Chief Operating Officer

Welcome to Mayfield Early Education!

We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every child in our care. Our programs are designed to reflect the unique needs and character of the communities that we serve, and we strive to deliver high‑quality care and education that builds children’s independence, confidence, and a true sense of belonging.

Our approach is guided by our four core pillars:

• Connected by Community
• In Safe Hands
• Quality Education You Can Count On
• Home Away from Home
  

It’s an exciting time of growth at Mayfield, and we are seeking an experienced and operationally minded Chief of Operations (COO) to lead the performance, compliance, and operational strategy of our 45 centres, based in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

This role is central to ensuring consistent, high‑quality service delivery across the organisation and supporting Mayfield’s continued growth.

The Role

The COO is responsible for operational leadership across all Mayfield centres, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements, financial targets, and business objectives. The role works closely with Senior Leadership, Business Partners and our Centre leadership teams to implement strategy, strengthen systems, and support centre teams to deliver excellent outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage operational performance across all centres
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Implement and refine processes, and reporting frameworks
• Oversee Business Partners and Centre Managers & provide clear operational direction
• Monitor financial performance and operational KPIs
• Manage risk, safety, and quality assurance
• Support organisational planning and execution
  

You:

• Senior operational leadership experience in early childhood education preferred, or regulated multi-site environment
• Early Childhood Education and Care qualifications desirable
• Demonstrated success leading geographically dispersed teams
• Strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and quality frameworks
• Experience managing budgets, financial performance, and operational KPIs
• Proven ability to implement systems, processes, and organisational change
• Experience working with regulatory bodies and accreditation frameworks
  

What’s on offer?

• Competitive remuneration package, including car allowance
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Supportive executive team with clear strategic direction
• Opportunity to shape operational processes and influence organisational performance
• An innovative, values‑driven organisation committed to high‑quality early education
• Autonomy to lead, improve, and innovate across the operational portfolio
• Free medical and wellbeing support for you and your family, 24/7
  

We are seeking a leader who brings depth of experience, sound judgement, and the ability to drive operational excellence. If you’re ready to step into a role where your decisions will make a huge impact!  Apply now.

Mayfield Early Education, including it’s Board, Management, Employees and Volunteers are committed to the safety, wellbeing, and inclusion of all children. Our organisation has zero tolerance for child abuse and neglect.  We strongly uphold our child safety policies & procedures, and we actively work to create a child-safe environment. As part of our commitment, all successful applicants will be subject to comprehensive background checks, including reference checks, Working with Children Check (WWCC), child protection training and other relevant screening as required. We expect all staff to uphold our values of respect, inclusion, and child protection always.

Mayfield Childcare Limited celebrates diversity in all its forms and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for every team member. We welcome applicants of all genders, orientations, races, and backgrounds, believing that the more diverse our team, the more we can teach the next generation about respect, equality, and fairness. Join us in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Mayfield Childcare Limited acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land – the Wurundjeri people, and pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present.