Director - Education Cluster

Ghobash Trading & Investment (GTI) is actively engaged in multi-asset class investment activities across various geographies. These activities are carried out by a highly qualified and experienced in-house team of investment professionals. The team uses an ‘Asset Allocation Matrix’ to realize risk adjusted returns on invested capital over a long-term period.

The Company’s investment activities include direct investments in startups, taking stakes in established businesses, acquisitions of business enterprises and setting-up new businesses through collaborative joint venture route.

GTI is also active in private financial investments, including private equity and debt, venture capital, real estate, and publicly listed financial investments.

As the Director – Education Cluster, your primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth and efficient set-up and running of the early learning centres and delivery of new projects. You will oversee all aspects of the centres’ set-up and operations, including staff management, curriculum localization, budgeting, strategy and expansion plan, marketing and compliance with regulatory guidelines. Your role is crucial in creating a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children.

Strategic planning:

• Propose an envisioned growth plan for the next 3-5 years (utilizing the two models that the franchisor provide)
• Provide a detailed analysis plan for tuition and other fees and benchmark against competition

Staff Management:

• Define the ideal organogram to ruin the business efficiently and effectively
• Recruit, train, and supervise key people in the organization (including where needed teaching staff) and administrative staff and ensure all comply with franchisor requirements
• Provide leadership and guidance to staff members, promoting a positive and collaborative work culture.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and address any performance or disciplinary issues.

Location scouting /relationship with Property Developers (In the UAE not just Dubai):

• Conduct research to identify potential locations that meet requirements.
• Visit potential location ensure its fit for an ELC (including regulatory body approval)
• Prepare qualitative and quantitative analysis of the location and present options to reporting manager or board. Analysis to include financial considerations, competition, demographics analysis amongst other matters.

Given importance of location to the venture it is imperative to maintain a solid relationship with developers (such as EMAAR and MERAAS) and ensure there are signed locations in the pipeline in new communities. Monthly check-in with developers is mandatory. The Group’s plan is to expand beyond Dubai and it is key to prioritize next the growth in Abu Dhabi followed by the remainder of the emirates.

Set-up and project management:

• Manage the project team including but not limited to architects/interior designers, construction team, and space design team in Finland
• Procure supplies and ensure compliance with all requirements by franchisor 

Curriculum Development:

• Attend franchisee trainings (in UAE or abroad) as and when needed
• Collaborate with teachers and/or head of pedagogy to tailor and localise the  curriculum as provided by the franchisor.
• Ensure that the curriculum aligns with the local authority requirements.
• Support teachers in implementing the curriculum effectively and provide resources and training as needed.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the centre's/venture’s budget, including forecasting expenses and revenue.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze variances, and implement cost-effective measures.
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Develop ECP plan (or equivalent for other emirates) to be submitted for KHDA for new locations
• Stay up to date with local, state, and national regulations governing early learning centres.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and educational standards.
• Coordinate inspections, maintain accurate records, and address any compliance issues promptly.
• For the purposes of this paragraph inspection and compliance shall be with local laws and regulation and franchisor requirements
• Parent and Community Engagement & Marketing activities:
• Engage in partnership opportunities with medical centres, corporations or others.
• Foster strong relationships with parents, addressing their concerns and providing regular communication about their child's progress.
• Organize and participate in community events, open houses, and parent workshops.
• Collaborate with community organizations and educational institutions to enhance the centre's resources and offerings.
• Overseeing marketing strategy setting and activities

• Master’s Degree in Education
• Bachelor in Education and necessary certifications

Experience:

• 5 -10 years in managerial role in an ELC set-up with multiple locations
• 3-5 years in managerial role in an ELC set-up with multiple locations