Explore your passion with us! 

Founded in 1988, Child Development Schools is headquartered in Austin, TX operating over 260 childcare centers in 11 states. Our three early childhood education brands are Childcare Network, Sunrise Preschools, and My Small Wonders. We proudly provide quality care and developmental education to over 30,000 children aged six weeks to twelve years. 

We have a great opportunity for a Vice President of Operations to join our growing company!

The Vice President of Operations is a high-level executive responsible for overseeing and managing the operational activities of an organization. This includes developing and implementing strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability. This role will collaborate with other senior leaders to set goals, establish policies and procedures, and ensure that operations align with the company's overall objectives. The VP of Operations also oversees the management of resources, including budgeting, staffing, and technology, to optimize operational performance and drive business growth.

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management to field operations that mirrors the adopted mission and core values of the company
• Foster a results-driven culture that empowers each market to achieve operational goals while allowing flexibility and autonomy to adapt strategies and approaches to fit local market needs, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives
• Contribute to the strategic and business planning process, including providing recommendations to management on the short and long-term operating strategy for the organization
• Analyze company operations, identifying areas that can be made more cost-effective
• Identify and leverage key strategic issues and opportunities as they arise
• Develop innovative and effective strategies to support acquisitions, expansion and merger opportunities
• Prepare and present forecasts for future business growth, general economic, industry and financial conditions and report on their impact on company policies and operations
• Focus on quick and sustainable growth, market leadership, and educational excellence.
• Continuously analyze market trends, identify opportunities and risks, and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Communicate the Company’s operational performance, strategy, and outlook to stakeholders clearly and effectively
• Partner with the executive team to drive the operational execution of business strategies and support tactical initiatives based on relevant KPIs
• Provide support for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting activities to ensure accuracy and alignment with business objectives
• Ensure compliance with business policies and accounting practices, internal control policies and procedures
• Oversee reporting and monitoring of operational performance metrics and provide overall financial oversight and monitoring of the operations
• Enhance operational processes, systems, and controls to improve efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness
• Make recommendations on how to improve operational performance and execute operational improvement plans
• Lead operational due diligence and integration processes for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
• Partner with the SVP of Finance to optimize cash flow management, working capital, and capital allocation to support business operations and growth initiatives
• Evaluate operational and business intelligence systems to determine the best optimal system for Company strategy and organizational needs
• Deep understanding and respect for the target customer demographic, and persona, and personal needs and challenges.
• Represent the Company in public forums and engage in advocacy efforts to promote early childhood education.
• Expand the company through strategic partnerships, new site development, and acquisition opportunities.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing operational team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between the operations and the finance department and other business units to support organizational objectives
• Provide and hold organizational leaders responsible for excellent service quality, safe working practices, capital and operating expense spend
• Drive talent development and succession planning within operations

Our Benefits Provide:

• Discounts up to 50% off childcare tuition
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance plans
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Leave
• Free access to online training
• Education assistance to pursue your degree
• 401K plan savings and investment plan with employer contribution

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Petroleum Engineering or a related field. An advanced degree (MBA) is highly preferred.
• 12-15 years prior senior leadership experience in a distributed, multi-site bricks and mortar ECE or other care industry environment.
• Proven track record of strategic operational leadership and driving business success in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• In-depth knowledge of operating principles, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a knack for interpreting complex opeartional data and making strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior executives and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and manage cross-functional relationships effectively.
• Ability to manage complex cross-enterprise projects and processes with multiple stakeholders at both senior and junior levels across a diverse range of personalities
• Excellent presentation skills, including strong oral and writing capabilities; ability to clearly communicate compelling messages to senior managers and external business partners
• Demonstrated success working both independently and in highly collaborative environments
• Self-motivated and acts and thinks like an owner/entrepreneur
• Expert level Microsoft Office applications
• Extensivie travel required (50%+)

Want to learn more about Child Development Schools? We’re always looking for nurturing, innovative, and dedicated individuals to join us and explore their passion for child care and early education. Please click to join our Talent Network so we can keep in touch about other current and future opportunities!

Child Development Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.