HR Manager - School Experience

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 | Non Academics

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 09/17/2026

Welcome to International Community Schools Abu Dhabi! At ICS, our unwavering commitment is to provide a stimulating and intellectually challenging environment that empowers our students to become innovative thinkers, creative problem solvers, and inspired learners, fully prepared to thrive in the 21st Century. Renowned for our outstanding, holistic education and the development of future leaders, we have earned an enviable reputation in the region for delivering high-quality private education to students from FS/KG to Year 13/Grade 12. We offer a diverse range of curriculum, including both the British and American programs, as well as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Advance Placement (AP), and Ministry of Education (MOE) programs, exceeding minimum expectations and covering a wide array of subjects.

Job Description

International Community Schools (ICS) is seeking an experienced and strategic Group HR Manager to lead and strengthen the Human Resources function across its group of schools in Abu Dhabi.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing robust HR systems, policies, and procedures that support the operational and strategic objectives of the organization. This is a group-level leadership role requiring a strong understanding of HR governance, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development within a multi-site environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a group-wide HR strategy aligned with the vision and objectives of International Community Schools.
  
• Establish, review, and standardize HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, and internal guidelines across all branches.
  
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, probation, promotion, transfer, succession planning, and employee exit processes.
  
• Advise senior management, principals, and department heads on workforce planning, organizational structure, and employee relations.
  
• Develop and manage performance appraisal, staff development, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.
  
• Ensure consistent and fair implementation of HR policies across all ICS schools.
  
• Manage grievances, disciplinary matters, workplace investigations, and other sensitive employee relations cases.
  
• Maintain accurate employee records, organizational charts, job descriptions, staffing data, and HR documentation.
  
• Prepare HR dashboards and management reports covering recruitment, turnover, attendance, vacancies, and performance.
  
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law, regulatory requirements, safeguarding standards, and internal school policies.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
  
• Arabic language proficiency is preferred.
  
• Proven HR management experience within a school or educational institution is mandatory.
  
• Strong knowledge of UAE labor laws and HR best practices.
  
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  
• Proficiency in English is required.
  
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD, SHRM or an equivalent qualification would be an advantage.