Area Director

Area Director — Multi-Unit Operations (7 Centers)KidStrong Austin & Houston | Austin, TX (regular travel to Houston) | Full-TimeAbout the OpportunityWe're hiring an Area Director to serve as the senior operating leader for seven KidStrong centers across two of Texas's fastest-growing markets. This is a true "second-in-command" role: you'll own performance across the organization, lead a team of General Managers, and build a business that runs without ownership in the day-to-day.If you're a multi-unit operator who loves developing leaders as much as hitting numbers, read on.Reports ToOwnership TeamDirect Reports7 General Managers + 2 Regional CAT CoachesMarketsAustin (Pflugerville, North Austin, South Austin, Cedar Park) & Houston (Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land)LocationAustin-based; regular Houston travel requiredScheduleMon–Thu, 9:30 AM–6:30 PM + 8 flexible hours Fri–SunTypeFull-time, 40+ hours/weekWhat You'll OwnPeople Leadership & DevelopmentLead, coach, and hold accountable seven General Managers and two Regional CAT CoachesSet clear expectations and measurable goals for every leader and centerRun consistent 1:1s, leadership meetings, and performance reviewsBuild a leadership bench through GM/AGM development and succession planningOwn hiring, performance management, corrective action, and terminationsBusiness & Financial PerformanceDrive revenue and same-store sales growth across all seven locationsMonitor center-level KPIs and understand the story behind the numbers — not just report themManage labor responsibly while keeping centers appropriately staffedBuild and execute turnaround plans for underperforming centers, following through until performance stabilizesOptimize class schedules, capacity, and enrollment to capture demandPartner with ownership on budgets, forecasts, and growth strategySales & Membership GrowthHold center leadership accountable for lead management, trial execution, show rates, close rates, and follow-upEnsure consistent sales process execution across all seven centersDiagnose funnel breakdowns and coach leaders to measurable improvementRetention & Member ExperienceOwn retention strategy — monitor cancellations, freezes, feedback, and at-risk familiesEnsure center leaders proactively address families considering leavingSet standards for communication, issue resolution, cleanliness, and professionalismStep into escalated member situations when appropriateProgramming & Coaching QualityEnsure KidStrong programming and brand standards are executed consistently across all locationsPartner with Regional CAT Coaches on coach training, certification, and developmentProtect the quality of the KidStrong product while driving financial performanceStaffing & CultureEnsure every center has appropriate staffing and leadership coverageAnticipate staffing needs rather than react to shortagesMonitor turnover, engagement, and culture trends across both marketsAddress performance issues, communication breakdowns, and toxic behavior quicklyBuild a culture where expectations are clear and strong performers are recognizedOperational ExcellenceEnsure consistent execution of policies, safety standards, scheduling, and payroll processesConduct regular center visits and operational assessmentsEnsure direct reports follow through on commitments and deadlinesIdentify recurring problems and build systems that address root causesKPIs You'll Be Measured OnTotal membership & net growth

• Revenue & same-store sales
• Leads, trials, show rate & close rate
• Retention, cancellations & freezes
• Class utilization & capacity
• Labor percentage & staffing efficiency
• Coach certification & training completion
• Member experience & escalations
• Hiring needs & turnover
• Operational standards & brand complianceThe expectation: know why the numbers look the way they do, identify the right response, and ensure action is taken.Decision-Making AuthorityThis role is genuinely empowered. Within established budgets, policies, and strategic direction, you'll have authority to:Hire, coach, discipline, place on performance plans, and terminate employees — including General ManagersApprove raises within established compensation rangesMake staffing decisions and adjust employee schedulesAdd, remove, consolidate, or modify class schedules based on demand and capacityDirect GMs and Regional CAT Coaches and set performance expectations for their teamsResolve escalated customer and employee concerns; approve refunds and credits within guidelinesApprove center-level operating expenses up to $300 without prior approvalImplement operational processes across centersTake immediate action to protect safety, staffing, and continuity of operationsRequires ownership approval: pricing or membership structure changes; unbudgeted expenses over $300; major capital expenditures or contracts; compensation outside approved ranges or new incentive programs; org structure changes at Area Director level or above; new debt, financing, or leases; significant vendor agreements; opening, closing, relocating, or acquiring a center; company-wide policy or benefits changes; legal settlements; major franchise decisions; and any decision with material financial, legal, or reputational impact.Notify, don't ask: You may hire or terminate a General Manager without approval — inform ownership in advance when reasonably practicable. Escalate significant HR, safety, legal, or reputational matters promptly while taking any immediate protective action necessary.Schedule & TravelCore hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:30 AM–6:30 PM (inclusive of lunch), plus 8+ flexible hours Friday–Sunday deployed where they drive the most impact — center visits, leadership support, hiring, staff development, events, or operational needs.Travel: Austin-based with regular Houston travel as an essential function. This is a fully in-person role across both markets, with travel driven by business needs rather than a rigid rotation. Centers in leadership transition or facing performance challenges may require increased presence.Because KidStrong operates seven days a week, you should be comfortable with occasional schedule adjustments when significant business, staffing, personnel, or safety situations require senior leadership.How You'll Work With OwnershipYou are the primary day-to-day operating leader. General Managers and direct reports look to you — not individual owners — for routine direction, approvals, coaching, and problem solving.Ownership sets strategy, financial expectations, major priorities, and guardrails. You execute through the leadership team and keep ownership appropriately informed without pulling them into routine decisions.What Success Looks LikeOwnership should have full confidence that you:Know what's happening across all seven centersSpot problems early — before they become major problemsHold leaders accountable without ownership stepping inDevelop strong GMs and Regional CAT Coaches rather than doing their jobs for themUse data to drive decisions and follow through on action plansProtect the KidStrong experience, brand standards, and cultureDrive revenue, membership growth, retention, and profitabilityCreate consistency and accountability across both marketsWho Thrives in This RoleYou operate with an owner's mindset — balancing people, culture, and the KidStrong experience against revenue growth, profitability, and disciplined expense management. You're comfortable making difficult decisions, having direct performance conversations, and taking action when expectations aren't met.And critically: you're a builder of people. Your goal isn't to personally solve every center-level problem — it's to develop leaders who solve problems, lead their teams, and own their results.Ready to Apply?If you've led multi-unit operations, built leadership teams, and driven growth in a people-first business, we'd love to hear from you.Apply directly through LinkedInKidStrong is a child development training program building confident, athletic, and smart kids.