Early Years Program Manager

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership role

Competitive salary

Professional development

Community impact

Job summary

Placements24 in Soweto, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced Early Years Program Manager to lead multiple early learning programs with a clear focus on quality, compliance, and outcomes for young children.

You will supervise program coordinators, manage budgets, mentor staff, and partner with parents and community stakeholders to drive continuous improvement and sustainable impact in the Soweto education landscape.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Management, or related field.
• At least 7 years in early childhood education with ≥4 years in a management/leadership role overseeing multiple programs.
• Proven success in program development, strategic planning, and operational management.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience supervising staff, training, and performance management.
• Based in Soweto or able to manage programmes in Soweto, Gauteng.

Responsibilities

• Oversee strategic planning, development, and implementation of all early years programs.
• Manage operations, ensuring compliance with educational standards, licensing regulations, and policies.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of program coordinators, educators, and support staff.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial efficiency and sustainability.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Foster strong relationships with parents, community stakeholders, and external partners.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational experiences for young children.
• Recruit, train, and support program staff to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Champion best practices in child development and early learning.
• Represent the organization in community forums and industry events.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Communication

Staff supervision

Data analysis

Stakeholder relations

ECD knowledge

Education

Master's in ECD/Related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding educational organization based in Soweto, Gauteng , is seeking a results-oriented and experienced Early Years Program Manager . This leadership position is responsible for the overall management, strategic development, and operational excellence of multiple early learning programs within the Soweto community. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of early childhood education best practices, and a proven ability to manage staff, budgets, and educational outcomes effectively. This is a key role for an individual committed to enhancing the quality of early childhood education and making a lasting impact on young lives in the community. We are seeking a visionary leader to drive our early years initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic planning, development, and implementation of all early years programs.
• Manage program operations, ensuring compliance with educational standards, licensing regulations, and organizational policies.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise a team of program coordinators, educators, and support staff.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial efficiency and sustainability.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Foster strong relationships with parents, community stakeholders, and external partners.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational experiences for young children.
• Recruit, train, and support program staff to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce.
• Champion best practices in child development and early learning.
• Represent the organization in community forums and at relevant industry events.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Public Administration, Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, with at least 4 years in a management or leadership role overseeing multiple programs or centers.
• Demonstrated success in program development, strategic planning, and operational management.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proven experience in staff supervision, training, and performance management.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting for program evaluation.
• Must be based in or have the ability to effectively manage programs in the Soweto, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• A leadership role with substantial responsibility and impact in the community.
• A competitive senior management salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership advancement.
• Work within a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving early childhood education.
• Influence the strategic direction of early learning programs.
• Be a key contributor to the development and well-being of children in Soweto.