Job Description

Aldar Education is currently seeking a Manager - Operations to support our growing family of owned and operated schools in the UAE. Due to planned current and future expansion we are looking to add to our Operations Team supporting our British, US and IB curricula network of schools. The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region. Job Purpose As a key member of the HQ senior operations team, the Manager - Operations will oversee the HQ office operations and support relevant HQ and school operational leads throughout the year to ensure the entire department functions are efficient, well supported and coordinated across all key stakeholders leading on departmental initiatives as required. The incumbent will continuously strive to exceed internal & external customer expectations, capitalizing the economic profit and return on capital investment, while embracing the Aldar Education Core Values. To embody the values, vision and ethos of Aldar Education and assist the Principals in implementing process and policy which will ensure high quality and successful outcomes. Responsibilities: Main Duties: Lead on assignments as allocated by the HQ Operational leads throughout the year through demand cycles to ensure that each central department is well represented and has available capacity to offer exceptional service to school staff. Lead on the monitoring of budgets across schools for both OPEX and CAPEX requirements, compiling regular reporting for the Group Head of School Operations. Lead, develop and manage the database for all operational and safety policies and service guidelines. Lead the operational license process, Managing and tracking the database and ensure timely renewals and compliance across the group Manage operational delivery of service-based contracts, supplier relations and performance targets to ensure schools receive excellent service delivery through effective mobilisation, planning, KPI management, and financial consideration. Resolve service challenges once highlighted and to seek support where necessary to limit downtime, loss of revenue or reduction in customer satisfaction from services. Lead as a point of contact for school based OSM's, troubleshooting, queries, concerns and support requests to ensure the correct support is provided for the correct department. To lead on space planning, allocation, management and service provision for the HQ offices ensuring outsourced or support employees are allocated and resourced as required by HQ department leads. To lead, as allocated, on the HQ operations departmental initiatives for suitability and environmental impact. Specific Duties: General Operations Manage the online storage and tracking of issued policies, systems, processes, and student safeguarding measures as issued by Group Head of Departments made available to all school operations teams. To support the Group Head General Services to ensure essential central services such as catering, security, maintenance, cleaning, housing, transport, waste disposal and recycling are effectively planned and resourced throughout the year. Manage, develop, record and report the school review process with support of Operational Group Heads, Group Head of School Review and OSMs, in order to capture overall compliance status at each school, identify gaps, resolve issues and create an effective dashboard for reporting and audit purposes. Lead the allocation of resources for accommodation inspections (move in and move out) and furnishing requirements at peak seasons with Facilities & Services Officers and the central housing team. Lead the operational licensing process across the group, liaising with OSMs and promote proactiveness and a clear process to ensure timely renewals and overall compliance. To lead on the implementation stage of projects as assigned by the Group Head of School Operations acting as the assigned point of contact for HQ operations. Be contactable outside of normal business hours, available to attend site to support the Operations Team when required in line with the Aldar Education Critical Incident Response Protocols. Leadership & Management Support the Operational Group Heads and OSM's to ensure high standards of service are maintained throughout the School and that both internal and external employees provide an effective service culture. Track and ensure timely submissions for each member of the HQ Operations & Support Services team professional development, appraisal, and training records. Professionally offering challenge and fact led opinion on decision making in relation to risk mitigation, for the benefit of the wider Aldar Education group. To conduct relevant group training sessions (including leading specialist training sessions for ATA) in relation to specialist areas with OSMs and FSOs as required. Finance, Commercial & Procurement Coordinate with school based OSMs on OPEX/CAPEX requirements to support the Group Head School Operations. To develop and track relevant OPEX/CAPEX budgets and expenditure and ensure the School always receives best value and service in relation to operations and building standards. To review opportunities for shared resource, cost and/or services across partner schools to ensure that the schools benefit from improved access to service teams and physical resources (i.e., support staff, transport etc). Ensure purchasing policy and the Delegation of Authority (DOA) processes and procedures are followed at all times. Oversee the operational element to schools of procurement function, including systems, payments, deliveries, and quality assurance, management of the department administration coordinator in this area. Relationship & Stakeholder Management Support schools in ensuring that service providers are fully compliant with local government authority regulations to safeguard against fines of any nature as a result of non-renewal of contracts at school level. Ensure all internal and external audits are effectively co-ordinated and that actions arising from such audits are completed in a timely and appropriate manner. Manage reporting and status update reviews from department leads for the Director of Operations as requested. Health, Safety & Environment Support the Group Head of Operational Risk to ensure high standards of HSE are maintained throughout the schools and that they provide an effective safety culture. Support on the development of AVA (EHS management tool), record appropriate changes/ improvements and hold relevant sessions for group-wide training and development. Ensure all health, safety and environmental related inspections and audits are completed in line with the Aldar Education safety management system, to undertake the lead role in the internal audit of our EHS/risk management system whilst using a supportive and coaching nature, helping to remove barriers and promoting improvements in standards through teamwork. Act as an advisor to OSMs in schools on how to support compliance with current Health & Safety legislation and/or service guidelines and policies as issued by Aldar Education HQ, developing, and challenging where necessary. To support each school within the group in establishing specific health, safety and environmental related aims and objectives and ensuring that they are delivered within the required timelines. To lead and support a culture of 'no hurt, no harm' through pro-active and pragmatic risk based decision making. Minimum Qualifications: Minimum High school diploma / degree of higher education; or Related industry qualification, of graduate level, for the assigned functional area(s). Certificate of Facilities Management / NEBOSH or IOSH preferable. Minimum Experience: At least 2 years' experience in a mid-level position within an education or service-oriented industry. Job Specifics, Knowledge & Skills Fluent English communication skills, written and oral. Attention to detail with diligent follow up, and able to execute in a timely manner. Skilled in multi-tasking and handling pressure. Organizational ability, of self and others. Forethought and forward planning (particularly as this relates to local Government compliance matters). Capable of influencing people and talented in networking with cultural sensitivity. Good interpersonal skills and supervisory skills. Commercial acumen. Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment What We Offer Aldar Education are a family of world-class, child centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 25,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders. We offer an attractive remuneration package. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training. This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company. Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance. #LI-HQKA Schedule: Full-time Shift: Day Job Travel: