Daycare General Manager (Startup Leadership Opportunity)

Workforce Solutions partners directly with organizations looking to hire top talent. We are currently working with an entrepreneur to identify an experienced Daycare General Manager to help launch and lead a new early childhood education center in Portage, Wisconsin.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced childcare leader who wants to build something from the ground up and grow into long-term leadership, with potential for future ownership.

What's the role?

The Daycare General Manager will play a critical role in starting, building, and leading a brand-new daycare operation. This individual will work closely with the building owner to complete setup, establish operations, hire and lead staff, and serve as the day-to-day leader of the center.
Once the daycare is up and running, this role will oversee ongoing operations, staff leadership, enrollment growth, compliance, and the overall success of the business.
This position is ideal for a self-motivated, experienced childcare professional who enjoys autonomy, leadership, and the opportunity to shape a new organization from the ground up.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the launch of a new daycare center, including licensing preparation, policies, procedures, and operational setup
• Partnering with the building owner to develop and execute a successful business and operating model
• Hiring, onboarding, training, and leading childcare staff
• Overseeing day-to-day operations, scheduling, staffing ratios, and program quality
• Ensuring compliance with state childcare regulations and licensing requirements
• Establishing strong relationships with families and serving as the primary point of contact
• Managing enrollment, marketing support, and growth initiatives
• Creating a positive, safe, and engaging environment for children and staff
• Managing budgets, controls, and operational decision-making as the business grows

Hours and schedule:

• Anticipated operating hours are approximately 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with final hours determined based on community need and business planning
• The General Manager role will require flexibility during the startup phase and leadership presence during core operating hours

Required experience and qualifications:

• Significant experience in childcare leadership, daycare management, or early childhood program administration
• Proven ability to launch, lead, or significantly grow a childcare center or similar operation
• Strong understanding of childcare licensing, compliance, staffing ratios, and operational requirements
• Demonstrated leadership, employee management, and team-building experience
• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort making decisions, building systems, and taking ownership
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Compensation and growth opportunity:

• Competitive compensation, commensurate with experience and leadership capability
• Willingness to consider compensation packages that align with senior-level or startup leadership talent
• Opportunity for long-term growth, including a potential path to ownership for the right candidate

More about the opportunity:
This daycare is being developed by an entrepreneur who is seeking a trusted partner to help build, lead, and grow the business. The General Manager will serve as the go-to leader for operations and strategy, with significant influence over how the center is structured and run.

If you are an experienced childcare professional who wants more than just a management role and is excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up, this role offers rare growth potential.

So how can I be considered for these opportunities?

The first step is applying with your resume. Qualified candidates will then complete a phone screen, followed by an interview with the client.

What else are you hiring for?

See all Workforce Solutions' openings on our website, or reach out to our lead recruiter, Brock Kazda, on LinkedIn.