General Manager at ADvTECH

Overall, Purpose of the Job

• The General Manager – Schools is responsible for overseeing the operational, financial, and academic performance of a Brand or region within a Brand. This role provides strategic leadership to ensure high standards of education delivery, staff performance, student achievement, and community engagement. The GM will work closely with peers, principals, administrative staff, the Support office and the Brand MD to align school operations with the Division’s mission and vision.

Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee the implementation of the brand ladder strategy
• Lead expansion initiatives including school openings and infrastructure developments
• Implement strategic plans for growth, improvement, and sustainability across the school network.
• Lead school heads/principals to ensure educational excellence and operational efficiency.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.
• Analyse opportunities for growth in market segments to drive profitability
• Oversee the achievement of strategic goals by monitoring enrolments, financials, and campus developments

Academic Oversight

• Monitor academic performance metrics and initiate programmes to improve teaching quality and student outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with national curriculum standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support curriculum development and teacher training initiatives.

Operational Efficiency

• Oversee day-to-day operations including academic, wellness, HR, IT, facilities, health & safety and compliance.
• Partner with AIT to establish and maintain efficient technology platforms and systems.
• Implement policies, procedures and programmes to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
• Identify and address operational challenges and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensure optimal and cost-effective management of facilities and alignment with brand positioning.
• Oversee the enrolment metrics and retention of students and drive strategies for continuous improvement.
• Oversight of academic and student wellness initiatives.
• Overall responsibility for occupational health and safety

Financial Management

• Coordinate budgets for each school in the network / region.
• Monitor expenditure and ensure effective use of resources.
• Identify funding opportunities and support fundraising initiatives.
• Partner with Brand Finance to analyze, interpret, and report on monthly income statements of the various operations within the brands and take the necessary action to ensure that financial targets are achieved.

Human Resources

• Lead recruitment, retention, and performance management of school leadership and staff.
• Promote professional development and staff well-being.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Build and maintain an effective management team
• Supervise managers and provide effective leadership and motivation to all employees in alignment with ADvTECH values
• Lead, coach and mentor principals and HOD’s by supporting their professional development to maximise productivity
• Recruit, engage and retain suitable management and employees to ensure the success of the brands
• Ensure sound relations are maintained with relevant unions and shop stewards
• Manage discipline and conflict resolution in the workplace

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with parents, community members, local authorities, and education partners.
• Represent the schools at public forums and board meetings
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and trust.
• Act as the escalation point for parent queries, student discipline and student achievements

Education (Formal Qualification required)

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in educational leadership or senior management roles