Head of Primary

Job Title: Head of Primary (Product Owner Grades 1 to 5)

Location: Bangalore (with frequent travel to branches)

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Grades Covered: Grades 15

Role Summary

We are looking for a mission-driven leader to own the Primary school product across 90+ Orchids International Schools someone who can orchestrate curriculum implementation, infra, retention, and academic excellence for Grades 15. You are the voice of the learner, teacher, and parent, and you drive results by collaborating deeply with branch coordinators and principals.Your job is to ensure that great plans turn into great classroomsthrough data, coaching, infra, and cross-functional teamwork.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Implementation

• Implement curriculum across English, Math, EVS,langage and co curricular programs; address gaps with coordinated interventions.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and debriefs with teachers and coordinators.
• Use principal and coordinator feedback loops to refine training priorities and planning cycles.

Infrastructure & Environment

• Lead primary infra upgrades (arts labs, sports facilities, Digi boards, libraries, classroom displays) and ensure SOP adherence.
• Partner with coordinators and principals on infra audits and classroom readiness.

Admissions & Marketing Support

• Support academic storytelling and showcases during Grade 15 entry points.
• Collaborate with coordinators to curate learning highlights for parent engagement events.

Dropouts & Retention

• Identify and address causes of dropout in collaboration with branch leaders.
• Support at-risk learners with bridge plans and counselor-supported interventions.
• Work with principals to enhance the academic and emotional connect between school and family.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with curriculum, assessments, STEM, arts, public speaking, and behavioural counselling teams. Actively partner with school coordinators and principals to ensure alignment, solve challenges, and track on-ground delivery.

Success Metrics

• % improvement in student learning outcomes
• Dropout % reduction across grades 15
• Classroom infra scores and ERP usage compliance
• Admissions conversion from Grade 1 and lateral entries
• Quality of school academic audits and reviews

Ideal Candidate Profile

Skills

• Strong primary pedagogy background and curriculum know-how
• Change leadership and ability to influence without authority
• Operates with school leaders as thought partner, not just central team representative

Experience

• 815 years in K-12 academic roles, with multi-school oversight
• Prior experience in program implementation through coordinators/principals