Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Group of Schools
Job Fit Check
Base Career helps you apply smarter for this job.
Key skills for this role
About the Role
International Community Schools seeks a COO to oversee operations across multiple school branches in Abu Dhabi. The role involves ensuring operational efficiency, compliance with ADEK regulations, and leading departments including HR, IT, and Facilities.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the overall operations of all school branches within the group
- Ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and consistency across academic and administrative functions
- Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to implement strategic initiatives and organizational goals
- Monitor and improve operational processes, policies, and systems
- Supervise and coordinate departments including Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations
- Ensure compliance with ADEK regulations, policies, and educational standards
- Develop and implement performance metrics and operational KPIs
- Support school leaders in achieving operational and organizational excellence
- Manage budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning
- Lead large scale projects, school expansions, technology initiatives, and process improvements
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Management, or related field
- Minimum 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience
- Experience within the education sector or multi site organizations is highly preferred
- Strong understanding of school operations, compliance, and organizational management
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision making skills
- Proven ability to manage large teams and multiple branches
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem solving abilities
- Experience in ERP systems, digital transformation, and operational optimization is an advantage
- Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment
Full Job Posting
Overview
- International Community Schools (ICS) is a leading educational group with multiple branches delivering high quality international education. We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and results driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and enhance the operational excellence of our schools. Th
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the overall operations of all school branches within the group
- Ensure operational efficiency, compliance, and consistency across academic and administrative functions
- Work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to implement strategic initiatives and organizational goals
- Monitor and improve operational processes, policies, and systems
- Supervise and coordinate departments including Administration, HR, IT, Procurement, Facilities, Transportation, and School Operations
- Ensure compliance with ADEK regulations, policies, and educational standards
- Develop and implement performance metrics and operational KPIs
- Support school leaders in achieving operational and organizational excellence
- Manage budgets, resource allocation, and operational planning
- Lead large scale projects, school expansions, technology initiatives, and process improvements
- Drive innovation, digital transformation, and operational modernization across the group
- Strengthen communication and collaboration between branches and headquarters
Additional Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership, direction, and operational oversight to the HR, Procurement, Admissions, IT, Media, and Marketing departments across the group.
- Develop and implement strategic plans, departmental goals, and operational initiatives in collaboration with the senior management team to support organizational growth and excellence.
- Identify opportunities for process optimization, standardization, and automation across operational departments, implementing effective strategies to streamline workflows, improve productivity, and enhance overall organizational performance.
- Foster strong cross departmental collaboration and communication to ensure seamless operations, efficient information sharing, and effective problem solving while promoting a positive work culture and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Allocate and manage resources, including budgets, personnel, and technology, to support the operational needs of each department, ensuring optimal utilization and adherence to the financial guidelines.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Educational Leadership, Management, or related field
- Minimum 10–15 years of senior leadership or operational management experience
- Experience within the education sector or multi site organizations is highly preferred
- Strong understanding of school operations, compliance, and organizational management
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision making skills
- Proven ability to manage large teams and multiple branches
- Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem solving abilities
- Experience in ERP systems, digital transformation, and operational optimization is an advantage
- Ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment
Preferred Qualities
- Visionary and strategic mindset
- Strong people management and leadership skills
- High level of professionalism and integrity
- Ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement
- Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities
What We Offer
- Competitive salary package
- Professional and collaborative work environment
- Opportunity to lead operations for a growing educational group
- Career growth and leadership opportunities
- Dynamic and innovative educational environment
Apply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at International Community Schools (ICSchools)
Primary Teachers – Al Danah
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Danah Campus seeks a passionate Primary Teacher specializing in English for Early Years, starting August. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Education, 2+ years of British Curric
Art Teacher – Al Maharat
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Al Maharat Private School seeks an experienced Art Teacher to deliver engaging iGCSE art lessons at the secondary level. The role involves inspiring students to develop artistic skills and appreciation through various me
Mathematics Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Manhal Branch seeks a Math Teacher specializing in Calculus for its High/Secondary School Mathematics Department. The role involves teaching calculus concepts within the UK curriculum
Chemistry Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Manhal Branch seeks a Chemistry & Science Teacher to deliver engaging lessons according to the British Curriculum at the high/secondary school level. Requires a Bachelor's degree in Ch
Business Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Manhal Branch seeks a Business Studies/Economics Teacher to deliver engaging UK-IGCSE lessons at the secondary level. The role involves creating an inclusive classroom environment that
ICT Teacher – Al Maharat
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Maharat Campus seeks a dedicated Computing Teacher for the 2026/27 academic year. The role involves delivering UK-IGCSE Computing lessons to secondary students, developing lesson plans
Physics Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Manhal Branch is hiring a Physics & Science Teacher for secondary school. The role involves delivering engaging physics lessons aligned with the UK curriculum. Candidates need a Bachel
History Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
International Community School - Al Manhal Branch seeks a passionate History Teacher for High/Secondary School. You will deliver engaging IGCSE history lessons, inspire students, and contribute to the school community. R
Primary Teachers – Al Danah
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Art Teacher – Al Maharat
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mathematics Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Chemistry Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Business Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
ICT Teacher – Al Maharat
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Physics Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE
History Teacher – Al Manhal
Abu Dhabi, UAE