Regional HR Leader, Middle East (UAE & KSA)

Global Schools Group; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Global Schools Group seeks a General Manager, Human Resources for the Middle East to lead the people function across UAE and Saudi Arabia, translating group HR strategy into practical delivery and ensuring regulatory compliance across both countries.

You will partner with Country Directors and Principals to attract, retain and develop educators and staff while driving a compliant, audit-ready regional HR operation. Fully on-site with regular travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, HR or related field; MBA in HR preferred.
• 15+ years in HR, including 7+ years in senior leadership roles in the GCC (UAE and/or Saudi Arabia).
• Experience in K-12 education or multi-site organisations preferred.
• Hands-on knowledge of UAE and Saudi labour law, visa processes (MOHRE, Qiwa, Muqeem), payroll (WPS, Mudad, GOSI) and end-of-service benefits.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR delivery across Middle East campuses (UAE and KSA) aligning regional priorities with Group HR strategy.
• Manage and develop the regional HR team; set goals and service standards.
• Act as HR advisor to Country Directors and Principals on people, organisation and employee-relations matters.
• Oversee work permits, visas and IDs, including renewals and cancellations, delivered on time.
• Maintain HR records and dashboards; report headcount, attrition, time-to-hire, visa status and costs.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic HR

Data-driven

Organised

English (excellent)

Education

Bachelor’s in Business/HR

Tools

HRIS

Payroll systems

Excel reporting

Job description

Global Schools Group seeks a General Manager, Human Resources for the Middle East to lead the people function across UAE and Saudi Arabia, translating group HR strategy into practical delivery and ensuring regulatory compliance across both countries.

You will partner with Country Directors and Principals to attract, retain and develop educators and staff while driving a compliant, audit-ready regional HR operation. Fully on-site with regular travel.