Head of Human Resources

About the role

International Community Schools (ICS) is seeking a strategic and results‑driven Head of Human Resources to lead HR operations across its six school campuses in Abu Dhabi. This senior leadership position will shape workforce planning, talent development, and organisational culture for the entire group.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a Group‑wide HR strategy aligned with long‑term growth objectives, advising the CEO and senior leadership.
• Lead workforce planning, succession, organisational restructuring and talent development for all campuses.
• Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment, onboarding, contract management and employee lifecycle processes.
• Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law, ADEK regulations and education‑sector requirements, managing employee relations and legal risks.
• Design performance appraisal systems, employee engagement programmes and compensation strategies.
• Drive HR digitalisation, optimise HRMS/ERP platforms and implement process automation.
• Lead, mentor and develop HR teams across the six schools and collaborate with principals, finance and operations.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration or related field; Master’s or professional HR certification (CIPD, SHRM‑SCP, SPHR) preferred.
• 12–15 years progressive HR experience, including senior HR leadership in the UAE education sector.
• Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law, ADEK regulations and multi‑campus HR compliance.
• Proven track record in strategic HR management, organisational development and employee relations.
• Excellent communication skills; Arabic proficiency is an advantage.

Required skills

• HRMS/ERP systems implementation and optimisation
• HR analytics and data‑driven decision making
• Compensation and benefits management
• Performance management frameworks

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence strategic leadership decisions across a growing educational group.
• Leadership of HR transformation across multiple school campuses.
• Competitive salary and benefits in line with UAE labour laws.