Senior Childcare Center Director

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Performance incentives

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Childcare Center Director to lead operations and educational vision in a premier childcare facility. The role focuses on regulatory compliance, budgeting, and community relations to deliver exceptional early childhood education.

You will manage a team of educators, drive enrollment strategies, and uphold licensing and safety standards. A Bachelor's or Master's in ECD or related management with 5–7 years of senior childcare experience is

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related management field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive management experience in a childcare or early learning setting.
• Proven leadership skills with ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment.
• Strong understanding of licensing regulations and safety protocols in South Africa.
• Excellent financial management, budgeting, and operational planning skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education.
• Relevant certifications and a clean criminal record are mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the childcare center, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain high-quality early childhood education programs aligned with best practices.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of childcare professionals, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and legal requirements.
• Manage the center's budget, financial performance, and resource allocation effectively.
• Develop and implement marketing and enrollment strategies to maintain optimal occupancy.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents, addressing their needs and concerns promptly.
• Conduct regular staff training, performance reviews, and professional development initiatives.
• Uphold the center's mission, values, and reputation within the Sandton community.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier childcare facility in the affluent area of Sandton , Gauteng, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Childcare Center Director. This leadership role is responsible for the overall management, operational excellence, and educational vision of the center. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in childcare management, a strong understanding of early childhood education principles, and a passion for creating an inspiring learning environment for young children. You will lead a team of dedicated educators, ensure regulatory compliance, manage budgets, and foster strong relationships with parents and the wider community. This is a key leadership position offering the opportunity to shape the future of early childhood education in Sandton .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations of the childcare center, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain high-quality early childhood education programs aligned with best practices.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a team of childcare professionals, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and legal requirements.
• Manage the center's budget, financial performance, and resource allocation effectively.
• Develop and implement marketing and enrollment strategies to maintain optimal occupancy.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents, addressing their needs and concerns promptly.
• Conduct regular staff training, performance reviews, and professional development initiatives.
• Uphold the center's mission, values, and reputation within the Sandton community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related management field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive management experience in a childcare or early learning setting.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood pedagogy, curriculum development, and assessment.
• Strong understanding of licensing regulations and safety protocols in South Africa.
• Excellent financial management, budgeting, and operational planning skills.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in early childhood education.
• Relevant certifications and a clean criminal record are mandatory.

Benefits

• Competitive senior-level salary and performance-based incentives.
• Significant leadership role in a prestigious childcare center in Sandton .
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Supportive management structure and collaborative team environment.
• Generous annual leave and benefits package.