Manager School Operations (July/Aug 2026 Start)-GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Manager School Operations to lead all non-academic operations, including facilities, health and safety, administration, compliance, and financial stewardship.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic advice and operational leadership to the Principal/CEO and Senior Leadership Team
- Develop, implement, and monitor business strategies, policies, systems, processes, and operational improvement plans
- Drive operational efficiencies, cost optimization, and value for money initiatives while maintaining high service standards
- Ensure compliance with GEMS policies, local regulations, and government requirements
- Lead environmental sustainability initiatives across the school
- Oversee the maintenance, security, cleanliness, and effective operation of school buildings, grounds, and facilities
- Manage preventive and reactive maintenance programmes, utilities, landscaping, accommodation, and site infrastructure
- Monitor and manage outsourced service providers and contractor performance against agreed KPIs
- Ensure effective use of school facilities and support community and commercial use opportunities
- Act as the school's Health & Safety Coordinator and GEMS Incident Commander
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, fire, security, and safeguarding regulations
- Lead risk assessments, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning
Requirements
- Minimum a BA, or equivalent (advanced) diploma / Certificate of School Business Management / Facilities Management / NEBOSH or IOSH
- At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role within a service oriented industry
- 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
- Strong and consistent supervisory skills
- Commercial acumen
- Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday, where the tasks require additional commitment
Full Job Posting
Job Description
- GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manager – School Operations to join our team for a July/August 2026 start.
- Reporting directly to the Principal/CEO, the successful candidate will lead all non academic operations of the school, ensuring the highest standards of facilities management, health and safety, administration, compliance, financial stewardship, and support services.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic advice and operational leadership to the Principal/CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
- Develop, implement, and monitor business strategies, policies, systems, processes, and operational improvement plans.
- Drive operational efficiencies, cost optimization, and value for money initiatives while maintaining high service standards.
- Ensure compliance with GEMS policies, local regulations, and government requirements.
- Lead environmental sustainability initiatives across the school.
- Oversee the maintenance, security, cleanliness, and effective operation of school buildings, grounds, and facilities.
- Manage preventive and reactive maintenance programmes, utilities, landscaping, accommodation, and site infrastructure.
- Monitor and manage outsourced service providers and contractor performance against agreed KPIs.
- Ensure effective use of school facilities and support community and commercial use opportunities.
- Act as the school's Health & Safety Coordinator and GEMS Incident Commander.
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, fire, security, and safeguarding regulations.
- Lead risk assessments, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum a BA, or equivalent (advanced) diploma / Certificate of School Business Management / Facilities Management / NEBOSH or IOSH
- At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role within a service oriented industry
- 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
- Strong and consistent supervisory skills
- Commercial acumen
- Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical workday, where the tasks require additional commitment.
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