Spring Education Group
Spring Education Group is a leading North American provider of private school education. With schools across the United States, we offer a forward-thinking approach that fosters academic excellence through innovative programs, personalized learning, and a commitment to high standards. Our Early Childhood Division operates 117 preschools in 16 states, delivering foundational education to children in their formative years. We emphasize a balance between high-quality care and educational standards, ensuring a nurturing and enriching environment for all students.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Operations Director that brings substantial experience in multi-unit operations, demonstrating the ability to lead across a diverse portfolio of up to 25 early childhood education (ECE) sites. This leadership role is responsible for driving enrollment growth, ensuring schools meet financial targets, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. The Senior Operations Director will work closely with Regional Directors to align on strategic goals, optimize school performance, and create a consistent, high-quality educational experience.
Responsibilities
- Oversee up to 25 ECE sites, providing leadership and operational guidance to ensure schools run efficiently and meet high-quality standards.
- Supervise and mentor a team of Regional Directors, ensuring they have the tools, support, and strategic direction needed to manage their schools effectively.
- Develop and implement long-term strategies to enhance operational efficiency, profitability, and overall performance, in line with organizational goals.
- Collaborate with admissions and marketing teams to drive enrollment and re-enrollment growth, creating and executing strategies to meet targets.
- Partner with school leadership to manage budgets, drive enrollment, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Ensure the implementation of operational standards, policies, and best practices across all schools to maintain consistency and performance excellence.
- Work closely with the EVP of Operations to develop and execute strategies that align with the company’s goals and the vision for the ECE division.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, HR, marketing, and education, to ensure operational initiatives support broader company objectives.
- Review and monitor school budgets, providing support for financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.
- Lead efforts to enhance the school experience for families by improving facilities, communication, and program quality.
- Support the development and execution of staff training programs to ensure all schools maintain high educational and operational standards.
- Conduct regular site visits to assess school operations, provide coaching to Regional Directors, and ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
- Build a culture of accountability, performance excellence, and continuous improvement within the region.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business management or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 7+ years of experience in operations management, preferably in multi-unit operations.
- Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams, including Regional Directors or similar roles.
- Strong expertise in budget management, operational efficiencies, and a proven record of outstanding site operations, including safety and compliance.
- Ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day operational needs across multiple sites.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
- Willingness to travel as needed to support schools and attend leadership meetings.
Physical Demands:
- Frequent walking and standing (over50%)
- Frequently reaching (over 50%)
- Frequent speaking and listening (over 75%) to staff, children, and parents. Must be proficient in speaking, writing, and reading English
- Employee is regularly required to speak, hear, and use clear vision with or without correction. This may include viewing small numbers
- Frequent use of computer keyboard and mouse (over 50%)
- Often bending, squatting, stooping, kneeling, and twisting to interact with children (25-50%)
- Occasional work on ladders and climbing stairs(10-25%)
- Occasionally carrying and lifting (10-25%)25 pounds or less
- Occasional rising from the floor (10-25%)
- 50-hour work week minimum, and regular overtime as required by position
- Travel to work sites over 75%
- TRAVEL: Must be able to travel by air, rail, or motor vehicle to assigned schools and required training and development.
