People & Culture Manager

Job Purpose

The People and Culture Manager provides expert HR guidance and operational support at Queen Elizabeth's School, Dubai Sports City, playing a vital role in supporting the employee lifecycle, from onboarding and policy implementation to employee relations and professional development. The role delivers high-quality HR advice, supports staff across the school, and ensures compliance with local regulations while upholding the school's global standards.
Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Onboarding

- Coordinate the end-to-end recruitment process for teaching and non-teaching staff, ensuring roles are advertised and filled promptly.

- Conduct initial screening of applicants and support managers with shortlisting and interview arrangements.

- Oversee onboarding processes, including preparing offer letters, employment contracts, and induction programs.

- Ensure all recruitment and onboarding activities comply with local labour laws, regulatory requirements, and school policies.

Employee Relations and Well-being

- Provide advice to staff and leadership on HR policies, procedures, and employment laws.

- Act as the first point of contact for employee concerns, resolving issues sensitively and in line with school policies.

- Support employee well-being initiatives, including mental health support, wellness programs, and staff events.

- Handle disciplinary, grievance, and performance-related matters professionally, providing guidance to managers.

Policy and Compliance

- Assist in developing, reviewing, and updating HR policies, procedures, and handbooks to reflect current regulations and best practices.

- Maintain accurate and secure employee records, ensuring compliance with GDPR and school data protection policies.

- Support audits and inspections related to HR and regulatory requirements.

Performance Management

- Support the implementation and management of the school's performance appraisal system.

- Advise line managers on best practices for setting goals, conducting reviews, and supporting professional growth.

- Monitor probationary periods, ensuring timely feedback and confirmation of appointments.

Learning and Development

- Assist in identifying training needs across the school and coordinating professional development programs for staff.

- Organise workshops, training sessions, and CPD opportunities in collaboration with school leadership.

- Maintain training records and ensure compliance with mandatory training requirements (e.g. safeguarding).

HR Operations and Administration

- Maintain accurate HR systems and databases, including staff records, attendance, and leave management.

- Prepare HR reports and data analysis for leadership and management decision-making.

- Support payroll processing by providing accurate information on employee attendance, leave, and benefits.

- Manage employee benefits, including health insurance, leave entitlements, and end-of-service settlements.

Local Hiring Compliance

- Execute localisation strategies in line with country-specific legal and cultural requirements.

- Monitor hiring targets and reporting frameworks to ensure compliance with national workforce quotas.

- Partner with local government entities and employment platforms to attract and onboard qualified national talent.

- Ensure all recruitment, onboarding, and promotion processes are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with local employment policies.

- Collaborate with school leadership to build a culturally responsive staff environment that respects and reflects national identity.

Stakeholder Collaboration

- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including academic and administrative teams.

- Liaise with external providers, such as recruitment agencies, health insurance companies, and legal consultants.

- Act as an ambassador for the school's values, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

- Minimum of 3 years of HR management experience, preferably in an international or school setting.

- Strong knowledge of local labour laws, regulations, and HR compliance requirements.

- Experience in recruitment, employee relations, and HR policy development.

- Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Skills & Competencies

- An understanding of working in a multicultural environment and promoting inclusivity.

- Flexible and calm under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with sound judgement and discretion.

- Proactive and solutions-focused approach to HR advice and employee relations.

Key Working Relationships

- Internal: Group Head of People and Culture, school leadership team, academic and administrative teams, all staff.

- External: Recruitment agencies, health insurance providers, legal consultants, local government entities and employment platforms.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools are an equal opportunities employer and are deeply committed to safeguarding our students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing. All staff and members of our community are expected to share this commitment and to promptly report any concerns about a student's or community member's safety or wellbeing. Applicants must be willing to undergo rigorous child protection screening, including checks with past employers and providing Police Clearance Certificates from all countries in which they have resided.