Job Description

Head of School Operations - Facilities, Compliance, and Strategic Administration
Role Summary
GEMS Education is hiring a Head of School Operations for its Dubai campus to oversee all non-academic functions including facilities management, administration, security, compliance, and commercial services. This strategic leadership role supports the Principal in achieving operational excellence across infrastructure, human capital, budgeting, and third-party vendor management while ensuring alignment with KHDA and UAE compliance. Candidates must bring senior-level operational experience and a strong track record in education or service-driven sectors.
Job Details
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Education Management
Function: Plant / Facilities Management
Salary: 22000-27000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full Time
Position Overview

• Lead strategic planning, administration, and continuous improvement across school operations
• Ensure site safety, cleanliness, and maintenance of the school building and grounds
• Oversee HR and staff development of non-academic teams including support and admin staff
• Implement high-impact sustainability practices and promote responsible resource usage
• Guide budget planning, vendor contract negotiation, and operational cost optimization
• Ensure compliance with KHDA, Health and Safety, NEBOSH, and corporate directives
• Serve as a key decision-maker on risk management, critical incidents, and data security

Core Duties

• Manage daily operations of facilities, maintenance, transport, catering, and health services
• Direct building upkeep including BMS alerts, CCTV, landscaping, lighting, and utility systems
• Ensure all contracts (e.g., cleaning, school transport, accommodation) meet performance KPIs
• Supervise admin team scheduling, asset register accuracy, and after-hours school facility usage
• Develop and monitor operational KPIs to assess service quality and cost-effectiveness
• Liaise with GEMS Corporate and government authorities on all site-related compliance matters
• Encourage commercial use of facilities to increase community engagement and revenue

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum BA or equivalent diploma; advanced certifications in School Business or Facilities Management preferred
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification required for safety compliance
• 5+ years in a senior operations or facilities leadership role in education or similar sector
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting, procurement, and vendor management expertise
• Fluency in English and excellent written and verbal communication
• Skilled in supervision, multi-tasking, compliance coordination, and critical incident response
• Culturally aware with effective networking and interpersonal skills

Why Join Us

• Work with one of the world's most respected private education providers
• Opportunity to lead operations at a flagship Dubai campus with cutting-edge infrastructure
• Tax-free salary, housing, airfare, medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity
• Access to GEMS Rewards platform with discounts on lifestyle, travel, and dining
• Contribute to the strategic growth and operational excellence of future-ready education

About the Company
GEMS Education is a global leader in private education with over 60 years of delivering academic excellence and operational innovation. Our Dubai campuses are renowned for their commitment to sustainability, safety, and forward-thinking administration. Joining GEMS means being part of a global community shaping education for a better future.
Job Title Head of School Operations - Facilities, Compliance, and Strategic Administration
Head of School Operations - Facilities, Compliance, and Strategic Administration
Role Summary
GEMS Education is hiring a Head of School Operations for its Dubai campus to oversee all non-academic functions including facilities management, administration, security, compliance, and commercial services. This strategic leadership role supports the Principal in achieving operational excellence across infrastructure, human capital, budgeting, and third-party vendor management while ensuring alignment with KHDA and UAE compliance. Candidates must bring senior-level operational experience and a strong track record in education or service-driven sectors.
Job Details
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Education Management
Function: Plant / Facilities Management
Salary: 22000-27000 monthly (Market estimated)
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
Job Type: Full Time
Position Overview

• Lead strategic planning, administration, and continuous improvement across school operations
• Ensure site safety, cleanliness, and maintenance of the school building and grounds
• Oversee HR and staff development of non-academic teams including support and admin staff
• Implement high-impact sustainability practices and promote responsible resource usage
• Guide budget planning, vendor contract negotiation, and operational cost optimization
• Ensure compliance with KHDA, Health and Safety, NEBOSH, and corporate directives
• Serve as a key decision-maker on risk management, critical incidents, and data security

Core Duties

• Manage daily operations of facilities, maintenance, transport, catering, and health services
• Direct building upkeep including BMS alerts, CCTV, landscaping, lighting, and utility systems
• Ensure all contracts (e.g., cleaning, school transport, accommodation) meet performance KPIs
• Supervise admin team scheduling, asset register accuracy, and after-hours school facility usage
• Develop and monitor operational KPIs to assess service quality and cost-effectiveness
• Liaise with GEMS Corporate and government authorities on all site-related compliance matters
• Encourage commercial use of facilities to increase community engagement and revenue

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum BA or equivalent diploma; advanced certifications in School Business or Facilities Management preferred
• NEBOSH or IOSH certification required for safety compliance
• 5+ years in a senior operations or facilities leadership role in education or similar sector
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting, procurement, and vendor management expertise
• Fluency in English and excellent written and verbal communication
• Skilled in supervision, multi-tasking, compliance coordination, and critical incident response
• Culturally aware with effective networking and interpersonal skills

Why Join Us

• Work with one of the world's most respected private education providers
• Opportunity to lead operations at a flagship Dubai campus with cutting-edge infrastructure
• Tax-free salary, housing, airfare, medical insurance, and end-of-service gratuity
• Access to GEMS Rewards platform with discounts on lifestyle, travel, and dining
• Contribute to the strategic growth and operational excellence of future-ready education

About the Company
GEMS Education is a global leader in private education with over 60 years of delivering academic excellence and operational innovation. Our Dubai campuses are renowned for their commitment to sustainability, safety, and forward-thinking administration. Joining GEMS means being part of a global community shaping education for a better future.
Post Details
Job Start Date
Salary from 22000.00
Salary to 27000.00
Number of Vacancies 1
Location -
Location City Dubai
Desired Candidate's Profile
Gender No Preference
Nationality
Candidate Current Location

Skills Required