Group HR Leader, Education Sector (UAE)

International Community Schools; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 469,000 - 714,000; Full time

Job summary

International Community Schools Abu Dhabi is seeking a Group HR Manager to lead HR across its campus network. The role focuses on governance, policy standardization, recruitment, and workforce planning in a multi-site environment.

The successful candidate will drive HR initiatives, manage performance and development programs, and ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law while partnering with senior leaders to support organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR/Business Administration or related field.
• Arabic language proficiency preferred.
• Proven HR management experience within a school or educational institution mandatorily.
• Strong knowledge of UAE labor laws and HR best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in English required.
• HR professional certification (CIPD/SHRM) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a group-wide HR strategy aligned with ICS objectives across Abu Dhabi campuses.
• Establish, review, and standardize HR policies, procedures and handbooks across all branches.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, probation, promotion, transfer, succession planning and exits.
• Advise senior management on workforce planning, organizational structure and employee relations.
• Develop and manage performance appraisal, staff development, engagement and retention initiatives.
• Ensure consistent and fair implementation of HR policies across all ICS schools.
• Manage grievances, disciplinary matters, investigations and sensitive employee relations cases.
• Maintain accurate records, organizational charts, job descriptions and HR data.
• Prepare HR dashboards and management reports on recruitment, turnover and attendance.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Arabic (preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business Administration

Job description

International Community Schools Abu Dhabi is seeking a Group HR Manager to lead HR across its campus network. The role focuses on governance, policy standardization, recruitment, and workforce planning in a multi-site environment.

The successful candidate will drive HR initiatives, manage performance and development programs, and ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law while partnering with senior leaders to support organizational growth.