School Operations Manager - Regent International School

Fortes Holdings; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international school in Dubai is seeking a Manager of School Operations to oversee all non-academic operations, including facilities and safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of experience in school operations or facilities management, strong leadership skills, and familiarity with UAE regulations. This role is pivotal for creating a safe and efficient learning environment for students and staff.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in school operations or facilities management.
• Familiarity with UAE regulations and KHDA requirements.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee non-academic operations of the school.
• Manage school facilities, safety, and security.
• Support HR in staff recruitment and onboarding.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

School information systems

Job description

Overview

Regent International School is looking for a talented Manager of School Operations (MSO) who will be responsible for overseeing all facilities, security, health, safety and compliance operations across the school. The School Operations Manager plays a key leadership role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day non-academic operations of the school. This includes managing administrative, logistical, health & safety, and facilities operations to support a thriving, safe, and efficient learning environment for students, staff, and parents.

Reporting to the Principal as an extended part of the School Leadership Team, the MSO is responsible for school development, maintenance, safety, security and cleanliness of the school building and grounds, ensuring that the site and facilities are always available for school use as well as external users.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Oversee and coordinate all non-academic operations of the school, including facilities, security, transport, procurement, and administrative support.
• Operational Leadership: Serve as the primary liaison between the academic leadership team and support service departments (maintenance, cleaning, IT support, catering, etc.).
• Operational Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Ensure that school facilities are well-maintained, clean, and compliant with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Manage emergency response plans, fire drills, and compliance with local authority and KHDA requirements.
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Oversee maintenance schedules, renovation projects, and vendor performance.
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Regularly and proactively inspect the school building and grounds to identify any maintenance or development requirements.
• HR & Staffing Support: Line manages the school facilities and cleaning teams effectively to ensure all maintenance, cleaning requests and requirements are met in a timely manner and to a consistent high quality.
• HR & Staffing Support: Line manages the school clinic team effectively to ensure all health and safety compliance guidelines and requirements are met.
• HR & Staffing Support: Line manages the school security team effectively to ensure all aspects of school security are covered both during and outside operational school hours, including being the liaison for contractors.
• HR & Staffing Support: Oversee and support school security team with traffic management during drop-off and pickup timings.
• HR & Staffing Support: Oversee and regulate the safe usage of all school facilities, ensuring health and safety standards are always met, particularly with regards to sports facilities (e.g., swimming pool) and lifeguards.
• HR & Staffing Support: Be the liaison and contact person for all external and third-party providers looking to use the premises both during and outside operational school hours.
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Oversee all operations of externally provided services onsite (e.g., school transport, canteen catering and parent café).
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Oversee all aspects of school compliance and inspection from external governmental bodies (KHDA, DHA, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence and RTA).
• Operations, Facilities & Health and Safety: Proactively facilitate all school emergency plans and procedures (fire drills, evacuation management, lockdowns, lock-ins, extreme weather conditions, emergency school closures, etc.).
• Strategy & Collaboration: Provide advice and strategic guidance to the Principal and wider Senior Leadership Team on operational matters, and be accountable for their effectiveness using robust performance management systems.
• Environment & Sustainability: Actively encourage, and lead on environmental sustainability targets across the school site.

HR & Staffing

• Support the HR department in the recruitment and onboarding of non-teaching staff.
• Supervise operational support staff (e.g., maintenance workers, cleaners, drivers, security guards).
• Ensure appropriate staff deployment, performance reviews, and professional development plans.

Finance & Procurement

• Assist in budget planning for operations and ensure cost-effective procurement and resource allocation.
• Oversee purchasing of school supplies, equipment, and service contracts.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure contractual obligations are met.

Transport & Security

• Oversee school transportation operations, ensuring safety, punctuality, and parent satisfaction.
• Manage security personnel and systems to ensure student and staff safety on campus.

Parent & Community Relations

• Act as a key contact for operational inquiries from parents and staff.
• Work closely with the admissions and administration teams to support parent engagement and satisfaction.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Facilities Management, or related field (master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in school operations or facilities management, ideally within a school or hospitality setting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with UAE regulations, KHDA requirements, and health & safety standards is highly desirable.
• Proficient in MS Office and school information systems.