HR Manager – Group of Schools

About This Role

International Community Schools (ICS) is a leading educational group operating 6 branches across Abu Dhabi, offering both British and American curricula. With a commitment to academic excellence, operational efficiency, and staff well-being, ICS is seeking an experienced and strategic HR Manager to lead the Human Resources function across all branches.

International Community Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and the receipt of police clearance. We strongly encourage UAE Nationals to apply.

Key Responsibilities

· Lead and manage the HR department across all ICS branches.

· Develop and implement HR strategies, policies, and systems in line with organizational objectives and educational regulatory standards.

· Oversee full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and retention of academic and administrative staff.

· Ensure all HR practices comply with UAE Labor Law and ADEK requirements.

· Design and monitor performance appraisal systems and staff development programs.

· Manage employee relations and handle complex disciplinary and grievance issues.

· Supervise payroll processing, leave management, and employee benefits.

· Supervise & guide HR officer to maintain, accurate and up-to-date employee records across branches.

· Guide school principals and department heads on HR best practices.

· Prepare HR reports and analytics for senior leadership.

Role Summary

The Group HR Manager will lead and oversee the full spectrum of HR functions across all school branches, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with UAE Labor Law and ADEK regulations . The role focuses on driving effective HR strategies, policies, and processes that support a high-performance and compliant work environment.

Key responsibilities include workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, compensation & benefits, and training & development. The role also involves leading and developing the HR team across multiple campuses, ensuring consistency in HR practices, and supporting senior leadership with strategic HR planning and organizational development.

The ideal candidate will have strong HR leadership experience within the education sector , with the ability to manage multi-site operations and implement scalable HR solutions.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s or HR certifications preferred.

· Minimum 5–7 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role in the education sector (school experience is mandatory).

· Strong understanding of UAE Labor Law and ADEK regulations.

· Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage a multi-branch HR team.

· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· High level of integrity, confidentiality, and organizational skills.

· Fluent in English; Arabic is an advantage.

· Proficiency in HR software and MS Office Suite.

Benefits

Why Join International Community Schools (ICS)?

• Part of a growing and well-established school group in the UAE
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Opportunity to contribute at a strategic, group level
• Exposure to multi-campus operations
• Focus on professional growth and leadership development
• Work within a diverse, international education setting