Head of Operations (Early Learning Centre)

Company Description

At HEI, we are on a mission to provide high-quality education to as many children and families around the world as possible. Following a child centric, play-based learning approach based on Finland’s early education curriculum, we want to demonstrate that learning is fun, and that it’s not just us saying it, but based on research. Join us on our journey and expansion into the UAE.

Supporting the UAE’s “We the UAE” advanced and integrated social empowerment model, HEI UAE Early Learning Centres aims to unleash the potential of young learners by leveraging an education system that instils moral values and enriches knowledge throughout all life stages. As the latest addition to Finland’s renowned HEI Schools global network, we incorporate a research-based, holistic approach that not only enriches the Early Childhood Education ecosystem in the UAE, but also promises to yield positive effects on the broader society and contribute to the development of the nation’s future leaders.

Job Description

The Head of Operations’ primary responsibility is to ensure the seamless and efficient operations of the Early Learning Centres.  She will oversee all aspects of the centre's operations and compliances, including but not restricted to staff management, health and safety, sales and marketing, and adherence to regulatory guidelines. This role is crucial in creating a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children.

Overall:

• Recruitment and staff management
• Policies and procedures oversight
• Strategic planning: Growth plan for individual Centre
• Sales target oversight
• Marketing oversight 
• Compliance and regulations
• Partnership building

Centre Operations:

• Overseeing the operations in Centres. 
• Supporting Centre Directors in day-to-day operations. 
• Managing the class allocation sheet and ensuring appropriate ratios in classrooms. 
• Handling camp arrangements, including staffing and merging. 
• Assisting Centre Directors in obtaining compliances and approvals from KHDA/ADEK, Municipality, Civil Defense, etc. 
• Facilitating all aspects of opening new Centres. 
• Procuring supplies and ensuring compliance with all franchisor requirements. 
• Updating and renewing HEI policies. 
• Overseeing the implementation of policies. 

Staff Management:

• Hiring Nursery Managers with the support of the GM. 
• Supporting Nursery Managers in hiring Educators. 
• Conducting performance reviews of Nursery Managers. 
• Assessing managers and providing coaching where needed. 
• Overseeing the training of teaching and administrative staff, ensuring compliance with franchisor requirements. 
• Providing leadership and guidance to staff members, promoting a positive and collaborative work culture. 

Curriculum Development:

• Attending franchisee training as needed. 
• Collaborating with Nursery Managers and teachers to tailor and localize the curriculum as provided by the franchisor. 
• Ensuring that the curriculum aligns with local authority requirements. 
• Implementing inclusive practices in Centres. 
• Supporting teachers in implementing the curriculum effectively and providing resources and training as needed. 

Financial Management: 

• Planning Centres’ OPEX together with the GM. 
• Monitoring Centres’ expenses and implementing cost-effective measures. 
• Collaborating with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting when applicable.  Preparing fee refund requests for GM and finance team approval. 

Regulatory Compliance:

• Developing the ECP plan (or equivalent for other emirates) for submission to KHDA/ADEK. 
• Staying up to date with local, state, and national regulations governing early learning Centres. 
• Ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and educational standards. 
• Coordinating inspections, maintaining accurate records, and addressing any compliance issues promptly. 
• Overseeing quality assurance across all HEI Centres. 

Parent and Community Engagement & Marketing Activities:

• Fostering strong relationships with parents, addressing their concerns, and maintaining regular communication. 
• Engaging in partnership opportunities with various companies and organizations. 
• Organizing and participating in community events, open houses, and parent workshops. 
• Collaborating with community organizations and educational institutions to enhance Centre offerings. 
• Overseeing marketing strategy setting and activities. 
• Collaborating and participating in promotional events such as partnership meetings, panel discussions, webinars, and marketing events. 

Accountabilities:

• Budget planning and cost optimization
• Monitoring centre financial performance
• Sales and enrolment growth oversight
• Resource allocation efficiency
• Financial reporting and compliance
• Staff development and retention
• Regulatory compliance and licensing
• Curriculum implementation and quality assurance
• Parent satisfaction and engagement
• Brand reputation and community partnerships

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred, but candidates with extensive experience and relevant vocational education will also be considered.
• Cache level 5
• Or Master’s in early childhood education or relevant field

Additional Information

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum: 3 years in early childhood education management in UAE
• Desired: 5+ years of experience with multi-centre

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, curriculum development, and pedagogy.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with stakeholders, parents, and community partners.
• Understanding financial management principles and experience in budgeting and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with licensing requirements, regulations, and compliance standards in early childhood education.