Chief Executive Officer (Education)

Executive Recruiters; Selangor; On-site; MYR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

Executive Recruiters in Malaysia seeks an accomplished leader to head the Education Division, directing short-, medium-, and long-term strategic plans aligned with group direction.

You will establish the vision, growth strategy, and business roadmap, overseeing academic, operational and commercial performance to ensure excellence and sustainable growth across pre-schools, international schools, and digital platforms.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education leadership or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership in education management, international schools preferred.
• Experience in establishing or managing pre-schools and international schools.
• Strong strategic, commercial and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management.
• Strong command of English.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of strategic plans for the Education Division.
• Oversee academic, operational and commercial performance.
• Drive expansion of education portfolio (pre-schools, international schools, digital platforms).
• Identify opportunities, partnerships and revenue streams.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and governance.
• Prepare board-level strategic and performance reports.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

English proficiency

P&L management

Education

Master’s degree in education leadership / MBA

Job description

• Lead the development and execution of the Education Division’s short-, medium- and long-term strategic plans in alignment with the Group’s overall direction.
• Establish and drive the education vision, mission, curriculum direction, growth strategy and business roadmap.
• Oversee academic, operational and commercial performance to ensure academic excellence, operational effectiveness, sustainable growth and long-term business viability.
• Lead the expansion and development of the Education portfolio, including new pre-schools, international schools, enrichment centres and digital learning platforms.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, revenue streams, strategic alliances, curriculum partnerships, education technology collaborations and international networks.
• Lead feasibility studies and strategic planning for new school establishments, including licensing, accreditation, partnerships and capital requirements.
• Take full accountability for the Education Division’s P&L;, including budgeting, forecasting, fee strategy, cost management, resource allocation and capital investment.
• Drive financial sustainability through effective revenue generation, funding, grants, sponsorships and alternative education-related income streams.
• Oversee the recruitment, development, performance management and succession planning of academic and operational leadership teams.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative and professional culture that promotes employee engagement, retention, continuous learning and development.
• Oversee daily academic, operational and administrative activities to ensure a safe, high-quality and effective learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable statutory requirements, Ministry of Education regulations, accreditation standards, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and internal governance policies.
• Strengthen corporate governance and maintain effective reporting and communication with the Board and senior management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory authorities, education councils, community leaders, parents, students, institutional partners and international academic bodies.
• Represent the Education Division as its principal spokesperson and ambassador in local and international education markets.
• Prepare and present strategic, operational and performance reports to the Board, highlighting key achievements, risks, opportunities and future development plans.
• Undertake other strategic and executive responsibilities as directed by the Board and in line with the organisation’s overall objectives.

Job Requirements:

• Master’s degree in education leadership, Business Administration or a related discipline; MBA is highly preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in education management, preferably with exposure to international school operations.
• Proven track record in education business expansion, school establishment and full P&L; management.
• Experience in setting up or managing pre-schools and/or international schools will be an added advantage.
• Strong strategic, commercial and analytical capabilities, with the ability to assess academic, operational and financial performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence Board members, regulators, education partners and community stakeholders.
• Strong command of English, both written and spoken.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and sound business judgement.