General Manager, Human Resources (Middle East)

General Manager, Human Resources (Middle East)Job purposeThe General Manager – HR leads the people function for GSG's Middle East campuses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, turning group HR strategy into practical delivery across both countries. The role partners with Country Directors and Principals to attract, retain and develop great educators and staff, while keeping the organisation fully compliant with UAE and Saudi labour, visa and education-regulator requirements. Success means well-staffed schools, an engaged workforce and a regional HR operation that runs on time, on budget and audit-ready.Key responsibilitiesLeadership and HR partneringLead HR delivery across all Middle East campuses (UAE and KSA), aligning regional priorities with Group HR strategy.Manage, coach and develop the regional HR team across both countries; set clear goals and service standards.Act as the trusted HR advisor to the Country Directors and Principals on people, organisation and employee-relations matters.Partner with Corporate HR on group-wide projects, policies and HR technology rollouts.Stakeholder managementBuild strong working relationships with the Country Directors, Principals, Finance, Admissions and campus leadership teams.Act as the main HR point of contact for Group HR, Recruitment and L&D on Middle East matters.Manage relationships with external partners, including government bodies, education regulators, PROs, insurers, recruitment agencies and auditors.Communicate HR changes, policies and decisions clearly to staff and leaders across campuses.Maintain an external network to stay current on UAE and Saudi market practices, salary trends and regulatory updates.Data and reportingMaintain accurate employee records and HRIS data for all Middle East campuses.Prepare monthly HR dashboards for the Country Directors and Group HR covering headcount, attrition, time-to-hire, visa status, appraisal completion and people costs.Track and report Emiratisation and Saudisation (Nitaqat), compliance and audit status.Analyse trends such as turnover, engagement scores and absence, and recommend actions to leadership.Provide HR inputs for board, management and regulatory reports as required.Talent acquisition and onboardingPlan workforce needs with Principals ahead of each academic year and drive the teacher and staff hiring calendar.Oversee recruitment, selection and onboarding, working with Group Recruitment and hiring managers.Track and support Emiratisation (MOHRE) and Saudisation (Nitaqat) targets, where applicable.Ensure a consistent, timely onboarding and induction experience for all new joiners.Compliance, visas and employee relationsEnsure full compliance with UAE Labour Law and Saudi Labour Law, and keep policies and contracts up to date in both countries.Oversee all work permits, residence visas and IDs, including renewals and cancellations, delivered on time.Manage teacher approvals and licensing with the relevant education regulators (UAE: KHDA, ADEK or SPEA; KSA: Ministry of Education and ETEC).Handle complex employee-relations cases, grievances and disciplinary matters fairly and in line with law and policy.Lead internal and external HR audits, maintaining complete and current HR documentation.Performance, rewards and engagementRun the annual performance cycle across campuses and ensure appraisals close on schedule.Lead the first round of rating normalisation with managers, Principals and Country Directors; share outcomes with Management.Manage the regional rewards and recognition programme, benefits and medical insurance.Drive the Group engagement survey across the Middle East and turn results into campus action plans.Identify training needs with the L&D team and encourage staff participation in development programmes.Payroll and financial managementOversee accurate, on-time payroll for all Middle East staff, including end-of-service benefits and final settlements; process payroll for key management.Build annual people budgets (headcount, salaries, benefits, visa costs) with the Financial Controllers and Country Directors.Monitor spend against budget and take corrective action where needed.RequirementsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, HR or a related field; postgraduate degree or MBA in HR preferred.Professional HR certification (CIPD Level 5/7, SHRM-CP/SCP) is an advantage.Experience15+ years in HR, including at least 7 years in senior HR leadership roles in the GCC (UAE and/or Saudi Arabia).Experience in K-12 education or a multi-site organisation strongly preferred.Hands-on knowledge of UAE and Saudi labour law, visa processes (MOHRE, Qiwa, Muqeem), payroll (WPS, Mudad, GOSI) and end-of-service benefits.Exposure to teacher approval processes (KHDA, ADEK, SPEA or Saudi MoE/ETEC) is an advantage.Proven experience leading and developing HR teams across more than one country.SkillsStrong stakeholder management with senior leaders and Principals.Sound judgement in employee relations and sensitive cases.Data-driven, comfortable with HRIS, payroll systems and Excel reporting.Organised and calm under pressure in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic is an advantage.Working arrangement5.5 working days, fully on-site, with regular travel between UAE and Saudi campuses.