Managing Director, Operations

STAMFORD AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Managing Director of Operations to lead and enhance non-academic functions at a prestigious international school. This role involves strategic oversight of finance, HR, and facilities management, ensuring compliance and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring over a decade of leadership experience in high-value service environments, demonstrating strong problem-solving and communication skills. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment, where your leadership will directly impact the school's success and community engagement.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Medical insurance

60 days hospitalization leave

Flexible work hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-value service environments.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee non-academic operations including finance, HR, and facilities.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational Skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or marketing

Job description

Position Objective

The Managing Director, Operations actively supports the strategic direction of SAIS, ensuring accountability and effective operations to meet key objectives. The MD Ops is responsible for non-academic school operations, including:

• Finance and Procurement
• Communications
• Community Engagement
• Human Resources
• School Facilities Management
• IT Operations
• Regulatory Compliance

Responsibilities

The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact, will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If during the course of duties, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, either at school or at home, they must report concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, the Head, or the Cognita Regional Safeguarding Manager for appropriate referral.

Finance & Procurement

• Collaborate with the Superintendent, Finance Director, and regional colleagues to meet or exceed P&L targets regarding enrolment, costs, and EBITDA.
• Manage costs, drive profitability, and improve efficiency, accountability, control, and visibility of finance processes, including procurement and asset management.
• Work with the Superintendent, Heads of Sub-School, HR, and Finance to prepare yearly budgets supported by business plans, including capital expenditure needs.
• Monitor financial forecasts regularly and implement corrective measures to mitigate risks and financial exposure.

Marketing and Admissions

• Partner with the Superintendent, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, and regional teams to develop and execute growth strategies.
• Ensure strategies are based on sound financial analysis.
• Monitor market trends, competition, and identify opportunities through market intelligence and analytics.
• Determine tuition benchmarks, improve school positioning, and develop unique selling points in collaboration with the Superintendent.
• Represent the school publicly and professionally.

Human Resources

• Work closely with HR leaders to ensure a positive employee experience.
• Adhere to regional HR policies and guidelines.
• Implement a robust performance management system for operations staff.

IT

• Coordinate with the IT Head to ensure smooth IT operations.
• Partner with regional IT leaders on regional projects.
• Follow group IT policies and ensure technology meets school needs.

Facilities Management

• Oversee facilities and security operations, including transportation, cafeteria, and vendor management.
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of premises.
• Ensure effective service delivery from third-party vendors.

Operations

• Work with leadership to maintain high satisfaction scores from parents and staff.
• Ensure compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

Leadership

• Inspire, lead, mentor, and develop teams.
• Communicate regularly to support team growth and succession planning.
• Collaborate with internal and regional teams to share best practices and learnings.

This list is not exhaustive; duties may include other incidental and administrative tasks reasonably required for the role.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, marketing, or equivalent.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience, including 5 years in overseeing cross-functional teams in a high-value service environment like retail, hospitality, or education.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience managing diverse teams.
• Problem-solving skills with a positive attitude.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Visible, approachable, and inclusive leadership style.
• Ability to attract, develop talent, delegate, motivate, and solve problems effectively.
• Experience working in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
• Embodies the IB learner profile qualities.

Contacts

• School staff and leadership
• PTA
• Regional and international partners and regulators
• Embassies, chambers, corporates

Working Conditions

• Based at Stamford American campuses in Singapore.
• 5 days/week, with weekend and holiday duties as needed.
• Occasional overseas travel for recruitment and training.

Terms of Employment

• Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mon-Fri
• 30 days annual leave
• Medical insurance where applicable
• 60 days hospitalization leave, including 14 days sick leave
• 3-month probation period
• Referee and background checks required

Applicants must submit applications via our ATS system. Use this link to access the vacancy:

https://cognitapeople.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/1007?c=cognitapeople&sq=req1007&source=MyCareerFuture

Stamford American International School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Pre-employment background checks are mandatory and appointments are subject to satisfactory reference and background checks.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, family status, health, or disability. We welcome all qualified candidates.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.