Director of Operations

Little Learner Children’s Academy
Chicago Suburbs, Illinois
Full-Time | Leadership Position

Salary:  $95,000 (commensurate with experience) plus performance bonus after six months of employment

Little Learner Children’s Academy is seeking an experienced, results-driven Director of Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations and performance of our multiple childcare locations throughout the Chicago suburbs.

This position reports directly to the Owner/CEO and provides leadership, accountability, and operational oversight to our Center Directors.

We are looking for a strong multi-site operator and people leader who knows how to manage managers, improve performance, control labor and expenses, develop strong teams, and create accountability across multiple locations.

Childcare experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with successful multi-unit leadership experience in hospitality, retail, healthcare, senior living, restaurants, education, or other service-based organizations are encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

As Director of Operations, you will be responsible for ensuring that each location operates successfully, safely, efficiently, and consistently with company standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Directly manage, coach, and hold Center Directors accountable for performance.
• Conduct regular visits to all locations and maintain a strong presence in the schools.
• Monitor enrollment, retention, tours, and conversion performance.
• Establish and monitor location-specific performance goals and KPIs.
• Oversee staffing levels, scheduling, labor costs, and productivity.
• Review financial and operational performance of each location.
• Identify underperforming locations and implement corrective action plans.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, training, and development of Center Directors.
• Conduct Director performance evaluations and address performance concerns.
• Ensure company policies and procedures are consistently implemented.
• Partner with center leadership to maintain licensing, health, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor parent satisfaction and assist with escalated parent concerns.
• Improve employee engagement, accountability, and retention.
• Ensure facilities and classrooms consistently meet company expectations.
• Work closely with HR, Enrollment, Education, Accounting, and other support departments.
• Develop systems and procedures that improve efficiency across all locations.
• Provide the Owner/CEO with regular reports regarding enrollment, staffing, labor, financial performance, compliance, and operational concerns.
• Assist with opening new schools
• Bring solutions and recommendations to leadership—not simply problems.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is an experienced leader who is comfortable managing multiple locations and holding other managers accountable for measurable results.

Preferred qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressively responsible operations leadership experience.
• Multi-location or multi-unit management experience strongly preferred.
• Experience directly managing managers or location leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to improve underperforming locations.
• Strong understanding of budgets, labor management, KPIs, and operational performance.
• Experience recruiting, coaching, developing, and managing leaders.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Comfortable making difficult decisions and holding leaders accountable.
• Ability to balance employee, customer/parent, financial, and operational needs.
• Ability to travel regularly between Chicago suburban locations.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent senior-level operational experience. Director qualified a plus. 

What We Offer

Full-time employees receive a competitive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive medical benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off 
• Monday through Friday schedule
• Discounted childcare tuition
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities