Head of HR, Abu Dhabi Schools

Oakridge International School, Bengaluru; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Abu Dhabi is looking for an experienced Head of HR to oversee the HR functions across two campuses. The role includes workforce planning, compliance with local laws, and driving employee engagement initiatives. Candidates with significant HR experience in the education sector and knowledge of UAE labor laws are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Significant HR experience, ideally within education or customer-facing sector.
• Strong knowledge of UAE labour law and HR best practices.
• Experience of leading a team across multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the HR function across both Abu Dhabi campuses.
• Partner with school leadership for workforce planning and talent acquisition.
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws and support employee relations.

Skills

UAE labour law

HR best practices

Team leadership

Relationship building

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

CIPD qualification or equivalent

Job description

Date: 9 Jun 2025

Location:

Abu Dhabi, AE

Job ID: 6343

School: The British International School Abu Dhabi

Company: Nord Anglia Education

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic HR leader to join our team as Head of HR for our Abu Dhabi schools. This is a key role responsible for delivering a high-quality, strategic HR service across two campuses. You will lead a small team and work closely with Principals, senior leaders, and the regional HR team to support all aspects of the employee lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the HR function across both Abu Dhabi campuses
• Partner with school leadership to deliver effective workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies
• Support employee relations, performance management, and HR policy implementation
• Ensure compliance with local labour laws and regulatory requirements, including ADEK and ADGM frameworks
• Oversee onboarding, payroll coordination, and HR data accuracy
• Drive employee engagement, wellbeing, and inclusion initiatives
• Act as a key point of contact for the regional HR team and participate in cluster-wide HR projects
  
  

About You

• Significant HR experience, ideally within education or a similarly complex, customer-facing sector
• Strong working knowledge of UAE labour law and HR best practices A collaborative approach and ability to build effective relationships at all level
• Experience of leading a team and working across multiple sites
• A proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Educated to Bachlors level or equivalent CIPD qualification or equivalent is preferred
  
  

About Nord Anglia

Each Nord Anglia Education school is unique in character and designed to meet the needs of its community. We are united by our philosophy, to be ambitious for our students, our people and our family of schools. We believe that being part of our family of 82 schools gives them a special advantage. Working together, we can achieve more than we can individually. Our schools have access to a wide range of resources and support to enhance their success.

As an employer, our aim is to create an environment where colleagues are welcomed and are able to bring talents, skills, backgrounds and experiences to their roles in an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds work together with dignity and respect.

Selection Process

Applicants should submit a CV and letter of application with details of two referees. Ideally, we are seeking candidates already based in the UAE.

Safeguarding

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world-class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people are able to thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils irrespective of race, ability, religion, gender or culture. All post holders having regular unsupervised contact with children are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both their Country of residence/birth and any Country of residence within the last 10 years.

Vice President Total Rewards & Manpower Planning

Director of Emiratization and Nationals Engagement - Office of Human Resources