Strategic HR Leader – Education Group

Remote DXB; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Strategic group-level leadership role

Multicultural working environment

Job summary

International Community Schools (ICS) seeks a senior HR leader to design and drive a group-wide HR strategy aligned with the organization's vision.

You will standardize policies across branches, oversee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management, and advise executives on workforce planning and organizational structure. A strong compliance mindset and multi-site experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business, or related field.
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD or SHRM.
• 7–10 years progressive HR experience with managerial responsibility.
• Experience in developing HR policies, procedures, systems, and organizational frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and local employment practices.
• Experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Experience within a group of schools, educational institution, or multi-site organization preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic proficiency is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a group-wide HR strategy aligned with the vision and objectives of International Community Schools.
• Establish, review, and standardize HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, and internal guidelines across all branches.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, probation, promotion, transfer, succession planning, and employee exit processes.
• Advise senior management, principals, and department heads on workforce planning, organizational structure, and employee relations.
• Develop and manage performance appraisal, staff development, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Ensure consistent and fair implementation of HR policies across ICs across all branches.
• Manage grievances, disciplinary matters, workplace investigations, and other sensitive employee relations cases.
• Maintain accurate employee records, organizational charts, job descriptions, staffing data, and HR documentation.
• Prepare HR dashboards and management reports covering recruitment, turnover, attendance, vacancies, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labor Law, regulatory requirements, safeguarding standards, and internal school policies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical skills

English proficiency

Arabic advantageous

HR systems

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Management

CIPD/SHRM or equivalent

Tools

HRIS software

MS Office Suite

Job description

International Community Schools (ICS) seeks a senior HR leader to design and drive a group-wide HR strategy aligned with the organization's vision.

You will standardize policies across branches, oversee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management, and advise executives on workforce planning and organizational structure. A strong compliance mindset and multi-site experience are essential.