We are seeking an experienced and motivated School Director to lead our Alpadia language school in Berlin. This position is a high-impact leadership role with full responsibility for operational excellence, financial performance, and overall student experience. 

As Alpadia Language Schools are part of Kaplan International Languages, a global leader in education, you will play a key role in shaping the future growth of the school while upholding our mission. Kaplan helps individuals achieve their educational and career goals. We build futures one success story at a time. 

The Role 

Reporting to the Director of School Operations, the School Director acts as the senior leader on site, accountable for delivering strong commercial results, maintaining academic quality, and fostering an outstanding, safe, and inclusive learning environment. 

You will lead a multidisciplinary team, drive business performance, and ensure that the school consistently exceeds both student expectations and operational targets.  

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Business Ownership 

• Full ownership of the school’s P&L, financial planning, and performance delivery 

• Translate strategic objectives into operational plans and measurable outcomes 

• Champion new product development, technological and digitalization innovation of the learning environment and materials 

• Identify and execute growth opportunities, partnerships, and new revenue streams 

• Position the school competitively within the local and international market 

Operational Excellence 

• Ensure seamless school operations across academic, administrative, accommodation as well as student services and support functions 

• Drive continuous improvement in processes, systems, and service delivery 

• Guarantee compliance with regulatory frameworks and accreditation standards (e.g. EAQUALS, telc, testDaF)  

• Lead the school’s renovation project within budget targets  

• Ensure KPIs are being met around targeted student evaluation response rates, NPS and financial goals. 

People Leadership 

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing engaged team 

• Drive performance management, talent development, and succession planning 

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement 

Performance & Growth 

• Deliver against student enrolment, revenue goals, and profitability targets  

• Partner closely with global sales and marketing teams 

• Monitor market trends and respond proactively to demand fluctuations 

• Actively promote the school to agents, partners, and prospective students 

Student Experience & Quality Assurance 

• Champion an exceptional end-to-end student experience 

• Drive quality frameworks and monitor KPIs including student satisfaction and NPS 

• Lead initiatives to continuously enhance service, teaching quality, and outcomes 

Safeguarding & Duty of Care 

• Embed safeguarding practices into all aspects of school operations and culture 

• Manage sensitive cases in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders  

External Representation 

• Represent the school within the local community, industry bodies, and global network 

• Host partners, agents, and stakeholders 

• Contribute actively to Kaplan International Languages’ broader strategic initiatives 

Profile - Experience 

• Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within the education environment  

• Strong track record of delivering commercial results and managing P&L responsibility 

• Experience in scaling operations, driving growth, and leading change initiatives 

• Exposure to international environments and multicultural teams 

Capabilities 

• Strategic thinker with strong execution focus 

• Financially astute, data-driven decision-maker 

• Inspirational leader with the ability to engage and develop teams 

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills 

• Highly customer-centric with a passion for delivering outstanding experiences 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required  

• Native German and fluent in English 

• Location: Berlin, Germany  

• Reporting line: Director of Operations  

• Background check required (Führungszeugnis)  

• Role requires flexibility, particularly during summer peak seasonal periods  

• Diversity & Inclusion 

  We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds. 

• Please submit your application package (CV and cover letter) to Cornelia Mueller, Director of School Operations, Europe. For further information on our schools and camps, please visit www.alpadia.com.