Senior Operations Manager (Corporate)

Apple School; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United Arab Emirates is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to optimize and lead operations across its group of schools. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and support sustainable growth. Responsibilities include overseeing administration, facilities, and training while managing multiple projects. Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor’s in Business Management, 5+ years of operations experience, and strong leadership skills. Attractive benefits include a competitive tax-free salary and tuition fee benefits for children.

Benefits

Competitive tax-free salary

Tuition-fee benefits for children

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive operations leadership experience.
• 3+ years within an educational group or school environment.
• Experience with MOE, KHDA compliance audits.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all group schools.
• Oversee standardized operating procedures for efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Cost optimization

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or related field

NEBOSH/equivalent certifications

Tools

Operational reporting systems

Electronic spreadsheets

Job description

About the Role

Leams Education is seeking an experienced Senior Operations Manager (Corporate) to lead and optimize operations across its group of schools. This strategic role is responsible for driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency while supporting sustainable growth and high‑quality service delivery across all campuses.

The successful candidate will work closely with School Principals, Senior Leadership team, and the Group Head of Operations to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations and strong governance aligned with the organization’s mission and vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all group schools.
• Implement and oversee standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Ensure full compliance with KHDA, MOE, DHA, DM and other regulatory requirements.
• Oversee school operations including administration, facilities, transportation, Health & Safety and support services.
• Training & development of facilities and support teams.
• Support budgeting, cost control and resource optimization initiatives.
• Coordinate closely with MSO’s, and procurement team.
• Prepare accurate operational and performance reports for Board‑level review.
• Respond to inspection reports and lead corrective action plans.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage complex school operations in fast‑paced environments
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities
• Experience in managing multiple projects with competing priorities
• Cost optimization expertise
• High level of attention to detail & organization skills
• In‑depth knowledge and practical experience handling MOE, KHDA, and regulatory compliance audits and inspections.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or a related field with NEBOSH/equivalent certifications preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive operations leadership experience, including 3+ years within an educational group or school environment.
• Strong proficiency in operational reporting systems and electronic spreadsheets

Why Join Leams Education?

• Lead operations at a group level within a rapidly growing education network.
• Gain direct exposure to senior leadership and Board‑level decision‑making
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and mission‑driven environment
• Enjoy a competitive tax‑free salary, tuition‑fee benefits for children, and other attractive benefits
• Access ongoing training and professional development opportunities