Chief Operating Officer

Remote DXB; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Collaborative environment

Lead operations for a growing group

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

International Community Schools (ICS) in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee all group school branches, drive operational excellence, and ensure regulatory compliance across academic and admin functions. You will partner with the CEO, manage budgets, lead ERP/digital transformation initiatives, and coordinate HR, IT, Facilities, and Procurement to deliver scalable, high-quality education.

The role requires 10–15 years of senior leadership experience in education or multi-site

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, educational leadership, or management required.
• 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience.
• Experience in education sector or multi-site organizations preferred.
• Strong understanding of school operations and compliance.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and multiple branches.
• Experience with ERP systems and digital transformation is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee operations of all school branches within the group.
• Ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and consistency across functions.
• Collaborate with CEO and senior leadership to implement strategic initiatives.
• Supervise Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations.
• Ensure ADEK compliance and educational standards.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and planning.
• Lead large-scale projects, expansions, and tech initiatives.
• Provide leadership to HR, Procurement, Admissions, IT, Media, and Marketing.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation.
• Maintain high health, safety, security, and risk management standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations management

Education sector experience

ERP systems

Regulatory compliance

Change management

Budgeting & finance

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's Degree in Business Administration or Educational Leadership

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the overall operations of all school branches within the group
• Ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and consistency across academic and administrative functions
• Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to implement strategic initiatives
• Supervise and coordinate departments including Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations
• Ensure compliance with ADEK regulations, policies, and educational standards
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning
• Lead large-scale projects, school expansions, and technology initiatives
• Provide leadership and operational oversight to HR, Procurement, Admissions, IT, Media, and Marketing departments
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, standardization, and automation
• Ensure high standards of health, safety, security, and risk management across all campuses

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or Management
• 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience
• Experience within the education sector or multi-site organizations preferred
• Strong understanding of school operations and compliance
• Proven ability to manage large teams and multiple branches
• Experience in ERP systems and digital transformation is an advantage

Preferred Qualifications

• Visionary and strategic mindset
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• Ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement
• Strong stakeholder management abilities

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to lead operations for a growing educational group
• Career growth and leadership opportunities

About the Company

International Community Schools (ICS) is a leading educational group with multiple branches delivering high-quality international education, including British, American, IB, AP, and MOE programs.