Chief Executive Officer

JOB SPECIFICATION

Job Title

Chief Executive Officer

Reporting to

Partner and Stakeholders

Start date

June 2026

About the company

The school is a premier provider of tailored English and Chinese language programs for children, teens, and adults. Our mission is to empower students through academic excellence and professional readiness. As we enter a new phase of commercial expansion, we are seeking a business-minded leader to scale our operations, enhance our market position, and ensure long-term financial vitality.

Physical Work location

Chbar Ampov, Phnom Penh

Key responsibilities

Business Strategy & Market Growth

• Strategic Vision: Design and execute a multi-year commercial roadmap to increase market share and brand equity in the competitive language-learning sector.
• Scalability: Identify new revenue streams, including corporate partnerships, digital learning products, or new branch locations.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all departments to ensure data-driven decision-making.
• Financial Engineering & ROI
• P&L Ownership: Full accountability for the school's financial health, maximizing profitability without compromising the student experience.
• Capital Allocation: Oversee budgeting, procurement, and cash flow with a focus on high-return investments in technology and infrastructure.
• Investor/Board Relations: Prepare sophisticated financial modelling and transparent reporting for the Board and potential stakeholders.

Executive Leadership & Organizational Culture

• High-Performance Teams: Manage the "Director of Studies" (who handles the academic side), allowing you to focus on the business.
• Talent Acquisition: Recruit and retain top-tier administrative and marketing talent to support the school's growth.
• Change Management: Drive a culture of accountability, professional excellence, and innovation across the organization.

Operations & Compliance

• Systems Optimization: Streamline administrative systems (enrollment, CRM, and IT) to improve the "customer journey" and operational margins.
• Risk Management: Ensure the organization meets all legal, health, safety, and Ministry of Education & Sport regulations in Cambodia.
• Resource Management: Oversee facilities and assets to ensure a premium environment for students and staff.
• Brand & Stakeholder Influence
• Marketing Oversight: Drive aggressive student recruitment and retention strategies through modern digital marketing and PR.
• External Relations: Serve as the "face" of the school to government bodies, international partners, and the media.

Requirements

• Education: Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Management, or a related field. (Educational leadership background is a plus, but business acumen is the priority).
• Experience: Minimum 7–10 years of senior executive experience (CEO, COO, or Managing Director), preferably within a high-growth service industry or a large-scale educational group.
• Financial Expertise: Advanced literacy in P&L management, financial forecasting, and complex budgeting.
• Strategic Mindset: Proven track record of scaling a business or executing a successful turnaround.
• Communication: Exceptional English proficiency is mandatory; Khmer proficiency or experience in the SE Asian market is a significant advantage.
• Attributes: Results-oriented, decisive, and capable of balancing commercial interests with educational values.

Salary range

USD 3500 – 4000 Negotiable

Benefits

• Executive Compensation: Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives (bonuses tied to growth/profitability).
• Strategic Influence: Autonomy to shape the business direction of the school.
• Benefits Package: Comprehensive insurance, standard leave, and full support for work permits/visas.

Working days

Monday to Friday

Working hours

8.30am - 6pm

Interview process

In person with Owner and Co-Founder 

Recruiter contact details

Tim.montero@top-recruitment.com