Principal Operations Manager - Remote with 25% Travel

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with theGallup Exceptional Workplace Award, we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide.

At KinderCare Learning Companies, you’ll use your skills and expertise to support the work (and fun) that happens in our sites and centers every day. From marketers and strategists to financial analysts and data engineers, and so much more, we’re all passionate about crafting a world where children, families, and organizations can thrive.

As the Operational Excellence Program Manager, you'll serve as a critical connector between the field and support teams. You'll drive continuous improvement, operational clarity, and strategic focus across the organization. You'll be responsible for finding opportunities and creating scalable solutions that enable District Leaders and field teams to operate optimally.

Responsibilities:

Field Engagement & Insights:

• Travel with field business partners, District Leaders, and Regional Leaders to maintain a deep, real-time understanding of field operations and opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with field leaders to ensure trust, collaboration, and ongoing feedback loops.
• Demonstrate curiosity and a continuous learner mentality to fully understand operational challenges and emerging trends.
• Influence operational behaviors and outcomes by clearly communicating expectations, guidelines, and process insights.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Work closely with multiple departments to represent the field and ensure alignment across operations, strategy, resources, and tools.
• Partner with the Adoption Department to design and refine seasonal initiatives based on field insights and collaborator feedback.
• Collaborate with key partners to identify barriers and develop solutions.

Program Development & Continuous Improvement

• Measure outcomes of seasonal and growth initiatives, identifying risks, opportunities, and downstream impacts to inform future planning.
• Create and lead programs designed to mitigate loss, strengthen operational consistency, and unlock growth opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance clarity and drive excellence across the organization.
• Support the rollout and communication of new or updated operational programs, ensuring the field understands expectations and has access to practical resources.

Qualifications:

• Multi-unit leader from ECE industry required
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and drive work to completion.
• Knowledge of operational excellence, process improvement, and change-management practices.
• Strong analytical skills, including data interpretation, forecasting outcomes, and translating insights into actionable guidance.
• Skilled in relationship-building and cross-collaboration to effectively influence decisions and behaviors.
• Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning.
• 20% travel required.

Our benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life:
- Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits.

- Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!).
- Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs.
- Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones.

- … and much more.

We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people.

KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

Originally posted on Himalayas