Operations Manager - Beauty Vocational Training Institute

About the role

A fast-growing health and wellness group in Dubai is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead its beauty vocational training institute. Reporting to the CEO, you will oversee operations, sales, education, compliance and administration, and lead teams of educators, sales and admin staff. Programmes must meet international standards such as CIDESCO, CIBTAC and ITEC, and the institute must stay compliant with KHDA and DHA requirements. The role is based at the Dubai facility, with the chance to support expansion into the wider GCC.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the education, sales and administrative teams to build a high-performing culture focused on student success
• Manage instructors and staff through performance reviews, KPI setting, training and skills development
• Contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives as part of the senior leadership team
• Lead the sales team to meet enrolment and revenue targets, aligned with Marketing
• Oversee administration to ensure efficient operations, accurate records and student satisfaction
• Design and deliver educational programmes that meet international standards, including CIDESCO, CIBTAC and ITEC
• Ensure full compliance with KHDA, DHA and other local and international regulators and accrediting bodies
• Lead curriculum development reflecting industry trends while meeting compliance standards
• Schedule classes, instructors and training rooms to optimise facility use
• Manage inventory, consumables and assets, and oversee budgets and expense reports
• Analyse performance data to identify opportunities and recommend improvements
• Oversee the online education platform and enhance the student journey to graduation and licensure
• Organise industry events, guest lectures and networking opportunities, and deliver courses when required
• Conduct regular audits of student records, instructor qualifications and classroom performance
• Keep up to date with regulatory changes and update policies and procedures

Required profile

• 8-10 years of experience in vocational beauty education, operational management and compliance oversight within beauty training institutes
• Diploma in Esthetics/Skin Care required; a Bachelor's or Associate degree is an advantage
• Proven experience leading diverse teams across sales, education and administration
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Valid UAE driving licence required

Required skills

• Advanced knowledge of CIDESCO, CIBTAC and ITEC standards and a track record of compliance management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of digital learning and analytics platforms
• Strong verbal and written communication, attention to detail and client service