Vice President of Operations

About The Role 

The Vice President of Operations oversees Kidango's operational strategy, infrastructure, facilities, physical assets, in addition to our enrollment and nutritional programs. This role ensures efficient, scalable, and compliant operations while maintaining safe, high-quality facilities that support organizational goals and service delivery. The VP of Operations leads the development and implementation of cost-effective systems to meet the current and future needs of the organization.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Leads the strategic direction of the Operations division, ensures  alignment with the organization's strategic plan and vision. 
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet organizational goals while offering expertise and guidance on operations projects and systems.
• Partners with other departments to execute the organization's overarching goals and objectives.
• Oversees the day-to-day operational functions of the organization, including nutrition, program development, enrollment, facilities and Administrative Services departments.
• Mentors and leads management,  fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Hires, onboards, and trains management-level staff within the department, identifying training needs and ensuring appropriate development programs are provided.
• Drives staff accountability for performance, outcomes, and compliance.
• Establishes, communicates, and enforces operations-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Maintain organizational compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including  California childcare licensing requirements, and Title 22.
• Oversee health, safety, and emergency preparedness protocols across all sites.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks; develop and maintain business continuity plans.
• Administers the department's budget, managing expenses and resources effectively and within regulatory compliance.
• Oversees construction projects, including the licensing and opening of new centers; ensures construction  projects are completed on time, within budget, and to all regulatory requirements.
• Oversees procurement activities, applying knowledge of California state procurement methods, regulations, and compliance requirements to ensure cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.
• Manages vendor relationships; negotiates service agreements to ensure quality delivery and contractual compliance.
• Leads the facilities team in delivering maintenance and repair services across classrooms, centers, and office locations, ensuring safe, functional, and well-maintained environments that support program operations and service delivery. 
• Leads Nutrition team responsible for preparing and delivering healthy and nutritious meals to students while meeting all safety and compliance standards and regulations.
• Oversees the organization's fleet management operations, ensuring proper maintenance, registration, compliance, and utilization of vehicles in accordance with California regulations and organizational policies. 
• Utilizes data and metrics to track performance, identify areas for improvement, and report progress to leadership.
• Identifies and implements best practices to improve efficiency, cost reduction, and organizational performance.
• Oversees inventory of agency property and stored records in designated storage locations.
• Represent Kidango with external partners, vendors, government agencies, and community stakeholders as appropriate 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required  qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Engineering, or related field; MBA  preferred. 
• Minimum 10 years of related experience, including a minimum of three (3) years in upper management roles. 
• Knowledge of construction management, permits, inspections, building codes, and contractor oversight, including regulatory compliance requirements applicable to educational and childcare facilities preferred. 
• Knowledge of California state procurement methods, regulations, and compliance requirements, including competitive bidding processes and public agency purchasing standards preferred.
• Knowledge of food preparation safety standards, sanitation practices, and regulatory compliance requirements, including applicable federal, state, and local health codes governing food service operations in childcare and educational settings preferred.
• Knowledge of California safety compliance requirements for daycare and school facilities, including Title 22 licensing regulations, Community Care Licensing (CCL) standards, fire and life safety codes, and health and building code requirements applicable to childcare and educational environments preferred
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills. 
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, procedures, and best practices in the industry. 
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, ticketing systems, and related software. 
• Ability to work Kidango’s core hours, a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends based on operational needs.