Chief People Officer

Aldar Education is currently seeking an outstanding Chief People Officer to
lead 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.
The Chief People Officer will be responsible for developing and leading Aldar
Education's People Strategy, focusing on Attraction, Retention, Development,
Performance, Rewards, and Operational Excellence to meet current and future
organisational needs. 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:
* Guides and directs all facets of Human Resources including recruitment, employee relations, coaching, organisational development, compensation & benefits, health & safety, performance & talent management
* Represents the People Function in the wider Aldar Group and guides the CEO on people-centric matters
* Works closely with the senior leadership, providing advice and guidance at a strategic level to support the achievement of the company's goals while providing an effective operational service to the CEO and Directors on all matters pertaining to people and organisational development
* Part of Aldar Executive Committee and provides direction, coaching, and counselling for fellow Chiefs and (Executive) Directors or direct P&C Reports on Human Resources issues such as performance management and employee relations
* Directly involved in strategic work streams related to opening or acquisition of new schools
* Leads functional direction on Government Relations and ensures compliance with all legal requirements
* Provides a sounding board for colleague concerns, mediating solutions, and initiating changes
* Acts as a role model and drive adherence to organisational values and ethics by employees of the assigned department to foster a value driven culture
* Works together with the Strategy department and establish annual company objectives, budget, and programs in conjunction with the company's strategic plan
* Fosters a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and employee morale
* Overlooks direct reports, guides, or performance manages where appropriate and ensures departmental deliverables on the highest standards 
* Provides guidance and approval on departmental budgets before submission 
* Provides required approvals as per DOA 
* Creates systems and processes for holistic feedback
* Ensures compliance with all local laws and authority requirements
* Focus on Emiratisation and support initiatives/projects that enhance UAE National recruitment & retention 
* Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law; applies this knowledge to communicate changes in policy, practice, and resources to upper management
* Vital role in driving company engagement and becoming an employer of choice
* Works extensively with ambiguity and with highly charged, critical issues and situations
* Must be able to navigate at any level and through complex, potentially conflict-ridden issues 
* Active involvement in the recruitment of Principals and HQ Senior Leadership 
* Monitors the department's financial performance versus the set budget
Requirements:
Qualifications:
* Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management or equivalent; a Master's degree is valued
* Recognized HR Qualification and/or professional subscription (e.g. CIPD Level ‎7 or equivalent SHRM level) desirable
* Law background will be an added advantage
Experience:
* A minimum of ‎12 years in Human Resources with at least ‎5 years in a senior HR Generalist capacity
* At least ‎5 years in a Chief People Officer capacity is desirable
* Previous experience of working in the GCC region will be a plus
* Experience in the Education sector desirable
* Progressive experience with a strategic and operational focus on all HR functions
* Experience in developing compelling company HR strategies in growing organisations
Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:
* Provide strong organisational and project management skills to meet multiple priorities and deadlines
* Demonstrate ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable
* Establish trust by maintaining a high level of credibility, integrity, confidentiality, and skilled communication with all levels of employees
* Work in a highly collaborative and effective manner, both independently and in cross-functional teams
* Organised & capable of managing multiple complex projects in a rapidly changing, fast-paced environment in conjunction with day-to-day activities
* Successful track record of increased employee satisfaction within the company
* Possess flexibility and has a history of delivering results in a changing and highly ambiguous work environment
* Ability to communicate complex P&C-related issues and risks in terms that colleagues can understand
* Strong UAE Labour Law Knowledge desirable
* Proven experience and success working on high-impact, cross-functional programs or projects, with a strong sense of urgency and commitment
* Ability to roll up sleeves and get things done through taking calculated risks and experimenting with new solutions
* Strong communication and presentation skills
Requires business acumen and understanding of how positions function relative
to each other in each business unit and school and across the company
*
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.