Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic
THILINI KANDANE

THILINI KANDANE

Clyde North

Summary

Currently, I work as a support operational manager with a strong record of successfully introducing innovative programs that enhance organisational effectiveness within the early childhood industry. Known for my enthusiastic and confident approach, I bring a positive can-do attitude to every project and team interaction. With 16 years of experience, my passion for this industry is evident in my compassionate leadership style, where I prioritise fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. With exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to lead diverse teams, I consistently inspire and bring out the best in those I work with.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Operational Support Manager

I9 Education
01.2024 - Current
  • Support the senior operations manager in managing daily operations to ensure the smooth functioning of the support department.
  • Reduced customer complaints by implementing proactive troubleshooting strategies and preventive measures.
  • Monitored employee and customer interactions to assess the quality of service.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the team by organising workshops and sharing relevant resources regularly.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers to enhance customer satisfaction.
  • Support area managers through day-to-day work and complex problems.
  • Support area managers through day-to-day work and complex problems.
  • Clear targets and objectives are communicated to the team, and strategies are provided to meet all KPI.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align support services with promotional activities.

Regional Manager

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten
02.2024 - 12.2024
  • Leadership and Team Management: Led and supported three Area Managers, ensuring their professional development and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Strategic Planning and Execution: Developed and executed strategic plans to achieve growth objectives, enhance service offerings, and expand market presence in early childhood education.
  • Financial Management: Managed regional financial budgets, closely monitoring revenue, expenses, and financial performance across centres.
  • Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensured strict compliance with licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and educational frameworks across all centres.
  • Staff Development and Training: Provided comprehensive training and guidance to centre directors, staff, and Area Managers, fostering continuous professional growth and skill enhancement.
  • Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Built and nurtured positive relationships with parents, stakeholders, community organisations, and regulatory bodies.

Area Manager of Operations

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten
10.2021 - 02.2024
  • Leadership and Team Development: Successfully trained, managed, and mentored employees to enhance professional skills and foster a culture of dedication and excellence.
  • Recruitment and Coaching: Recruited and coached individuals to demonstrate passion and deliver exceptional outcomes, aligning team efforts with organizational objectives.
  • Strategic Planning and Implementation: Identified client business and operational needs, introducing innovative services and solutions to drive business success and meet client expectations.
  • Financial Management: Managed budgets, payroll operations, and evaluated financial statements to monitor performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement cost-effective solutions.
  • Collaborative Leadership: Developed corporate objectives and strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams on quality metrics and KPIs.

Centre Manager

Aspire Early Education
12.2018 - 10.2021
  • Operational Oversight: Managed staff, financials, and critical performance indicators to ensure efficient business operations.
  • Recruitment and Training: Recruited and trained employees, aligning them with operational standards and performance expectations.
  • Conducted ongoing training programs to enhance employee skills and productivity.
  • Relationship Management: Cultivated and maintained positive relationships with employees and freelance personnel, fostering a supportive work environment.
  • Quality Assurance and Leadership: Reviewed completed work to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to creative plans and organizational standards.

Assistant Centre Manager

Aspire Early Education
03.2018 - 12.2018
  • Provided guidance and mentorship to new employees on industry best practices and operational procedures.
  • Managed staff, financials, and key performance indicators to ensure smooth business operations.
  • Directed special projects and daily operational tasks to meet organizational objectives effectively.
  • Produced and distributed memos, newsletters, email updates, and other communications to stakeholders.
  • Monitored team adherence to safety and health guidelines, ensuring a secure environment for staff and children.
  • Implemented billing procedures, conducted audits, reconciled accounts, and maintained meticulous transaction records.

Pre-Kinder Room Leader

Pebble Patch Early Learning Centre
03.2016 - 03.2018
  • Managed the supervision and care of pre-kindergarten children, ensuring their safety and well-being.
  • Directed staff, students, and volunteers to maintain a nurturing environment within the centre.
  • Managed portfolios for up to 14 pre-kindergarten children, documenting their developmental progress and milestones.
  • Designed and implemented educational programs tailored to each child's interests and needs.
  • Facilitated effective communication with parents through regular Parents-Teacher meetings.

Senior Educator

Creative Garden Early Learning Kindergarten
01.2014 - 11.2015
  • Managed the supervision and care of children and provided guidance, support, and discipline to staff, students, and volunteers across three dedicated rooms for children aged 4-5 months.
  • Served as the Educational Leader, responsible for developing and implementing the Children's Program within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
  • Fostered positive relationships with staff, parents, and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration and support within the learning community.
  • Collaborated with top management to align room operations with the centre's vision and mission, ensuring consistency and quality in educational practices.

Qualified Room Leader

Creative Garden Early Learning Kindergarten
05.2013 - 12.2013
  • Managed the supervision and care of children, overseeing staff, students, and volunteers to ensure a safe and nurturing environment within the centre.
  • Established and maintained positive relationships with colleagues, children, and their families.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop and implement a curriculum aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
  • Led and mentored staff to uphold high standards of performance.
  • Adhered to the centre's philosophy and organizational occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines.

Child Care Assistant

MinnoUs Learning Centre
04.2009 - 09.2011
  • Planned and implemented play-based activities in accordance with the Room Leader and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
  • Conducted regular observations of children's behaviors and progress, providing detailed reports to the Room Leader.
  • Ensured the safety, cleanliness, and hygiene of indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Built strong relationships with children and parents, promoting community involvement and enhancing the overall childcare experience.

Education

Certificate IV in Training And Assessment -

Monash University
Clayton, VIC
03-2025

Bachelor of Early Childhood Care And Education - Education

Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC
10-2024

Diploma in Early Childhood Education -

Services Pragmatic Training
01-2014

Certificate III in Early Childhood -

Services Pragmatic Training
01-2011

Accounting -

Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
01-2010

Commercial Law -

Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
01-2008

Skills

  • Performance Assessment
  • Quality Assurance
  • Operations Oversight
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Team Leadership
  • Training Management
  • Parent Engagement Strategies
  • Staff Retention
  • Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Reporting
  • Community Outreach
  • Partnerships
  • Recruitment
  • Relationship Management

Timeline

Regional Manager

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten
02.2024 - 12.2024

Operational Support Manager

I9 Education
01.2024 - Current

Area Manager of Operations

Aspire Early Education and Kindergarten
10.2021 - 02.2024

Centre Manager

Aspire Early Education
12.2018 - 10.2021

Assistant Centre Manager

Aspire Early Education
03.2018 - 12.2018

Pre-Kinder Room Leader

Pebble Patch Early Learning Centre
03.2016 - 03.2018

Senior Educator

Creative Garden Early Learning Kindergarten
01.2014 - 11.2015

Qualified Room Leader

Creative Garden Early Learning Kindergarten
05.2013 - 12.2013

Child Care Assistant

MinnoUs Learning Centre
04.2009 - 09.2011

Certificate IV in Training And Assessment -

Monash University

Bachelor of Early Childhood Care And Education - Education

Victoria University

Diploma in Early Childhood Education -

Services Pragmatic Training

Certificate III in Early Childhood -

Services Pragmatic Training

Accounting -

Holmesglen Institute of TAFE

Commercial Law -

Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
THILINI KANDANE