Chief Operating Officer

GLOBAL TOTS @ BRADDELL PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading preschool in Singapore is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee day-to-day operations and ensure excellence in educational delivery. This strategic leadership position will collaborate with the CEO to shape organizational growth while maintaining high standards for curriculum, child safety, and parent satisfaction. The ideal candidate should have significant experience in early childhood education, strong leadership skills, and a strategic mindset, with a proven track record in managing multi-site operations and compliance with local regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years’ leadership experience.
• 3 years in a senior operational or strategic role.
• Prior experience in early childhood or K-12 education is desirable.
• Experience managing multi-site operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of all campuses.
• Develop and implement SOPs across departments.
• Manage and mentor a team of Principals and Academic Coordinators.
• Collaborate with CEO on business development.
• Ensure compliance with ECDA regulations.
• Develop and manage budgets for operations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Operational Excellence

People Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Education Management

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Overview

The COO will oversee the day-to-day operations of the preschool, ensuring excellence in educational delivery, regulatory compliance, staff management, and operational efficiency. This is a strategic leadership role that works closely with the CEO to shape the direction and growth of the organization while maintaining high standards in curriculum delivery, child safety, parent satisfaction, and staff performance.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of all campuses and ensure alignment with organizational vision, mission, and strategic goals.
• Develop and implement SOPs across departments (education, finance, HR, facilities, compliance).
• Lead efforts to improve operational systems, processes, and best practices.

Team Management

• Manage and mentor a team of Principals, Academic Coordinators, and Admin Managers.
• Foster a high-performing culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
• Lead talent acquisition, training, and performance management initiatives.

Strategic Planning & Growth

• Collaborate with the CEO on business development, expansion plans, and new campus rollouts.
• Evaluate market trends and customer needs to position the preschool as a leader in early childhood education.
• Identify and drive opportunities for revenue growth and cost optimization.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with ECDA regulations, licensing standards, and health/safety policies.
• Maintain and enhance quality assurance protocols to uphold the brand’s reputation for excellence.
• Oversee parent satisfaction programs and manage feedback channels.

Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage budgets for operations and capital expenditures.
• Monitor and optimize cost structures without compromising quality of service.
• Work closely with finance team to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 8-10 years’ leadership experience, with at least 3 in a senior operational or strategic role.
• Prior experience in early childhood education, K-12 education, or international schools is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-site operations and scaling businesses.
• Strong understanding of Singapore’s early childhood education landscape and ECDA guidelines.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Operational excellence and attention to detail
• Ability to manage change and drive continuous improvement
• Culturally sensitive and globally minded