School Operations & Facilities Leader

GEMS Education; Dubai; On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

GEMS Education in Dubai is seeking a School Operations Manager to oversee the development, maintenance, safety and smooth day-to-day running of the school’s facilities, administration and support services. You will partner with the Principal/CEO and Corporate Office to optimize resources, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality services that support the academic mission and community engagement.

This role leads on strategy, facilities, health and safety, and stakeholder relations, driving

Qualifications

• Experience in school operations or facilities management.
• Ability to prepare financial reports and forecasts.
• Experience with health and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance to the Principal/CEO and Senior Leadership on operational, financial, and business matters.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the school’s improvement plan and long-term sustainability goals.
• Lead initiatives for environmental sustainability and operational efficiency across the school site.
• Ensure robust performance management systems are in place for all support teams.
• Organize and manage all administration and support services, ensuring effective deployment of staff and resources.
• Support recruitment, training, and continuous professional development of administration and support staff.
• Ensure a culture of service excellence, accountability, and professionalism across all teams.
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditure, and ensure value for money across all operational areas.
• Prepare monthly financial reports, variance analysis, and forecasts in collaboration with the Accounts team.
• Ensure compliance with Delegation of Authority and audit requirements.
• Oversee third-party service providers, ensuring KPIs, contracts, and service standards are consistently met.
• Oversee the maintenance, security, and efficient operation of the school site, buildings, and grounds.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and safeguarding regulations, in line with GEMS Corporate policies and local legislation.
• Manage preventative and reactive maintenance schedules, either in-house or via external contractors.
• Supervise facilities services including cleaning, waste management, energy usage, catering, transportation, and accommodation.
• Promote safe parking, secure site access, and effective use of CCTV and security systems.
• Promote school facilities as a venue for events, conferences, and community activities.
• Ensure smooth operation of ancillary services such as catering, school shop, and after-school activities.
• Strengthen relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community by ensuring high-quality services and a welcoming school environment.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Facilities management

Health & safety

Staff management

Job description

GEMS Education in Dubai is seeking a School Operations Manager to oversee the development, maintenance, safety and smooth day-to-day running of the school’s facilities, administration and support services. You will partner with the Principal/CEO and Corporate Office to optimize resources, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality services that support the academic mission and community engagement.

This role leads on strategy, facilities, health and safety, and stakeholder relations, driving