Assistant Manager – Facilities - The Pearl British Academy - Immediate Start

Aldar Education; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Manager for Facilities at a prestigious British Academy in Abu Dhabi. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the facilities department, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning environments. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and possess strong organizational skills to manage operations effectively. Join a vibrant team dedicated to shaping the future of education in Abu Dhabi, where your contributions will directly impact student achievement and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years in a mid-level role within education or service industry.
• Relevant qualifications in business or facilities management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage operations and outsourced service teams.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and manage audits effectively.
• Support third-party contracts and monitor performance.

Skills

Fluent in English

Organizational Skills

Supervisory Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Commercial Acumen

Detail-oriented

Proactive

Multitasking

Education

BSc in Business or Related Field

Certificates in School Business Management

Certificates in Facilities Management

NEBOSH Certification

Job description

Job Description

Aldar Education is seeking an Assistant Manager – Facilities for The Pearl British Academy in Abu Dhabi, starting immediately. The Pearl British Academy is a diverse private international English school located in the heart of Abu Dhabi city. Serving students from Nursery to Year 6, we follow the National Curriculum of England. The role involves providing professional leadership and management for the facilities department to ensure high-quality teaching and learning, effective resource use, and improved student achievement. This is an exciting opportunity to join the successful Aldar family of schools and contribute to shaping Abu Dhabi’s educational future. The ideal candidate will align with our core values and ethos and appreciate regional values.

Responsibilities

Main Duties:

1. Organize and deliver operations and outsourced service teams (facilities, housing, office support, external service providers), fostering a 'service culture' and ensuring efficient staff deployment and recruitment of high-caliber candidates.
2. Manage all aspects of facilities and ancillary staff to maintain cleanliness, safety, and security of school buildings and grounds.
3. Implement processes and advise on audit and regulatory compliance, ensuring ongoing compliance with inspections, audits, and licensing.
4. Support professional development for operations staff and assist in achieving strategic objectives related to facilities and services.
5. Contribute to cluster projects, modifications, and expansions with strategic technical oversight.

Specific Duties:

Operational Management

1. Implement policies, systems, and safeguarding measures aligned with HQ standards.
2. Support and advise senior leadership on operational, financial, and HSE matters, ensuring effective performance management.
3. Be available outside school hours for site support as per protocols.

Finance, Commercial & Procurement

1. Assist in developing and monitoring budgets to ensure value and service quality.
2. Manage income opportunities, including rentals and contracts, maintaining effective partnerships.
3. Lead tender processes and support facility enhancement projects.
4. Follow delegation processes for financial authority.

Operational Compliance

1. Promote a culture aligned with core values and high standards.
2. Ensure compliance with local regulations and manage audits effectively.
3. Stay informed on government policies and develop aligned strategies.

Service Provision Management

1. Support third-party contracts, monitor performance, and ensure service excellence.
2. Manage housing contracts and ensure compliance with regulations and insurance policies.

Health, Safety & Environment

1. Act as HSE responsible person, ensuring compliance with safety legislation.
2. Champion health and safety culture and support related initiatives and audits.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc in business or related field, or relevant industry qualification.
• Certificates in School Business Management, Facilities Management, or NEBOSH preferred.

Minimum Experience

• At least 2 years in a mid-level role within education or service industry.

Job-Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of multitasking under pressure.
• Strong organizational, supervisory, and interpersonal skills.
• Commercial acumen and network-building ability.
• Ability to influence and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to work beyond standard hours as needed.