Senior Manager - Operations

Aldar Academies; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Aldar Academies is looking for a Senior Manager – Operations to support their schools in Abu Dhabi. This is an opportunity to shape the future of education within a leading group that serves over 38,000 students. The successful candidate will oversee all operations, ensuring compliance and high-quality outcomes.

The ideal applicant should have at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, and strong organizational skills. Aldar Academies emphasizes initiatives that align with UAE’s vision for a sustainable economy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of senior-level experience in an education or service-oriented industry.
• Skilled in strategic forward planning related to local government compliance.
• Ability to influence people and network with cultural sensitivity.

Responsibilities

• Advise, implement and support initiatives within your specialist area.
• Act as a cluster lead, supporting Principals and Operations Managers.
• Ensure compliance with Aldar Education and ESE policies.

Skills

Fluent English communication skills

Strong organizational ability

Attention to detail

Commercial acumen

Ability to multi-task

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a business-related subject

Certificate in School Business Management / Facilities Management / NEBOSH or IOSH

Job description

Senior Manager – Operations

Aldar Education is seeking an outstanding Senior Manager – Operations to support our schools. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group. Since its inception in 2007 with just 250 students, Aldar Education has grown into a highly sought‑after education provider with more than 25 owned and managed premium and super‑premium schools and academies in partnership with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Rugby School, King’s College Wimbledon, and Cranleigh. The group now serves over 38,000 students through 5,000 educators from more than 100 nationalities, delivering world‑class education across a broad range of curricula and learning pathways from nursery through to K12.

Our impact goes far beyond the classroom. We are proud to contribute to the UAE’s vision for a sustainable knowledge‑based economy through premium education. We hire educators and industry professionals who embody our values, cultural ethos and bring a genuine passion for education.

Responsibilities

• Advise, implement and support initiatives within your specialist area and ensure compliance with related internal and external directives and regulations.
• Act as a cluster lead, directly supporting Principals and Operations Managers, and fully oversee all operations, administration and support service‑related activities within your cluster.
• Ensure compliance with Aldar Education and ESE policies, procedures, HSE audit and regulatory directives.
• Continuously strive to exceed internal and external customer expectations, capitalise on economic profit and return on capital investment, while embracing Aldar Education core values.
• Embed the values, vision and ethos of Aldar Education and assist the department in implementing processes and policies that ensure high quality and successful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (BSc) in a business‑related subject or a related industry qualification at graduate level.
• Certificate in School Business Management / Facilities Management / NEBOSH or IOSH (preferable).
• At least 5 years of senior‑level experience within an education or service‑oriented industry.
• Fluent English communication skills, written and oral.
• Attention to detail with diligent follow‑up and ability to execute in a timely manner.
• Skilled in multi‑tasking and handling pressure.
• Strong organisational ability for self and others.
• Strategic forward planning, especially related to local government compliance matters.
• Capable of influencing people and networking with cultural sensitivity.
• Good interpersonal skills and consistent supervisory skills.
• Commercial acumen.
• Initiative and energy beyond the typical workday, when tasks require additional commitment.