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
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
Alpadia Language Schools is a Swiss company with an international vision, devoted to excellence in teaching languages to enrich students' futures. Inspired by our multifaceted and multilingual country, we create an unparalleled student experience encouraging language development through immersion.
Present in Switzerland, France, Germany and England, we create a vibrant environment to foster connections, enhance experience and inspire imagination. For students who seek a multicultural setting, we offer a lifetime experience that sustains and extends people's possibilities and opens windows of opportunity. From classes for absolute beginners to official exam preparation, our schools offer a truly dedicated panel of solutions to cater to your needs.
Renamed in 2014, Alpadia benefits from the heritage of ESL Language Schools’ two decades of experience in language education. Alpadia Language Schools offers all year round courses for adults and summer camp programs for juniors and teenagers in Switzerland, France, Germany and England. Each year, our schools welcome more than 6,000 students from all over the world.
