Center Manager

Job Title: Center Manager

Location: Navi Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra

Department: Operations

Reports To: Associate Cluster Head (ACLH)

Job Summary:

The Center Manager is responsible for the overall operations, administration, and growth of the preschool center. This role involves managing admissions, ensuring high-quality academic delivery, maintaining safety standards, handling parent interactions, leading the teaching and non-teaching staff, and achieving financial and operational targets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Admissions & Business Development

• Drive student admissions by implementing local marketing strategies and parent engagement activities.
• Ensure high conversion rates from inquiries to enrollments through structured parent counseling.
• Maintain and track admission data on CRM (Kylas) and follow up with prospective parents.
• Conduct regular school tours and orientation sessions for potential parents.
• Collaborate with the Field Sales Team for lead generation and follow-ups.

2. Academic & Curriculum Implementation

• Oversee the effective implementation of Kidzonia's curriculum as per academic guidelines.
• Ensure lesson plans and activities align with experiential learning principles.
• Monitor classroom performance and ensure teachers are effectively engaging students.
• Coordinate with the Academic Team to provide necessary resources and training to teachers.

3. Parent Communication & Relationship Management

• Build strong parent relationships through regular communication, meetings, and feedback sessions.
• Address parent concerns regarding academics, safety, fees, and other center-related issues.
• Ensure timely updates are shared with parents via ERP (Kriyo), including academic updates, daycare activities, and event notifications.
• Organize parent engagement activities, orientations, and PTMs.

4. Team Management & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the teaching & non-teaching staff (teachers, caregivers, and support staff).
• Conduct regular training sessions and ensure adherence to SOPs.
• Monitor teacher performance, provide feedback, and facilitate professional development.
• Handle staff scheduling, leaves, and workload management efficiently.

5. Center Operations & Compliance

• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the center, including infrastructure and safety compliance.
• Maintain high hygiene and safety standards as per Kidzonia's policies.
• Handle vendor coordination for supplies, maintenance, and transport.
• Conduct regular fire drills, safety training, and emergency preparedness activities.

6. Financial & Fee Management

• Ensure 100% fee collection and follow up with parents on outstanding payments.
• Maintain records of revenue, expenses, and petty cash.
• Submit periodic reports on center financials to the Operations & Finance team.

7. Event Planning & Execution

• Organize events, celebrations, and extracurricular activities in coordination with the Operations Team.
• Ensure high participation from parents and children in events to enhance engagement.
• Document events through photos, videos, and testimonials for social media updates.

8. Incident Reporting & Conflict Resolution

• Address and document any student-related incidents following the Incident Reporting SOP.
• Handle parent complaints professionally, ensuring quick resolution.
• Mediate conflicts among staff or between parents and teachers if needed.

Key Skills & Competencies:

Technical & Administrative Skills:

Strong knowledge of preschool management, early childhood education, and admissions processes.

Proficiency in CRM (Kylas) and ERP (Kriyo) for admissions and parent communication.

Basic financial management (fee collection, petty cash handling).

Ability to plan and execute marketing & promotional activities for admissions growth.

People Management & Leadership Skills:

Ability to lead a team and ensure smooth day-to-day functioning.

Strong interpersonal and parent relationship-building skills.

Proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Communication & Customer Service:

Excellent verbal & written communication in English and regional language (Marathi/Hindi preferred).

Strong parent counseling skills and the ability to handle inquiries professionally.

Ability to resolve conflicts efficiently and handle grievances.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education:
• Graduate in Education, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
• Additional certifications in Preschool Management / Early Childhood Education (ECCEd) will be a plus.
• Experience:
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in preschool/kindergarten management.
• Prior experience as a Center Head, Preschool Coordinator, or Admissions Counselor is preferred.

Work Environment & Benefits:

Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth & leadership.

Competitive salary + performance-based incentives.

Training & development programs to enhance leadership and management skills.

Opportunity to work with one of the fastest-growing preschool chains in India.