness, lifelong learning and contribution back into the community. We are a leading provider of recreation, community, and children’s services and we deliver programs and services across the state in settings including community recreation centres, swimming pools, health and fitness facilities, community centres, camps, early education and schools and youth services.

BENEFITS WITH THE Y

• Community Impact - Work in a purpose-driven role in a not-for-profit organisation with strong community impact.
• Free Access - Free access to YMCA SA managed recreation centres (pools, gyms, courts) and for immediate family when visiting together.
• YMCA SA Discounts - 20% off programs, classes, café food, merch, and OSHC/Vacation Care services.
• Health and Wellbeing - Access to free flu vaccinations and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 support.
• Career Growth Opportunities - A culture of empowerment and growth with ongoing opportunities for learning and career/skill development.

HOW TO APPLY

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Komala Champion on 0498 988 462 or komala.champion@ymcasa.org.au.

Does this sound like you? Please submit your resume and cover letter via Apply Now! You must address the key selection criteria in your application. Please note, only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

Applications close 8th of December 2025.

COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

At the Y, we're committed to empowering all Children and Young People to feel safe and be safe, at the Y, in their families and in their communities. We ensure all of our candidates are appropriately screened to make sure the right people are in the right roles.

To learn more about our screening processes, view our Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy: https://www.sa.ymca.org.au/who...

YMCA South Australia is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children, young people, and other vulnerable people.