Integration Manager

Magical Beginnings is a growing child care organization committed to providing high-quality early education and care. We believe in seamlessly integrating new learning centers into our network while fostering a cohesive and positive culture that reflects our core values. Our Integration Manager will play a pivotal role in driving growth by establishing the foundation for success at newly acquired and de novo schools.

As the Integration Manager, you will be responsible for managing the integration of new acquisitions and supporting the launch of new school locations. Your role will encompass project management, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on leadership to ensure a smooth, high-quality transition and long-term alignment with Magical Beginnings' standards.  The Integration Manager will report to the Chief Operating Officer.  

What You'll Do:

• Lead the end-to-end integration process for acquired schools, collaborating closely with Operations, HR, Corporate Development, Sales & Marketing, Finance, and Education.
• Conduct due diligence and pre-closing planning, using integration tools and developing a 100-day plan for smooth handover and execution.
• Oversee the integration timeline, adjusting strategies as needed, and facilitate accountability to ensure seamless transitions across all departments.
• Act as a brand ambassador to the newly acquired schools, building trust, promoting best practices, and fostering alignment with Magical Beginnings' culture and values.

• Serve as a hands-on project manager on-site, coordinating functional leaders, third parties, and operational teams to ensure objectives are met efficiently.
• Provide regular updates, manage personnel issues, and facilitate a positive onboarding experience for acquisition staff.
• Conduct targeted training and support initiatives to ensure systems, processes, and values are implemented effectively.

• Establish and maintain open lines of communication between Magical Beginnings, internal teams and sellers, fostering transparency and quick resolution of any issues.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including target leaders, operators, and sellers to support smooth integration.
• Facilitate regular meetings to maintain a clear cadence of tasks, updates, and alignment with organizational goals.

• Collaborate with cross-functional contributors to prepare schools for opening, providing project management and on-site support.
• Develop and execute the opening timeline with third-party vendors, including construction, permitting, and purchasing.
• Manage the new school budget, ensuring fiscal discipline by incorporating and communicating deviations.
• Oversee and support the training of Executive Directors and other staff to create an environment that aligns with Magical Beginnings' mission.
• Ensure that Magical Beginnings’ high standards for operations, quality, and culture are upheld in each new school.

• Proven experience in project management, ideally with a focus on integration or change management.
• Exceptional organizational, technological, and time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and drive accountability.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent travel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Willingness to travel extensively across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic for on-site support during acquisitions and new school launches.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, fostering team-oriented collaboration.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and adaptable, capable of managing uncertainty and problem-solving creatively.
• Previous experience with acquisition and integration leadership required.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Early Childhood Education!

If you're passionate about building a cohesive, high-quality organization and have the skills to lead integration and cultural alignment, we encourage you to apply. Magical Beginnings is dedicated to nurturing a positive, collaborative environment for our team members and the families we serve.