General Manager – Group of Schools at Alfred & Victoria Associates

Role Summary

• The General Manager (GM) will provide strategic, operational, and transformational leadership for a well-established Group of Schools with over 25 years of educational excellence.
• The GM will be responsible for driving growth, operational efficiency, staff welfare, financial sustainability, technology adoption, and institutional transformation, while ensuring the schools remain competitive, compliant, and future-ready.
• This role requires a seasoned leader (40–55 years) with strong business acumen, modern management skills, and the ability to bridge traditional education values with contemporary best practices and technology-driven initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Provide overall leadership and direction aligned with the Board’s vision and long-term goals.
• Translate Board strategies into clear operational and performance plans.
• Prepare and present quarterly and annual reports to the Board.
• Drive institutional transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with education regulations and statutory requirements.

School Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across Nursery, Primary, and Secondary schools.
• Ensure high standards in academic delivery, administration, facilities, and student experience.
• Standardize processes and policies across the school group.
• Improve operational efficiency and service quality.
• Ensure health, safety, and safeguarding standards are consistently met.

Staff Welfare & Human Capital Management:

• Oversee staff recruitment, performance management, and succession planning.
• Promote a positive work culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and collaboration.
• Implement staff welfare, training, and capacity-building programs.
• Drive continuous professional development (CPD) for teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Resolve staff-related issues in line with best HR practices.

 Financial Management & Sustainability:

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and cost control.
• Ensure efficient use of resources and improved financial performance.
• Monitor revenue streams, school fees collection, and expenditure.
• Work with finance teams to ensure financial transparency and accountability.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability without compromising quality.

Business Development & Growth:

• Develop and execute strategies to increase student enrollment and retention.
• Identify new revenue streams (after-school programs, summer school, partnerships, digital learning, etc.).
• Strengthen brand positioning and market competitiveness.
• Build partnerships with parents, alumni, educational bodies, and corporate organizations.
• Explore expansion opportunities and innovative service offerings.

Technology & Digital Transformation:

• Lead and oversee technology initiatives across the school group.
• Drive adoption of modern EdTech solutions (School Management Systems, e-learning platforms, data analytics, digital communication tools).
• Improve operational efficiency through automation and digital tools.
• Ensure the schools remain relevant in a technology-driven educational landscape.
• Oversee ICT governance, data protection, and digital security.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management:

• Act as a key liaison between the Board, school leadership, parents, staff, and external partners.
• Strengthen parent engagement and satisfaction.
• Represent the school group in external forums and strategic engagements.
• Manage reputational risk and public image of the school group.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Operational efficiency and service quality.
• Staff satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
• Financial performance and sustainability.
• Student enrollment growth and retention.
• Successful delivery of technology and transformation initiatives.
• Board satisfaction and governance compliance.

Required Qualifications & Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Management, or related field.
• Master’s degree (MBA, M.Ed, MSc) is a strong advantage.

Experience:

• 10–15 years of senior management experience.
• Proven experience as a General Manager, School Administrator, Operations Director, or similar role.
• Experience managing multi-campus or group institutions is highly desirable.
• Strong exposure to financial management, operations, and business development.
• Demonstrated experience driving organizational transformation and technology initiatives.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Financial literacy and commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Change management and innovation mindset.
• Technology-savvy with understanding of modern education trends.
• High integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Aged 40–55 years.
• A mature, forward-thinking leader who has upskilled and remained relevant.
• Passionate about education and institutional excellence.
• Comfortable working with Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership.

What Success Looks Like in the First 18–24 Months:

• Improved operational efficiency and staff morale.
• Stronger financial performance and revenue diversification.
• Modernized systems and technology adoption.
• Increased student enrollment and brand reputation.
• A clear, sustainable growth roadmap for the next phase of the school’s journey.