WE ARE HIRING: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full time
Industry: Higher Education / Education Management

Role Overview

We are seeking an exceptional, dynamic, and commercially minded Chief Executive Officer to lead a strategic education business division within a well-established higher education group.

The selected candidate will be responsible for driving strategic growth, expanding academic programmes, strengthening institutional partnerships, overseeing functional and operational performance, maintaining service quality, and ensuring the successful delivery of local and international education pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategic direction, growth, and expansion of the assigned education business division.
• Develop and implement long-term business plans, operational strategies, and institutional growth initiatives.
• Oversee all functional and operational areas, including academics, administration, student services, marketing, finance, compliance, and partnerships.
• Monitor the effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery of academic and operational programmes.
• Identify new educational programmes, partnerships, and business opportunities locally and internationally.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner universities, academic institutions, regulators, stakeholders, and business partners.
• Visit local partners, stakeholders, and institutions to secure new academic and business opportunities.
• Represent the organization in international partner meetings and university engagements when required.
• Strengthen the portfolio of foundation, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, transfer, and professional education pathways.
• Ensure all academic programmes are delivered in line with partner requirements, quality standards, and student expectations.
• Drive student enrolment, retention, academic success, and overall student satisfaction.
• Review market trends, competitor activity, student demand, and global education developments to support strategic decisions.
• Lead business development initiatives to expand revenue, market presence, and institutional reputation.
• Maintain and enhance quality standards across academic delivery, operations, administration, and student experience.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance, academic quality, regulatory, and partner-university requirements.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to report performance, risks, opportunities, and strategic progress.
• Develop and monitor budgets, revenue targets, operational costs, and financial performance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior managers and cross-functional teams.
• Establish a performance-driven culture with accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Improve operational efficiency, service standards, process controls, and management reporting.
• Resolve high-level operational, academic, partnership, and stakeholder-related matters.
• Protect the reputation, values, and long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Perform any other strategic leadership responsibilities assigned by the Board.

Candidate Profile

• Sound educational qualifications in Business Management, Education Management, Administration, Finance, Marketing, or a related field.
• MBA, postgraduate qualification, or senior leadership certification will be an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of post-qualification experience in senior management or executive leadership.
• Proven track record in a similar leadership role, preferably leading an organization, institution, business unit, or strategic division.
• Prior experience in the education sector will be a definite advantage.
• Experience in a service-related institution will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of higher education operations, academic programme delivery, student services, and institutional management will be preferred.
• Experience working with international partners, universities, academic bodies, or overseas education pathways will be an advantage.
• Proven ability to develop strategy, execute business plans, and deliver measurable growth.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage revenue, budgets, resources, and operational performance.
• Excellent leadership, people management, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong administrative, governance, and operational management capabilities.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally with local and international partners.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and strategic-thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple functional areas and complex stakeholder expectations.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to educational excellence.
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.

Ready to take your career to new heights?

We're InTalent Asia, your go-to recruitment partner in Sri Lanka, and we've got an exciting opportunity for you! Our client is looking for a dynamic individual to fill the role of Chief Executive Officer.

At InTalent Asia, we're not just recruiters; we're here to architect your career success. Join us in the journey of matching your skills with unparalleled opportunities.

Apply now and see how you can be the perfect fit for this exclusive leadership position!

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