Position Details
- Location : Maple Ridge, BC
- Type : Full-time (startup phase requires flexibility)
- Start date : April 2026
- Salary : Annual base Salary : 85,000-100,000 CAD (depending on experience)
- Reports to : Owners
Role OverviewWe are launching a new childcare centre in Maple Ridge and are hiring a hands-on Launch & Operations Manager to build strong systems, lead the team, support families, and drive enrollment. This is a practical “operator” role for someone who can balance pedagogy, people leadership, and business execution in a startup environment.Licensing compliance note : The Centre Manager cannot simultaneously manage another licensed community care facility.Key Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)
The centre opens with clear operational systems, trained staff, and consistent routines.A strong enrollment pipeline and tours that fill current openings and next-year registrations.A positive parent experience with clear communication tools and timely issue resolution.Stable staffing through effective scheduling, coverage planning, coaching, conflict management, and substitute readiness.Core Responsibilities1) Centre Setup & Operational Systems
Build day-to-day operations : opening / closing procedures, routines, checklists, supplies, and documentation workflows.Create core tools / templates for consistent operations (parent communication, staff expectations, basic handbooks).Support licensing readiness and ongoing compliance in partnership with the Licensee / Owners.2) Learning Objectives & Curriculum Support
Map learning objectives and guide curriculum planning aligned to the centre’s philosophy and age groups.Support classroom quality through coaching, observation, and continuous improvement.3) Recruitment, Hiring, Onboarding & Training
Lead interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training of educators and support staff.Set performance expectations and support a positive team culture.Ensure required screening and documentation are completed prior to employment (e.g., criminal record checks, references, work history, and required training / health documentation as applicable).4) Parent Communication & Family Experience
Manage parent interactions, including sensitive conversations and escalations.Establish communication tools and norms (daily updates, newsletters, classroom messaging, and a feedback loop).5) Enrollment, Tours & Marketing
Drive enrollment for the current year and support next-year registrations.Conduct tours and follow-ups; availability may include evenings or Saturdays when needed.Manage local outreach, advertisements, and social media execution.6) Scheduling, Conflict Resolution & Coverage
Build and manage staff schedules and coverage plans.Handle staff conflicts with fair, documented processes.Step in as a substitute teacher when needed to maintain continuity and quality.7) Admin, Budgeting & Events
Support accounts and budgeting (tracking, purchasing coordination, basic reporting).Organize special events (Christmas concert, summer carnival, graduation).Take on other administrative tasks required to keep operations running smoothly.QualificationsRequired
ECE / ECEA certification (BC ECE Registry) or eligibility to obtain it.Proven childcare leadership experience (centre operations, program management, or lead educator with significant operational ownership).Strong people leadership : hiring, onboarding, coaching, scheduling, and conflict management.Excellent parent-facing communication and problem-solving.Ability to meet BC licensing expectations for a manager role (including not managing another facility).Preferred
Experience launching a new centre / program or supporting program pilots and curriculum improvements.Comfort owning enrollment efforts and tour conversions.Working Style
Highly organized, systems-minded, and comfortable building from scratch.Warm, calm, and capable—able to lead staff and support families under pressure.Hands-on and flexible during the startup phase.