Employee Relations Manager

THE POSTADNOC Schools is currently seeking high-performing Employee Relations Manager for an immediate start. ADNOC Schools are Massachusetts State Curriculum schools in superb facilities in Abu Dhabi City and the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Massachusetts Curriculum is one of the most highly regarded and successful curricula in the United States, with close links to prestigious higher education institutions such as Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Graduates of ADNOC Schools receive the American High School Diploma - the standard entry qualification for US colleges and universities.

This is an exciting opportunity ADNOC Schools, which is currently operated by Aldar Education, offer world class amenities, and are designed to provide learners with a 21st Century curriculum using the latest technology and world class facilities. The successful candidates will be closely aligned with our core values and ethos and possess a genuine understanding and appreciation of the values of the region. Job Purpose: Policy Development & ComplianceEnsure all HR policies and employee handbooks are up to date and compliant with ADEK and UAE labor laws.

Recommend and implement updates to HR procedures to reflect changes in law or best practice. Monitor compliance with school policies related to conduct, grievances, performance, and discipline. ADEK & Legal ComplianceStay informed of current ADEK regulations impacting HR practices and ensure the school remains compliant. Prepare required documentation for ADEK audits and inspections. Collaborate with legal advisors and external authorities as needed on employee-related matters. Employee Engagement & WellbeingDevelop and implement initiatives to enhance employee satisfaction, wellbeing, and morale. Conduct and analyze exit interviews to identify trends and make recommendations for improvement.

Support a culture of inclusion, openness, and respect across the staff community. Training & Performance EnablementCoordinate probationary evaluations in line with group-wide policies. Manage performance appraisal cycles, supporting SLT in maintaining a high-performance culture. Provide training and support to managers on giving feedback, resolving conflict, and applying HR policies. Track and report key performance cases and progress to HQ HR. HR OperationsOversee staff health and life insurance applications, renewals, and cancellations. Manage employee time and attendance systems and submit monthly reports to line managers. Process and manage all leave applications in accordance with policy.

Prepare official HR documentation, including salary certificates, employment confirmations, and letters for government or immigration use. Process staff exits, including final settlements, housing clearances, and payroll coordination. Maintain up-to-date, accurate, and confidential employee records and personnel files. Keep HR systems current and aligned with actual staffing numbers. Participate in group-wide HR forums to ensure consistency and share best practices. Coordinate with ADNOC Medical for secondee fitness assessments. Administer employee benefits and allowances in compliance with policy and legal requirements. Reporting & DocumentationProvide regular reports to school leadership and HQ HR on ER cases, performance, onboarding, and staffing metrics.

Ensure meticulous recordkeeping for all HR operations and ER matters. Other DutiesUndertake additional HR-related responsibilities as required by the line mangerEmployee Relations & Conflict ResolutionAct as the first point of contact for employee concerns, grievances, and conflicts. Conduct investigations into disciplinary or grievance cases with professionalism, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with UAE labor law and ADEK guidelines. Support and guide managers on employee conduct, performance, and attendance matters. Mediate workplace conflicts and support resolution efforts that maintain a positive working culture.

Provide advice, counsel, and guidance to employees on employment-related matters and escalate cases to the SLT and Head of School where necessaryHandle all ADNOC Schools legal cases in coordination with the ADNOC Legal Department. Provide recommendations on disciplinary actions (including verbal/written warnings), ensuring consistency and fairness in line with group policy. Support SLT in managing informal and formal employee relations cases in accordance with group-wide policies and standards. Maintain accurate and confidential records of all ER cases and actions taken. REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in industrial Relations, Human Resources, Business Administration, Management, or Psychology6 years’ experience in a related field. Education industry experience preferableJob Specific Knowledge & SkillsSound working knowledge of UAE Labour Law. Competent using IT systems, including Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook. Strong organizational and prioritisation skills. Experience liaising with government bodies in the UAE as well as a working knowledge of HAAD and Immigration requirements and processes. Fluent English communication skills, written and oral (Arabic proficiency is desirable)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. Excellent interpersonal skills. Application: A cover letter and CV including details of two referees should be submitted. WHAT WE OFFERADNOC Schools offer an attractive remuneration package. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff and so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.

Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves. ADNOC School and Aldar Education are keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenge and opportunities that we have to offer. APPLICATIONInterested applicants should forward: 1 side A4, letter of interestMost recent resume/CVAs much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volume of applications and robust selection process, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within 10 business days.

ADNOC Schools are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, and any offer of appointment will be subject to any relevant medical checks and clearance from appropriate safeguarding authorities.