Manager - People & Culture (Cluster)

Aldar Academies; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Academies invites an experienced HR leader to act as the lead HR business partner across multiple campuses in the UAE. You will provide strategic and operational HR support throughout the employee lifecycle, handling workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding and retention strategies.

You will guide school leaders on employee relations and performance enablement, ensure UAE Labour Law compliance, and manage HR systems, data accuracy and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR/BA or related field; HR qualification desirable.
• Minimum 5 years in HR or recruitment; education industry experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and ADEK compliance requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 suite and ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP or MS Dynamics.
• Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead HR business partner for multiple campuses.
• Provide strategic and operational HR support across the employee lifecycle.
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Guide school leaders on employee relations, performance enablement, and policy implementation.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE Labour Law, ADEK regulations, and Aldar Education policies.
• Manage HR systems, data accuracy, reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, and Emiratization targets.

Skills

HR strategy

Workforce planning

Recruitment

Onboarding

Employee relations

Policy implementation

Data reporting

Emiratization

Diversity & inclusion

Wellbeing

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/BA

Tools

Microsoft 365

Oracle ERP

SAP ERP

MS Dynamics

Job description

Main Duties:

• Act as the lead HR business partner for multiple campuses.
• Provide strategic and operational HR support across the employee lifecycle.
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
• Guide school leaders on employee relations, performance enablement, and policy implementation.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE Labour Law, ADEK regulations, and Aldar Education policies.
• Manage HR systems, data accuracy, reporting, and compliance documentation.
• Champion employee engagement, wellbeing, inclusion, and Emiratization targets

Specific Duties:

1. Strategic HR Partnership

• Collaborate with school leadership to design and implement people strategies aligned to school priorities.
• Act as a strategic advisor to Principals on workforce challenges, resourcing, and succession planning.
• Represent assigned campuses in cluster-wide and group-wide P&C initiatives and audits.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead end-to-end recruitment, including safer recruitment practices, interviews, and approvals.
• Ensure alignment with approved staffing and budget plans.
• Manage onboarding journeys: pre-arrival communication, ADEK pass and visa processes, induction, and system access.
• Liaise with HQ P&C, Public Relations, and Government Relations to ensure full regulatory and immigration compliance.

Performance Enablement & Development

• Coordinate probation reviews and performance appraisal cycles in line with policy.
• Support Principals in identifying and addressing performance concerns.
• Update and align job descriptions with competency frameworks.
• Track and report on professional development and training activity.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Lead investigations and manage employee relations cases with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Advise on disciplinary matters, grievances, and conduct concerns.
• Escalate high-risk or legal issues to HQ P&C and Legal as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and confidential ER records and trackers.

HR Operations & Administration

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations including time & attendance, leave, staff files, and system updates.
• Issue employment contracts, contract renewals, salary letters, NOCs, and experience letters.
• Process staff exits, final settlements, and clearance documentation in coordination with HQ Payroll and School Ops.
• Maintain accurate organization charts and staffing reports across campuses.

Data Management & Reporting

• Monitor and report key HR KPIs including turnover, absence, Emiratization, recruitment activity, and compliance rates.
• Ensure HR systems reflect accurate headcount and staff movements.
• Provide ad hoc and scheduled reports to HQ P&C and SLTs.

Engagement, Wellbeing & Inclusion

• Drive employee engagement through feedback channels, recognition initiatives, and inclusion programs.
• Partner with SLTs to address staff wellbeing and morale.
• Support implementation of Aldar Education s diversity and inclusion agenda.

Desired Candidate Profile

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field. Related industry qualification, of graduate level, for the assigned functional area(s). Recognized HR Qualification and/or professional subscription (eg CIPD) desirable Minimum Experience: Minimum 5 years in HR or Recruitment in any industry; Education industry experience is essential Job Specific Knowledge & Skills: Proven knowledge of UAE Labour Law and ADEK/KHDA compliance requirements. Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft 360 suite, ERP (Oracle, SAP, MS Dynamics). Strong organizational and prioritisation skills. Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage. Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive. Skilled in multi-tasking and handling pressure.