School Operations Manager - Regent International School - Abu Dhabi

Job description / Role

Employment: Full Time

Overview

This includes managing administrative, logistical, health and safety, and facilities operations to support a thriving, safe, and efficient learning environment for students, staff, and parents.

Reporting to the Principal as an extended part of the School Leadership Team, the MSO is responsible for school development, maintenance, safety, security, and cleanliness of the school building and grounds, ensuring that the site and facilities are always available for school use as well as external users.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate all non-academic operations of the school, including facilities, security, transport, procurement, and administrative support.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the academic leadership team and support service departments (maintenance, cleaning, IT support, catering, etc.).
• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

• Ensure that school facilities are well-maintained, clean, and compliant with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage emergency response plans, fire drills, and compliance with local authority and KHDA requirements.
• Oversee maintenance schedules, renovation projects, and vendor performance.
• Regularly and proactively inspect the school building and grounds to identify any maintenance or development requirements.
• Line manage the school facilities and cleaning teams effectively to ensure all maintenance and cleaning requests and requirements are met in a timely manner and to a consistent high quality.
• Provide operational and logistical support to all staff members seeking to organise school events, functions, and performances.
• Line manage the school clinic team effectively to ensure all health and safety compliance guidelines and requirements are met.
• Line manage the school security team effectively to ensure all aspects of school security are covered both during and outside operational school hours, including being the liaison for contractors.
• Oversee and support the school security team with traffic management during drop-off and pickup timings.
• Oversee and regulate the safe usage of all school facilities, ensuring health and safety standards are always met, particularly with regards to sports facilities such as the swimming pool and lifeguards.
• Be the liaison and contact person for all external and third-party providers looking to use the premises both during and outside operational school hours.
• Oversee all operations of externally provided services onsite, i.e., school transport, canteen catering, and parent cafe.
• Oversee all aspects of school compliance and inspection from external governmental bodies, i.e., KHDA, DHA, Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, and RTA.
• Oversee and proactively facilitate all school emergency plans and procedures, i.e., fire drills, evacuation management, lockdowns, lock-ins, extreme weather conditions, emergency school closures, etc.
• Provide advice and strategic guidance to the Principal and wider Senior Leadership Team on operational matters, and be accountable for their effectiveness using robust performance management systems.
• Actively encourage and lead on environmental sustainability targets across the school site.

• Support the HR department in the recruitment and onboarding of non-teaching staff.
• Supervise operational support staff (e.g., maintenance workers, cleaners, drivers, security guards).
• Ensure appropriate staff deployment, performance reviews, and professional development plans.

• Assist in budget planning for operations and ensure cost-effective procurement and resource allocation.
• Oversee purchasing of school supplies, equipment, and service contracts.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure contractual obligations are met.

• Oversee school transportation operations, ensuring safety, punctuality, and parent satisfaction.
• Manage security personnel and systems to ensure student and staff safety on campus.

• Act as a key contact for operational inquiries from parents and staff.
• Work closely with the admissions and administration teams to support parent engagement and satisfaction.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, facilities management, or related field (master's preferred).
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in school operations or facilities management, ideally within a school or hospitality setting.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with UAE regulations, KHDA requirements, and health and safety standards is highly desirable.
• Proficient in MS Office and school information systems.

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