Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Country Head

Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Country HeadAbout the CompanyPioneering private school for children ages one to fiveIndustry Education ManagementType Educational InstitutionFounded 1998Employees 201-500Specialtiesfranchising early education private education early childhood development fine arts core education and s.t.e.m. educationAbout the RoleThe Company is seeking a Chief Operating Officer and Country Head to lead the launch and expansion of its early childhood education business in the United States. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating the company's vision, strategy, and brand standards into disciplined execution, ensuring strong franchise performance, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. This role requires a seasoned, entrepreneurial operator with a proven track record in franchise, multi-site, or regulated service organizations, ideally within early learning, education, or mission-aligned sectors. The COO and Country Head will be accountable for strategic planning, market expansion, and the end-to-end launch of the company's initial U.S. schools, as well as for building and leading a high-performing U.S.-based team.Key responsibilities for the COO and Country Head include developing and executing the U.S. market strategy, overseeing all U.S. operations, and serving as the primary operational partner to U.S. franchisees and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have 15-20+ years' of progressive leadership experience, a strong understanding of U.S. regulatory and licensing requirements for childcare and franchise systems, and a commitment to the company's mission and values. They should be adept at fostering a positive, collaborative, and values-driven culture, and be able to identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. The role demands exceptional communication, relationship-building, and financial acumen, as well as the ability to drive unit-level P&L performance and franchisee profitability.Hiring Manager Title Chief Executive OfficerTravel Percent Less than 10%FunctionsOperations CEO/President