Associate Director – People Services

Job Description

Aldar Education is currently seeking an outstanding Associate Director People Services within the People & Culture department of Aldar Education.

As the leading education group in Abu Dhabi, we provide inclusive and innovative learning that inspires and empowers communities. We offer a range of brands for all learners in our community, from nursery through to adult education. We offer the broadest choice of curricula. In the largest number of locations in Abu Dhabi.

Starting with one school and 250 students in 2007, Aldar Education has grown into a highly sought after education provider, now supporting over 38,000 students in 31 schools and a growing network of almost 5000 educators, with over 100 nationalities, offering a wide range of curricula and ancillary services such as a Teacher Training Academy.

Working collaboratively, our education network’s purpose is to empower the next generation to shape our future, directly supporting the educational goals of Abu Dhabi’s government. Today, Aldar Education’s efforts are guided by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy through premium education.

As a member of the HQ P&C leadership team, directly supporting the Chief People Officer, the Associate Director – People Services will be fully responsible to lead, P&C Payroll & Operations, Onboarding & Offboarding and Government Relations, Visa, Insurance and ADEK related activities and ensure the schools complies with all Aldar Education policy, procedures, audit and regulatory directives within the group.The successful candidate will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region.

Responsibilities

Main Duties

• Oversee and manage the entire payroll process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
• Lead the P&C Operations team, managing the end-to-end onboarding and offboarding process.
• Continuously strive to improve processes, working towards operational excellence in P&C services.
• Embody the values and vision of Aldar Education and apply these to the structure and function of the team.
• Ensure effective management of government relations, including the arrangement/cancellation of residency permits for staff and their families where required.
• Draft, present for approval, and implement policies and guidelines for areas of responsibility.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in P&C systems and technologies, ensuring the organization is leveraging the most efficient tools and platforms for people services.
• Maintain and enhance control functions within payroll, P&C operations, and government relations to ensure compliance, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Conduct compliance audit on the system and alert other P&C teams in case of findings to ensure continuous improvements of process and documentation.
• Develop and implement robust internal controls to safeguard against errors, fraud, and non-compliance in all P&C processes .
• Specific Duties
• Ensure all employees hold ADEK or KHDA and Security clearance before commencing work within the schools, in line with government guidance.
• Develop and implement government relations programs and policies, maintaining positive relationships with employees, the public, and stakeholders.
• Identify strategic objectives and effectively communicate them to the team.
• Develop and enhance P&C systems and processes to automate operational activities.
• Design and implement dashboards to monitor and report on key employee metrics for stakeholders.
• Support the Operations team with compliance in school licensing as per regulatory body guidelines.
• Regularly audit P&C processes and systems to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and organizational standards.
• Proactively manage the adoption of new P&C technologies and systems, providing training and support to the team as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in government regulations, particularly those affecting payroll, visas, and other P&C-related functions.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors to ensure compliance and address any identified gaps in controls.
• Provide support to the CPO on all employee-related matters as needed.
• Other duties as reasonably assigned
  
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors in business related subject; or
• Related industry qualification or certificate, for the assigned functional area(s)
  
  
  

Minimum Experience

• At least 10 years’ experience in a similar senior level position within the UAE
• Relevant experience within the education sector is desirable
  
  
  

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent communicator
• Strong knowledge of the UAE Labour Law.
• 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.
• Strong and consistent supervisory skills.
• Technically strong with ERP systems and MS-Excel.
• Commercial acumen.
• Initiate effort and energy beyond the typical work day, where the tasks require additional commitment.
  
  
  

WHAT WE OFFER:

Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package including medical & life insurance, flights, and education benefits. Our employees have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward-thinking leaders who would welcome the challenges and opportunities that we have to offer.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals to join our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.