Early Years Program Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Executive-level benefits package

Significant leadership development

Bonus structure

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton seeks an experienced Early Years Program Manager to lead development and implementation of childcare programs. You will collaborate with educators, administrators and external partners to drive quality and innovation, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on leadership.

You will oversee curriculum, compliance, budgeting and staff, fostering excellence in care and learning across multiple settings in the Sandton area.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Extensive program management experience in early years.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum frameworks and QA standards.
• Proven leadership and strategic planning abilities.
• Experience with program evaluation and data analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage and evaluate early years programs for quality and effectiveness.
• Oversee curriculum development and implementation across settings.
• Manage budgets, resources and staff for assigned programs.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, standards and safety regulations.
• Build relationships with staff, parents and regulators.
• Lead and mentor a team of early childhood professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education / Educational Leadership

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Early Years Program Manager to lead the development and implementation of innovative childcare programs in Sandton . This leadership position involves overseeing multiple aspects of early childhood education, ensuring program quality, compliance, and alignment with the organization's mission. You will work closely with educators, administrators, and external stakeholders to enhance program offerings, drive continuous improvement, and ensure a high standard of care and learning. This is an opportunity to shape the future of early childhood education within a leading organization in the Sandton area, balancing strategic oversight with operational involvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and evaluate early years educational programs to ensure quality and effectiveness.
• Oversee curriculum development and implementation across various childcare settings.
• Manage budgets, resources, and staff for assigned programs, ensuring efficient operation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant educational standards, licensing requirements, and safety regulations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with staff, parents, community partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Lead and mentor a team of early childhood professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in program management, preferably within the early years sector.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum frameworks, child development theories, and quality assurance standards.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in program evaluation and data analysis.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level salary and bonus structure.
• Hybrid work arrangement providing flexibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and wellness programs.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A role with substantial impact on early childhood education outcomes.