Business Head - Pre School

Company Description

For over two decades, Arihant Publications India Ltd. has been a leading name in the education sector, providing high-quality, well-researched content to millions of students and aspirants across India. As the country's top publisher for Entrance Exams, School Curriculum, and Competitive & Recruitment Exam books, the company is known for its precision and innovative approach to academic content. Guided by expert authors and a deep understanding of evolving academic needs, Arihant offers a wide array of books and digital solutions to support learning and career growth. With a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration, Arihant provides an ideal workplace for professionals passionate about transforming education and shaping the future of learning.

Role Description

Position : Business Head, Play School Chain

Arihant Publications India Limited

Location : Meerut / Noida & PAN India

Reporting : Board of Directors

Role Purpose :  To conceptualize, build, and scale Arihant’s Play School chain from ground-up, including market research, academic model, operational framework, brand, franchise ecosystem, and business profitability — establishing it as a leading, trusted pre-school education brand across India.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Business Launch

1. Conduct deep market research on pre-school segment, competitors, pricing, curriculum preferences, franchise environment, geography potential.

2. Develop brand positioning, business model (Owned + Franchisee), and 3-year expansion roadmap.

3. Define school design standards (infrastructure, furniture, branding, safety SOPs).

4. Build complete GTM strategy including marketing, admissions and brand communication.

Curriculum & Product Development

1. Collaborate with academic experts to build age-appropriate curriculum for Playgroup, Nursery, KG.

2. Ensure curriculum aligns with NEP, early-childhood pedagogy, learning outcomes & digital complement.

3.  Introduce unique differentiators — Phygital learning, Gamified concepts, Parent engagement.

Franchise Development & Partner Management

1. Design franchise model – investment plan, financial projections, revenue sharing.

2. Identify, onboard and manage franchise partners.

3.  Set up legal agreements, support & governance structure to ensure uniform quality.

Operations & Service Excellence

1. Create policies and SOPs for academics, safety & hygiene, teacher training and centre operations.

2. Conduct periodic audits and compliance checks.

3.  Establish Regional Sales and Operations Teams.

Financial & P&L Ownership

1. Own full business P&L — revenue goals, fees, pricing, profitability.

2. Plan resources, investments and scaling cost efficiently.

3.  Secure partnerships for infrastructure, LMS, uniform, technology etc.

Hiring, Leadership & Stakeholder Management

1.      Set up key teams — Academic Head, Franchise Manager, Trainer network, Centre Heads.

2.     Work closely with Board to provide business updates, forecasts and strategic recommendations.

An Ideal Candidate

1.      12–20 years in Pre-School / K-8 / Early Education / EdTech / Franchise-led brands.

2.     Proven experience in launching or scaling education networks (owned / franchise).

3.     Strong understanding of early childhood pedagogy & NEP alignment.

4.    Expertise in P&L management, partner engagement, and brand building.

5.     Excellent negotiation, leadership, communication & stakeholder mgmt. skills.

6.     Strong business mindset with ability to execute fast from concept to rollout.