Job Description

HR Manager (Founding Team)
Immediate Start | New British Curriculum School (Opening August 2026)
Reports to: Principal / Chief Operating Officer
Start Date: Immediate
Salary: AED 13,000 per month, plus comprehensive benefits package (including housing allowance, medical insurance, flight allowance, and tuition fee concessions where applicable).
About the Role: A Foundational Opportunity
We are seeking a pioneering HR Manager to become a core member of the founding team for our prestigious new British school, set to launch in August 2026. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for an HR professional to architect the entire people function from the ground up. Starting immediately, you will be instrumental in building the team, shaping the culture, and establishing all HR systems and policies that will define our school community for years to come.
Key Responsibilities
Phase 1: Pre-Opening (Now - August 2026)

• Talent Acquisition & Onboarding: Lead the end-to-end recruitment campaign for all founding staff--from leadership and teachers to administration and support staff. Develop employer branding, manage recruitment portals, conduct interviews, and ensure a seamless onboarding experience.
• HR Systems & Infrastructure: Research, select, and implement core HR systems (HRIS, payroll, filing). Design and document all HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks in compliance with UAE Labour Law and regulatory bodies (KHDA/ADEK/etc.).
• Culture & Employer Branding: Collaborate with the leadership team to define and embed the school's core values, mission, and vision into all people practices. Create initiatives to build a cohesive, positive, and high-performing founding team culture.
• Compensation & Benefits: Administer the compensation structure, manage benefit enrollments, and ensure all offers and contracts are competitive and compliant.
• Regulatory Compliance: Secure all necessary quotas, visas, and work permits for the founding team. Ensure all school practices align with UAE immigration and labour regulations.

Phase 2: Operational Excellence (Post-Opening)

• Transition to the ongoing HR management of the school community.
• Manage employee relations, performance management cycles, professional development, and retention strategies.
• Oversee payroll, leave management, and all HR administrative functions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to staff and leadership on all HR-related matters.
• Continuously develop HR initiatives to support the school's strategic growth and educational goals.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential: Proven experience (minimum 3-5 years) as an HR Generalist or HR Manager within a school environment in the UAE.
• Essential: In-depth knowledge of UAE Labour Law and the specific regulatory frameworks for schools (e.g., KHDA, ADEK, MOE).
• Essential: Demonstrable experience with full-cycle recruitment, particularly for teaching and educational leadership roles.
• Essential: Experience in developing HR policies, handbooks, and systems from scratch.
• Highly Desirable: Experience working in a start-up or pre-opening environment.
• Highly Desirable: Familiarity with British curriculum schools and their specific standards.
• Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. CIPD or other relevant HR certification is a strong advantage.

The Ideal Candidate

• A builder and a strategist who thrives in a blank-canvas environment.
• A culture champion passionate about creating a positive, inclusive, and excellence-driven work environment.
• Exceptionally organized and proactive, able to manage multiple parallel workstreams to meet critical deadlines.
• A strong communicator with high emotional intelligence, capable of building trust with diverse stakeholders.
• A pragmatic problem-solver who is both compliant and people-focused.

How to Apply
If you are an experienced school HR professional in the UAE, excited by the challenge of building something exceptional, we would love to connect.
Please send your updated CV and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal foundational HR Manager for this new school to [Insert Application Email/Portal Link].
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Skills Required