HEAD OF OPERATIONS (Immediate Hiring)!

Krista Education; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Kuala Lumpur seeks a seasoned professional to oversee overall leadership and operations across its centres. The candidate will be responsible for strategic planning, enhancing quality assurance, and stakeholder management. A Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in multi-site management within early childhood education are required. This role demands strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, with an emphasis on accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in multi-site management, preferably in early childhood education.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale operations.
• Experience in strategic planning and business development.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership to all centres and ensure smooth operations.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for network growth and optimisation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements.
• Maintain high levels of parent satisfaction and brand trust.
• Analyze financial reports and implement strategies for profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

People management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Finance, Business Development, Education Management, or related field

Job description

Overall Leadership and Operations

• Provide overall leadership to all centres, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• Lead and manage a team.
• Implement systems and processes to improve productivity, service and teaching standards, and operational consistency.

Strategic Planning & Business Development

• Develop and execute strategic plans for network growth, centre optimisation, and brand positioning.
• Identify expansion opportunities (new centres, relocations, mergers, acquisitions).
• Lead market analysis and competitive assessments to support business decisions.
• Collaborate with Finance to set annual budgets, targets, and business goals.
• Drive initiatives that increase enrollment, improve profitability, and strengthen market presence.
• Lead, coach, and mentor centre leaders, regional teams, and HQ support teams.
• Work with HR on talent planning, workforce forecasting, and succession planning for centre leadership roles.
• Drive a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure operations/centres comply with regulatory and licensing requirements.
• Oversee internal audit processes for safety, health, curriculum, and operational quality.
• Implement corrective action plans and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain high levels of parent satisfaction and brand trust.
• Resolve issues professionally and promptly.
• Represent the company to external stakeholders, government agencies, and industry bodies.
• Drive financial performance while maintaining service quality.
• Analyze financial reports and implement strategies to improve profitability.
• Oversee cost‑control measures, procurement standards, and resource allocation.

Requirements

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Finance, Business Development, Education Management, Early Childhood Education, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Experience: Minimum 5–10 years experience in multi‑site management, preferably in early childhood education, or service‑based industries.

Proven track record of managing large‑scale operations.

Experience in strategic planning, business development, and organizational growth.

Skills & Competencies: Strong leadership, decision‑making, and people‑management skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Strong analytical thinking with ability to interpret operational and financial data.

Ability to manage change, drive transformation, and lead high‑performing teams.

Successful implementation of strategic expansion initiatives.

Age 30‑50

Able to travel

Able to speak Chinese will be an advantage