HR Manager - School Experience

International Community Schools (ICS) is seeking an experienced and strategic Group HR Manager to lead and strengthen the Human Resources function across its group of schools in Abu Dhabi.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing robust HR systems, policies, and procedures that support the operational and strategic objectives of the organization. This is a group-level leadership role requiring a strong understanding of HR governance, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development within a multi-site environment.

• 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 all ICS schools.
  
• 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.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
  
• Professional HR certification such as CIPD, SHRM, or an equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
  
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including experience in a managerial or leadership role.
  
• Proven experience in developing HR policies, procedures, systems, and organizational frameworks.
  
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labor Law and local employment practices.
  
• Experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, and HR operations.
  
• Experience within a group of schools, educational institution, or multi-site organization is strongly preferred.
  
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent written and spoken English, with Arabic language proficiency considered a significant advantage.
  
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and proficiency in HR systems and Microsoft Office applications.
  

Benefits

What We Offer

• A strategic group-level leadership role within an established school group.
  
• The opportunity to shape and strengthen HR systems and policies.
  
• A professional, collaborative, and multicultural working environment.
  
• A competitive salary and benefits package based on qualifications and experience.
  
• Consider the mentioned salary bracket seriously. We may not exceed that salary range.