Position Title: Operations Manager
About Bridge International Academies
Bridge International Academies was conceived in 2007 out of the belief that giving every child access to a high quality education would have the greatest impact on reducing poverty worldwide.
With that guiding insight, Bridge International developed a strategy that would enable it to launch a large-scale network of high-quality, ultra low-cost, for-profit primary schools.
Operating a network of schools supported by a strong central headquarters gives Bridge International the scale, experience, and capacity to invest in systems of management, support, training, and innovation that allows individual schools to dramatically increase their effectiveness. Using this model, Bridge International is able to profitably deliver high-quality education for $4 per child per month.
This ensures that its academies will continue to successfully serve its communities as long as parents value the educational service provided. The first Bridge International Academy launched successfully in Kenya in 2009 and 60 academies will be operating in Kenya in January 2012. Through rapid and strategic expansion, Bridge International will provide a quality education to over a million students in the coming years.
About this Position
The Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the organizations daily field operations, directing and creating organizational and program budgets, policies and systems in collaboration with the Head of Operations.
Reporting to the Head of Operations and serving as a member of the Operations Management Team along with the call center manager and compliance manger team, this position's primary responsibility is ensuring organizational and operational effectiveness by providing leadership for the organization's school functions.
Working with the management team, the position also contributes to the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies and practices.
Responsibilities
- Coordination and Supervision - Coordinate, manage and monitor the workings of daily school operations in the organization.
- Financial - Review financial statements, compliance reports, attendance reports and call center data to direct the activities of the field support staff. Utilize financial data to improve profitability. Prepare and control operational budgets. Control invPlan effective strategies for the financial well being of the company.
- Best Practices - Improve processes and policies in support of organizational goals. Formulate and implement departmental and organizational policies and procedures to maximize output. Monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures.
- Human Resources - Plan the use of human resources. Organize recruitment and placement of required staff. Establish organizational structures. Delegate tasks and accountabilities. Establish work schedules. Supervise staff. Monitor and evaluate performance.
- Production - Monitor performance and implement improvements. Ensure quality of school operations at all times. Manage quality and quantity of employee productivity. Manage maintenance of school facilities in coordination with the construction department. Provide technical support where necessary.
- Communication - Monitor, manage and improve the efficiency of support services such as IT, HR, Accounts and Finance. Facilitate coordination and communication between support functions.
- Sales, Marketing and Customer Service - Manage customer support. Plan and support sales and marketing activities.
- Strategic Input - Liaison with top management. Assist in the development of strategic plans for operational activity. Implement and manage operational plans.
- Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of organizations mission -- specifically, support better management reporting, information flow and management, business process and organizational planning.
- Manage and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of Support Services (HR, IT and Finance), through improvements to each function as well as coordination and communication between support and business functions.
- Play a significant role in long-term planning, including an initiative geared toward operational excellence.
- Oversee overall financial management, planning, systems and controls.
- Development of individual school budgets
Responsibilities by Function
Financial Management
- Direct annual budgeting and planning process for the departments annual budget with Head of Operations
- Manage school actuals vs budget
- Ensure that the Operations Department needs are resolved and communicated in a timely manner to internal and external parties.
- Develop long-range forecasts and maintain long-range financial plans.
Organizational Effectiveness
- Manage all field functions related to school operations.
- Drive initiatives in the management team and organizationally that contribute to long-term operational excellence.
Organizational Leadership
- Contribute to short and long-term organizational planning and strategy as a member of the management team
About You
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related field
- At least 5 years’ experience in Operations Management with proven leadership skills managing regional field teams
- Strong background and work experience in operations of large multi outlet/unit company
- Excellent computer skills and proficient in MS Applications
- Excellent communication skills both verbal and written
- Knowledge and experience in organizational effectiveness and operations management implementing best practices.
- Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing staff groups and major projects or initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style.
- Budget development and oversight experience
- A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace
- Excels at operating in an fast pace, community environment
- Excellent people manager, open to direction and +Collaborative work style and commitment to get the job done
- Ability to challenge and debate issues of importance to the organization.
- Ability to look at situations from several points of view
- Persuasive with details and facts
- Delegate responsibilities effectively
- High comfort level working in a diverse environment
