Overview

Job Description
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and proactive HR Manager to lead all aspects of Human Resources for GEMS School Management (GSM), the Varkey Group (VG) and Services, a wholly owned subsidiary under GEMS Group Holdings. This is a standalone, full-spectrum HR role responsible for overseeing the entire employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations, performance management, compliance, and policy implementation.
The ideal candidate will be both strategic and hands-on, able to balance operational excellence with a people-first approach.
Key Responsibilities:
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Lead end-to-end recruitment processes across all departments, from sourcing and shortlisting to scheduling and coordinating interviews.
- Partner with leadership to identify staffing needs and implement effective recruitment strategies.
- Oversee onboarding and induction to ensure a smooth transition for new hires.
HR Operations & Employee Relations
- Manage day-to-day HR operations including employee documentation, contracts, and record management.
- Act as the main point of contact for all HR queries, ensuring consistent application of HR policies and procedures.
- Support employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance, and performance matters.
Performance, Development & Engagement
- Drive performance management processes, supporting managers with goal setting and reviews.
- Implement employee engagement initiatives to foster a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
- Identify training and development needs and support relevant learning programs.
Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure adherence to UAE Labour Law and GEMS Group HR policies.
- Liaise with PRO/GR team for visa and legal requirements.
- Maintain HR data accuracy and prepare reports as needed.
Skills
Key Responsibilities:
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Minimum 5 years’ HR generalist experience, ideally within the UAE.
- Strong knowledge of UAE Labour Law and HR best practices.
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.
- A proactive, collaborative, and hands-on approach with attention to detail.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.
GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.
Preferred Candidate
Mid Career – Over 2 years experience
About GEMS Education
Trusted for over 55 years and now a third generation education family, GEMS Education began in a single school room in Dubai. Today, we have the privilege of educating over 190,000 students from over 176 countries through GEMS owned and managed schools globally; over 270,000 students access resources through our services division; and we will impact 20 million by 2020 students through the initiatives of our Charity partner Varkey Foundation.