HR Manager – School Experience

International Community Schools; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

International Community Schools in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is seeking an experienced Group HR Manager to lead and strengthen HR across the group of schools. You will develop robust HR policies, oversee recruitment, performance management, compliance with UAE Labour Law, and drive workforce planning in a multi-site environment.

This strategic role requires strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and a track record of building scalable HR systems within education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field.
• CIPD/SHRM certification desirable.
• 7–10 years HR experience with managerial exposure.
• Experience in group of schools or multi-site organization preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and local practices.
• Experience in recruitment, performance management, and HR operations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management; bilingual in English, Arabic a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a group-wide HR strategy aligned to ICS objectives.
• Standardize HR policies, handbooks, and guidelines across branches.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, promotions, transfers, and exits.
• Advise senior management on workforce planning and organization structure.
• Oversee performance appraisal, staff development, engagement, and retention.
• Ensure consistent policy application across all ICs schools.
• Manage grievances, investigations, and sensitive employee relations matters.
• Maintain employee records, org charts, job descriptions, and HR data.
• Prepare HR dashboards and management reports on turnover, attendance, vacancies, and performance.
• Ensure UAE Labor Law compliance and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic HR

Communication

Analytical

Negotiation

English proficiency

Arabic language proficiency (adv)

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

CIPD/SHRM certification

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

International Community Schools | Full time

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Posted on 07/28/2026

Welcome to International Community Schools Abu Dhabi! AtICS, 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.

• 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, Management, or a related field.
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD, SHRM, or an equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including experience in a managerial or leadership role.
• Proven experience in developing HR policies, procedures, systems, and organizational frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labor Law and local employment practices.
• Experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, and HR operations.
• Experience within a group of schools, educational institution, or multi-site organization is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with Arabic language proficiency considered a significant advantage.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office applications.

What We Offer

• A strategic group-level leadership role within an established school group.
• The opportunity to shape and strengthen HR systems and policies.
• A professional, collaborative, and multicultural working environment.
• A competitive salary and benefits package based on qualifications and experience.
• Consider the mentioned salary bracket seriously. We may not exceed that salary range.