Business Development & Operations Director (Based in HCM, Vietnam)

Crestar Education Group Pte. Ltd.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational education organization is seeking a Business Development & Operations Director based in Kuala Lumpur. The role involves leading operational excellence in early childhood education, managing business growth strategies, and overseeing internationalization in Vietnam. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in education operations, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of market dynamics. A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and bilingual proficiency in English and Vietnamese is preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years experience in education operations or business development, preferably in early childhood education.
• Proven track record in managing multi-site operations.
• Strong understanding of education regulatory environment and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence of KIE’s education businesses in Vietnam.
• Drive business internationalization strategies and manage operational performance.
• Plan and establish new centres according to expansion roadmap.
• Build and manage relationships with strategic partners and authorities.

Skills

Leadership in multi-site operations

Business development

Operational performance management

Strong communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Market analysis

Bilingual proficiency in English and Vietnamese

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Education Management or related fields

Job description

Business Development & Operations Director (Based in HCM, Vietnam)

The incumbent will lead and oversee operational excellence of Kinderland International Education’s (KIE) education businesses in Vietnam. This includes driving business internationalization strategies, managing operational performance, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the organization’s early childhood education (EC) portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Business Internationalization in Vietnam

Conduct in-depth studies of Vietnam’s early childhood education market, particularly for the expanding middle-income group, to support long-term investment plans.

Collaborate with professional teams to define study areas, collect market data, conduct investment analyses, and present findings with recommendations to top management.

2. Operations Management

Oversee day-to-day operations of all centres in Vietnam.

Ensure alignment of renovation specifications and operational standards with KIE’s corporate identity, SOPs, and local regulations.

Prepare and monitor centre budgets, track enrolment and financial performance, and produce timely management reports.

Coordinate curriculum and teacher training schedules to maintain programme quality.

Identify new business opportunities and continuously review market potential.

Lead, motivate, and develop team members to achieve business growth and service excellence.

Build and manage relationships with strategic partners, government authorities, and industry peers.

Support the development and performance growth of franchised centres.

Assess growth potential in new cities and present recommendations.

3. Business Development

Plan and establish new centres according to the approved expansion roadmap.

Evaluate financial viability and partnership opportunities with potential franchisees and investors.

Conduct market research and stay informed on education industry trends and competitive landscape.

Oversee joint venture partnership processes from negotiation to pre-opening, ensuring all milestones are met.

Set and monitor KPIs for business growth and performance.

4. KIE Corporate Functions

Drive completion of corporate projects and joint ventures including:

Agreement signings and post-signature events.

Office setup and management services arrangements.

Management Services Agreements (MSA).

Oversight of expatriate and corporate financials.

Oversee the Principal and Vice Principal, ensuring smooth centre operations.

Represent the centre in parent meetings, talks, and community events to drive enrolment.

Foster strong partnerships with parents and the community.

Conduct teacher training on communication and family engagement.

Ensure curriculum implementation, safety, and compliance with quality standards.

Maintain a professional, safe, and inspiring learning environment for children and staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Business Administration, Education Management, or related fields.

Minimum 8 years of experience in education operations or business development, preferably in the early childhood education sector.

Proven leadership in managing multi-site operations and cross-functional teams.

Strong understanding of Vietnam’s education regulatory environment and market dynamics.

Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Bilingual proficiency in English and Vietnamese is an advantage.

Application Questions

• Are you willing to relocate for this role?