Executive Head

Curro Holdings Ltd; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Curro Holdings Ltd. seeks an Executive Head for Meridian Karino, Mbombela, to lead preschool, primary and high school operations. The role focuses on growth, quality, and stakeholder management within an ethical, values-based education framework.

Ideal candidates will have an Honours in Education with leadership specialization and 3–5 years as head of a campus, plus strong budgeting, policy, and people-management skills. EE preference applies.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in education, specialising in school leadership and management.
• Experience as a head or manager of a campus or educational institution, with 3–5 years as head of a primary or high school advantageous.
• Knowledge of CAPS and IEB curricula across learning phases.
• Proven leadership and business acumen with strong mentoring ability.
• Excellent communication, organisational and planning skills; able to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual business and 10-year strategic plan and oversee implementation.
• Prepare and manage annual budget in line with plan and EBITDA.
• Design and implement curriculum planning approaches across campuses.
• Manage internal and external stakeholders and ensure compliance with laws and policies.
• Lead health, safety and security initiatives and reporting obligations.
• Mentor staff and oversee events, marketing, and community engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Communication

Planning & organising

Workload management

Education

Honours degree in education

CAPS and IEB knowledge

Job description

Curro is an independent schooling provider that offers quality education from the early childhood development phase to Grade 12. Curro prides itself on providing an ethical, values-based environment and offers learner‑centric, balanced, innovative and relevant curricula across schools.

Curro seeks to appoint Executive Head (full-time) at Meridian Karino in Mbombela to commence duties in February 2027

Vacancy Reference: 33741

Curro is seeking to appoint a forward‑thinking executive head at Meridian Karino in Mbombela. The executive head will be responsible for the growth, profitability, quality and service provision of all three schools on campus — preschool, primary school and high school. The role also entails managing the campus in compliance with the applicable legislation, regulations and personnel administration measures and promoting learner education in accordance with approved policies. Through effective school leadership and management, the executive head should promote the Curro ethos, which supports the delivery of quality education and positive learning experiences for all learners.

Curro is an equal‑opportunity employer, therefore preference will be given to EE candidates.

Key performance areas

• Develop an annual business and strategic 10-year plan and manage its implementation
• Develop and manage the annual budget, in alignment with the 10-year plan and EBITDA
• Design and implement annual curriculum planning approaches
• Manage and represent all internal and external stakeholders
• Manage health, safety and security
• Compile and submit or provide information for all required reports (academic and non-academic)
• Manage and mentor staff
• Manage marketing and social responsibility
• Oversee and manage school facilities (applicable to new building activities and maintenance)
• Play a pastoral role for staff and learners and manage interventions and disciplinary hearings
• Plan, coordinate and attend all school events

Qualifications, experience and skills

• Honours degree in education, specialising in school leadership and management or an equivalent
• Experience as a head or manager of a campus or educational institution, with 3-5 years’ experience as the head of a primary or high school advantageous
• Knowledge of the curricula for all learning phases, including CAPS and IEB
• Proven management and leadership skills and business acumen
• Ability to lead and mentor young staff members
• Excellent communication, organisational and planning skills, able to meet deadlines and targets
• Willing and able to work extended hours and become involved in all aspects of school life

Please note that you will need to submit a comprehensive CV and copies of your qualifications and SACE registration (if applicable) as part of your online application.

Consent to use your personal information:

By submitting your application, you give Curro the right to process your personal information as required for recruitment purposes in alignment with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). You have the right to ask what information is used when and how and to revoke consent at any time.
Head office: Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
https://www.curro.co.za