Category Manager

Job Title: Category Manager - Non-Residential Program

Department: Operations / Business Development

Location: Kerala

Reports To: Regional Business Head.

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary:

The Category Manager - Non-Residential Program is responsible for managing and driving the success of the academic board exam preparation program for students in grades 9-12 across Kerala. This includes overseeing 11 centres and spearheading expansion to 23 centres by the next academic year. The Category Manager will focus on strategy, operational excellence, business growth, and ensuring high-quality academic and service standards across all centres to achieve organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planning & Business Expansion:

• Develop and implement a strategic business plan to drive the growth and expansion of the Non-Residential Program across Kerala.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership team to align expansion strategies and set performance targets for existing and new Centres.
• Identify new location opportunities and evaluate potential markets for Centre expansion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

1. Operations & Performance Management:

• Oversee daily operations across all Non-Residential Program Centres, ensuring consistency in academic quality and service standards.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as enrollment numbers, student performance, and Centre profitability to ensure targets are met.
• Conduct regular site visits to assess Centre performance, providing actionable feedback and guidance to Centre managers.

1. Academic Quality & Student Outcomes:

• Work closely with academic teams to ensure that the curriculum, teaching methods, and resources are aligned with board exam standards for grades 9-12.
• Monitor student progress and academic outcomes, implementing improvement plans for underperforming Centres or students.
• Organize workshops, mock exams, and other academic initiatives to boost student preparation and success rates.

1. Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop Centre managers and staff to create a high-performing team across all Centres.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and training sessions for Centre managers, focusing on operational excellence and customer service.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes accountability, innovation, and professional growth.

1. Student & Parent Engagement:

• Develop and implement engagement strategies to build strong relationships with students and parents, enhancing satisfaction and program retention.
• Organize orientation sessions, parent-teacher meetings, and workshops to communicate program benefits, progress, and expectations.
• Address student and parent queries, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally to maintain high satisfaction levels.

1. Financial Management & Budgeting:

• Oversee the budget for the Non-Residential Program, ensuring effective allocation of resources for operational needs and expansion projects.
• Monitor revenue and profitability for each Centre, implementing cost-effective strategies without compromising on quality.
• Prepare regular financial reports and forecasts for senior management, analyzing trends and recommending adjustments as necessary.

1. Marketing & Outreach:

• Work with the marketing team to create promotional campaigns and outreach programs to attract new enrolments across all Centres.
• Leverage local partnerships, community engagement, and online/offline marketing strategies to boost program visibility and enrolment.
• Monitor the effectiveness of marketing initiatives, adjusting strategies to maximize reach and impact.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to set a long-term vision and create actionable plans for business growth and expansion.
• Operational Excellence: Strong understanding of managing multiple Centres, ensuring consistency in quality and efficiency.
• Leadership & Team Building: Experience in developing and managing a team, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Customer Orientation: Skilled in engaging with students and parents to build trust and ensure a positive experience.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and make data-driven decisions to ensure profitability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Education Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in business management, operations, or category management, preferably in the education or training sector.
• Proven track record in scaling operations and managing multiple locations or business units.
• Strong knowledge of educational program management, particularly in exam preparation or K-12 education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in managing educational Centres or programs for academic board preparation.
• Knowledge of regional market dynamics in Kerala, with a strong network in the education sector.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools for monitoring performance metrics and generating insights.

Interested Candidates Send Your CV: jijin@xylemlearning.com