Strategic Head of School Operations

Remote DXB; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 400,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Collaborative environment

Lead operations for a growing group

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

International Community Schools (ICS) in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee all group school branches, drive operational excellence, and ensure regulatory compliance across academic and admin functions. You will partner with the CEO, manage budgets, lead ERP/digital transformation initiatives, and coordinate HR, IT, Facilities, and Procurement to deliver scalable, high-quality education.

The role requires 10–15 years of senior leadership experience in education or multi-site

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, educational leadership, or management required.
• 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience.
• Experience in education sector or multi-site organizations preferred.
• Strong understanding of school operations and compliance.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and multiple branches.
• Experience with ERP systems and digital transformation is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee operations of all school branches within the group.
• Ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and consistency across functions.
• Collaborate with CEO and senior leadership to implement strategic initiatives.
• Supervise Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations.
• Ensure ADEK compliance and educational standards.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation, and planning.
• Lead large-scale projects, expansions, and tech initiatives.
• Provide leadership to HR, Procurement, Admissions, IT, Media, and Marketing.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and automation.
• Maintain high health, safety, security, and risk management standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operations management

Education sector experience

ERP systems

Regulatory compliance

Change management

Budgeting & finance

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's Degree in Business Administration or Educational Leadership

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

International Community Schools (ICS) in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee all group school branches, drive operational excellence, and ensure regulatory compliance across academic and admin functions. You will partner with the CEO, manage budgets, lead ERP/digital transformation initiatives, and coordinate HR, IT, Facilities, and Procurement to deliver scalable, high-quality education.

The role requires 10–15 years of senior leadership experience in education or multi-site