Location: Shanghai, China (Relocation supported for international candidates)
Industry: Education | Assessment | Curriculum | Academic Pathways
Type: Full-Time | Senior Leadership | Build & Scale
A leading Education Group with capabilities across early years to K-12, vocational learning, proprietary standardized testing, and global university admissions pathways is now expanding into full curricula and academic programs. To drive this next phase, the Group is appointing a COO/Deputy for its assessment and curriculum business.
The mandate blends start-up energy with enterprise backing: the business has solid market credibility, deep expertise, and an established ecosystem, yet requires a builder-minded operator to scale its programs, processes, and international standing. The long-term vision is to become a globally recognized curriculum and assessment provider comparable to major international academic frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead operational strategy and execution for the assessment and curriculum business, ensuring scalability, academic rigor, and commercial viability
* Build and structure core functions (academic operations, program development, partnerships, service delivery, etc.) for both domestic and international markets
* Partner closely with academic, product, commercialization, and leadership teams to grow market adoption and brand credibility
* Drive the evolution of testing, credentialing, and curriculum products to align with international standards and university admissions pathways
* Oversee performance, budgeting, organizational design, and cross-regional execution
* Build and manage teams across multiple geographies and time zones
* Represent the business in strategic dialogues with stakeholders, parents, educators, and universities
* Champion culture, talent, and operational excellence in a fast-scaling environment
What Makes This Role Unique
* Builder mandate: Not a maintenance COO — an architect for growth
* International education ecosystem: Engages with curriculum, assessment, pathways, and standards
* Strategy + operations blend: Academic rigor meets commercial execution
* Global runway: Positioned to expand across borders
* High-ambition vision: Aims to become the go-to international curriculum + testing choice within a major education market
* Backed by decades of expertise: Startup dynamics without startup fragility
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Strong understanding of the IB/AP/IGCSE or similar international curriculum and pathways ecosystem (not required to have worked at those organizations directly, but must speak the language)
* Capable of building full-stack operations: product + academic + commercial + partnerships + people
* Comfortable scaling an education product that interacts with families, schools, communities, and higher education
* Motivated by impact, brand-building, and long-term academic credibility
* Globally minded with cultural fluency and cross-market sensibilities
* Able to relocate to Shanghai or operate from Shanghai as a primary base
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business Administration, Education, or related field (MBA or EdD preferred)
* 10+ years in senior management or operational leadership roles within education, assessment, curriculum, or related industries
* Strong knowledge of educational testing systems, frameworks, regulations, and best practices
* Proven experience managing large teams and complex projects across regions or markets
* Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities
* Experience working in fast-paced, international, or cross-cultural environments
We approach each application with attention and respect, and will connect with shortlisted candidates whose experience matches our client’s requirements. If this role aligns with your background and aspirations, we welcome your application here or via hiring@weconnectsearch.com.
For other exciting opportunities in Technology, Sales & Marketing, Business Support, Real Estate, or Education, visit our website at weconnectsearch.com or explore our Careers Page at careers.weconnectsearch.com.
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