Senior Manager - Operations and Support Services

Job Snapshot

Role:
Senior Manager
- Operations and Support Services

Location:

Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Industry: Education Management

Function:
Operations-Plant Management

Experience:

At least 5 years experience in a senior-level position within an education or service-oriented industry

Job Type: Not specified

Country:
United Arab Emirates

City:
Abu Dhabi Emirate

Salary:
Not disclosed

Gender: No Preference

Candidate Nationality:
Not specified

The Senior Manager
- Operations and Support Services acts as a cluster lead and specialist-function advisor, providing strategic and operational support to a group of Principals and Operations Managers. The position is accountable for the effective oversight of operations, administration, and support service activities and for maintaining compliance with Aldar Education and ESE policies, HSE requirements, audit standards, and regulatory directives. The role also supports the implementation of processes and policies that improve service quality, operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, and successful outcomes across the assigned schools.

• Lead the assigned specialist function and establish a consistent, streamlined approach aligned with strategic directives, quality standards, cost efficiency, and return on investment.
• Oversee the organization and delivery of operations, administration, and support service teams across the assigned cluster.
• Promote a service culture and ensure efficient deployment of Operations and Support Service staff.
• Work with HQ teams to support the recruitment of high-calibre candidates for Operations and Support Service functions.
• Advise cluster and HQ functions on operational, financial, HSE, audit, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Use robust performance management systems to monitor the effectiveness of operational and support services.
• Provide strategic guidance to Principals, Senior Leadership, and Aldar Education HQ on audit and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure schools maintain readiness and compliance throughout authority and internal audit visits.
• Support continuous professional development and training for Operations and Support Service staff.
• Lead relevant operational and support-service elements of school business and improvement plans.
• Champion a positive and proactive health and safety culture across cluster teams.
• Oversee the efficiency of support functions, including Procurement and IT, in coordination with HQ functional reporting lines.
• Maintain regular liaison with project stakeholders to improve operational excellence and efficiency across schools and the cluster.

• Support Principals and Operations Managers in implementing agreed school and cluster business strategies.
• Develop and implement relevant policies, systems, processes, and student safeguarding measures in conjunction with Aldar Education HQ.
• Support business continuity and the effective delivery of operational services.
• Identify good practices within the cluster and share them across the group to streamline processes, policies, and operations.
• Remain contactable outside normal school hours and attend sites when required under Aldar Education Critical Incident Response Protocols.
• Support Operations Managers and project stakeholders with key projects, including new builds and major expansions.
• Share operational knowledge and good practice throughout project execution.

• Oversee the performance of Operations and Support Service staff and maintain high service standards across assigned schools.
• Promote a collegial, efficient, and effective service culture within cluster teams.
• Review support-service operating models and staffing levels to ensure schools are appropriately resourced.
• Balance operational requirements with school financial and performance objectives.
• Contribute to recruitment, professional development, appraisal, and training of Operations and Support Service staff.
• Support individual development planning and the creation of high-performing teams.
• Facilitate effective coordination between schools, cluster leadership, ESE, and HQ functions.

• Support Principals and Operations Managers in developing and monitoring relevant budgets and expenditure, particularly operational costs.
• Help ensure appropriate value and service are achieved from operational expenditure.
• Review opportunities to share resources, costs, and services across the cluster.
• Identify opportunities to improve access to support teams and…