HEAD OF OPERATIONS (Immediate Hiring)!

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

Job summary

An educational service provider in Kuala Lumpur seeks an experienced leader to oversee centre operations and strategic development. The role demands strong leadership and people management capabilities along with a proven track record in multi-site management, especially within early childhood education. The ideal candidate will drive operational quality, engage stakeholders, and enhance financial performance while leading high-performing teams. A Bachelor's degree is required, with further advantages for candidates having a Master's degree and proficiency in Chinese.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years experience in multi-site management, preferably in early childhood education.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale operations.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret operational and financial data.

Responsibilities

• Lead all centres, ensuring smooth operations.
• Develop and execute strategic business plans.
• Coach and mentor centre leaders and teams.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements.
• Drive financial performance and analyze reports.

Skills

Leadership

Decision-making

People management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Finance, or related field

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Centre Performance
   • 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.
2. 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.
3. People Leadership & Talent Development
   • 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Financial Management
   • 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.
• Travel: Able to travel.
• Language: Speaking Chinese is an advantage.