Program Director Jobs in Winnipeg, MB (NOW HIRING)

Lead Leaders. Shape the Future of Early Learning.

Lambert Nemec Group is pleased to be partnering with the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg — Manitoba’s largest provider of licensed child care — in their search for a Director, Child Care to join their child care leadership team.

With 38 centres today and plans to create 2,000 new child care spaces by 2030, the YMCA-YWCA is investing in exceptional leaders who are passionate about developing people, strengthening programs, and shaping the future of early learning across the community.

We’re looking for a child care leader ready to take the next step: someone who thrives on mentoring others, enjoys variety, and wants to make a broader impact across multiple programs rather than managing a single site.

Why This Role Stands Out

This isn’t a traditional centre-based Director position. Instead of running one location, you’ll oversee a portfolio of child care centres — coaching and developing Centre Supervisors while driving program quality, operational excellence, and strong outcomes for children, families, and educators.

At the YMCA-YWCA, strong leaders build strong programs. You won’t be carrying every responsibility alone — you’ll work alongside a collaborative leadership team with dedicated support from Human Resources, Finance, Registration, and IT, freeing you to focus on what matters most: building high-performing teams and delivering exceptional early learning experiences.

This opportunity offers you the chance to:

• Make a meaningful impact across multiple child care centres
• Coach and mentor the next generation of child care leaders
• Join Manitoba’s largest — and one of its most respected — child care organizations
• Be part of an organization in a significant growth phase
• Access ongoing leadership development and professional learning
• Build a long-term career with real advancement potential

About the Role

Reporting to the Child Care Manager, you’ll provide operational leadership for a portfolio of licensed child care centres throughout Winnipeg, splitting time between the office and on-site visits to build strong relationships with Centre Supervisors and their teams.

Success in this role isn’t measured by how much you do yourself — it’s measured by the leaders you develop. You’ll empower Centre Supervisors to lead confidently while ensuring consistency, regulatory compliance, program excellence, and outstanding experiences for children and families.

Lead & Coach

• Coach, mentor, and develop Centre Supervisors across multiple locations
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development
• Build strong relationships with educators, families, schools, and community partners
• Facilitate regular leadership meetings and individual coaching sessions

Champion Program Excellence

• Ensure programs meet YMCA-YWCA standards and Manitoba licensing requirements
• Champion inclusive, play-based, culturally responsive programming
• Provide hands-on coaching within centres to support supervisors and educators
• Guide curriculum implementation, including Playing to Learn and A Place to Connect
• Promote consistency and quality across all assigned centres

Drive Operational Success

• Oversee multiple locations while balancing competing priorities
• Support scheduling, payroll administration, and operational planning
• Assist with budgeting and financial oversight
• Monitor registrations and occupancy levels
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and efficiency
• Collaborate closely with Registration, HR, Finance, and IT

Who We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced child care leader who enjoys developing people just as much as managing operations. You understand that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about helping others succeed.

You likely:

• Love coaching and mentoring emerging leaders
• Build trust and meaningful relationships with ease
• Thrive in a collaborative environment
• Confidently manage multiple priorities without losing sight of quality
• Enjoy solving problems and navigating change
• Are organized, adaptable, and calm under pressure
• Lead with empathy, accountability, and professionalism

Above all, you’re passionate about creating environments where children, families, educators, and leaders can all thrive.

What You Bring

• ECE III Certification (ECE II may be considered with an appropriate combination of experience and education)
• Minimum three years of child care management experience, or five years of related leadership experience
• A demonstrated track record of leading and developing teams
• Strong knowledge of Manitoba Early Learning & Child Care licensing requirements
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills
• Strong business acumen, including budgeting and operational planning
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications

Working Environment

This is a fully in-person leadership role requiring regular travel between YMCA-YWCA child care centres and community partner locations throughout Winnipeg. Expect a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment where every day looks different — and where your leadership directly shapes outcomes for children, families, and staff across multiple programs. Occasional evening or weekend meetings may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $70,000–$84,000, based on experience and qualifications

• Employer-paid benefits
• Pension plan with employer contributions
• Y Winnipeg membership
• Professional development and leadership learning opportunities
• A supportive, collaborative leadership team
• Career growth potential within one of Manitoba's largest child care organizations

Ready to Lead Beyond One Centre?

If you're ready to move beyond managing a single location and are excited by the opportunity to coach leaders, influence multiple programs, and make a broader organizational impact, we want to hear from you.

Apply today for confidential consideration.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information about this opportunity, or to discuss your qualifications in confidence, contact:

Brittany Enns, Director of Recruitment – People & Culture, Lambert Nemec Group b.enns@lambertnemec.com