General Manager – Group of Schools

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

• Minimum 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