Chief Operating Officer (COO) Group of Schools

International Community Schools; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Collaborative work environment

Leadership opportunities

Career growth

Job summary

International Community Schools (ICS) is seeking a seasoned Chief Operating Officer to oversee and optimize operations across all campuses in Abu Dhabi. You will partner with the CEO to drive strategic growth, standardize processes, and elevate educational and administrative performance.

The role requires a visionary leader with 10–15 years in senior operations, a strong grasp of school operations, and experience with ERP systems and digital transformation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience.
• Experience within the education sector or multi-site organizations is highly preferred.

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 with the CEO and senior leadership to implement strategic initiatives and organizational goals.
• Monitor and improve operational processes, policies, and systems.
• Supervise and coordinate departments including Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations.
• Ensure compliance with ADEK regulations, policies, and educational standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Change management

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

Master’s degree in business/education

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

International Community Schools | Full time

Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Group of Schools

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 07/07/2026

Job Description

Join the International Community Schools (ICS) Group

International Community Schools (ICS) is a leading educational group with multiple branches delivering high-quality international education. We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and enhance the operational excellence of our schools. The COO will play a key leadership role in ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across all branches while supporting the strategic growth and long-term success of the organization.

International Community Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and the receipt of police clearance. We strongly encourage UAE Nationals to apply.

Key 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 and organizational goals
• Monitor and improve operational processes, policies, and systems
• Supervise and coordinate departments including Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations
• Ensure compliance with ADEK regulations, policies, and educational standards
• Develop and implement performance metrics and operational KPIs
• Support school leaders in achieving operational and organizational excellence
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning
• Lead large-scale projects, school expansions, technology initiatives, and process improvements
• Drive innovation, digital transformation, and operational modernization across the group
• Strengthen communication and collaboration between branches and headquarters
• Ensure high standards of health, safety, security, and risk management across all campuses

Additional Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and operational oversight to the HR, Procurement, Admissions, IT, Media, and Marketing departments across the group.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, departmental goals, and operational initiatives in collaboration with the senior management team to support organizational growth and excellence.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, standardization, and automation across operational departments, implementing effective strategies to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and enhance overall organizational performance.
• Foster strong cross-departmental collaboration and communication to ensure seamless operations, efficient information sharing, and effective problem-solving while promoting a positive work culture and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Allocate and manage resources, including budgets, personnel, and technology, to support the operational needs of each department, ensuring optimal utilization and adherence to the financial guidelines.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Management, or related field
• Minimum 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience
• Experience within the education sector or multi-site organizations is highly preferred
• Strong understanding of school operations, compliance, and organizational management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
• Proven ability to manage large teams and multiple branches
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience in ERP systems, digital transformation, and operational optimization is an advantage
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Preferred Qualities

• Visionary and strategic mindset
• Strong people management and leadership skills
• High level of professionalism and integrity
• Ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities

What We Offer

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