Regional Manager, Health & Safety

Join the Goddard Systems, LLC (GSL) corporate team and help shape a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education!

GSL supports approximately 675+ Goddard School locations across the U.S., helping franchisees deliver high-quality, play-based learning to more than 100,000 children and families. Our corporate team drives the strategy, systems, and support that enable schools across the network to thrive.

Position Summary

The Regional Manager, Health and Safety provides strong leadership to a team of regional Health and Safety Specialists, guiding and influencing franchisees to consistently adhere to GSL's quality assurance program.

This role maintains a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for children in the program while ensuring full compliance with health and safety standards, coaching the team, and using data to reduce risk across the region.

By keeping schools safe and compliant, this role supports our mission of creating joyful, supportive environments where children flourish, living out our value of Grow Together.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and support a diverse team to achieve departmental goals and foster professional growth
• Communicate clearly and effectively with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and open dialogue
• Cultivate a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and accountability
• Identify and implement initiatives that improve team performance and operational efficiency
• Empower team members to take ownership of their portfolio and projects
• Collaborate with Regional Directors to support schools and team members in achieving performance goals
• Facilitate franchisee training within the region to influence and educate stakeholders on health and safety compliance
• Provide oversight of health and safety training for new schools opening in the region

Team Professional Development

• Coach and develop the skill set of Health and Safety Specialists to better assess and support portfolio performance
• Travel with team members to observe the QA process in action and role-model best practices
• Provide regular feedback that inspires continuous improvement and open dialogue

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

• Make informed, data-driven decisions to navigate challenges and maximize opportunities
• Analyze and address issues in a timely manner, demonstrating adaptability in complex situations
• Conduct data analysis to identify trends and risks within the region, markets, and schools, creating plans to reduce identified risk

Core Skills (Must-Have)

• People leadership coaching and developing a team of Health and Safety Specialists
• Influence and change management, driving franchisee compliance without direct authority
• Data-driven risk analysis, translating trends into action plans
• Conflict management and sound judgment under complex, sensitive situations

Supporting Skills (Nice-to-Have)

• Relationship-building across franchisees, schools, and Regional Directors
• Presentation and training delivery skill
• Organizational and time management discipline across a multi-site portfolio

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working in an early childhood program, industry, or setting in a leadership role, or in franchise operations with business experience
• At least 3 years of experience influencing, enforcing, and measuring compliance standards
• At least 2 years of experience managing a portfolio of clients, sites, or projects
• Knowledgeable in state childcare licensing regulations across the system
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting technology
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, or a related field, preferred
• Ability to travel up to 60%

Success in This Role

• The regional team of Health and Safety Specialists is well-coached and performing consistently across their portfolios
• Franchisees in the region demonstrate strong, sustained compliance with health and safety standards
• Data-driven risk plans are in place and showing measurable reduction in identified risks

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel regularly, including by car and air, up to 60% of the time
• Ability to walk school facilities, including classrooms and playgrounds, during QA visits
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or traveling
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or physical requirements associated with the position.

There will be periodic requirements to travel for in-person events, at the discretion of your manager or the requirement of the company.