We are seeking an Operations Manager for a brand-new school, where you will play a crucial role in the planning and execution of all operational processes. This role will require someone who is adaptable and ready to navigate the challenges of setting up a school environment from scratch.

About the Head Company

The International Community Schools (ICS), Abu Dhabi, have a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional private education to students from KG to Grade 12. With a diverse range of curricula, including the British and American systems, the International Baccalaureate (IB diploma), and the American program (AP), ICS serves over 6000 students across six campuses in Abu Dhabi.

Job Opening: Operations Manager
Currently, ICS is planning to open a new school in Astana. To support this exciting new venture, we are looking for a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to join our team.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Education Administration, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

A minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management, preferably within a school or educational institution.

Competencies & Skills

• Strong ability to oversee and coordinate the daily operations of a school.
• Skills in budget management, resource allocation, and effective planning for operations-related needs.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills to supervise, motivate, and develop a diverse team of administrative and support staff.
• Ability to manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and service providers for effective service delivery.
• Thorough understanding of local and national regulations related to school operations and safety.

• Excellent communication and coordination skills to oversee canteen and transportation services efficiently.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and the ability to implement and maintain compliance standards.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Phase 1 – Part-time:

1. 1. Update an Action Plan for the School opening on 1st September 2026
   2. Serve as the focal point for ICS - Astana Branch, to coordinate and manage communication between ICS – Astana Branch and actions between the government, stakeholders, consultants, banks, contractors, suppliers, and partners
   3. Manage and provide analysis, studies, and research, data etc. that will be required in the initial stages of the project to establish International Community Schools - Astana Branch.

Phase 2 – Part-time:

1. 1. Ensure effective and efficient coordination between the partners, consultants, and contractors, and manage the facilitation of any approvals mandated by government departments i.e. Akimat and Ministry of Education, or other pertinent stakeholders during the construction of ICS - Astana School
   2. Submit updated 5-year financial model, including realistic Marketing and Enrolment Plan and appropriate staffing levels
   3. Take all necessary actions for contractor selection, oversee the construction process, and ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations to guarantee the successful launch of the school by September 2026
   4. Carry out the necessary recruitment, locally and international staff, including Admin., Academic, and Support Staff
   5. Supervise the planning / budgeting for the Marketing Campaign with main pre-opening events
   6. Explore and submit price analysis for the provision of furniture, IT equipment, science lab. equipment and materials, textbooks, stationery, printing, uniforms, internet and telecommunications, transportation, catering, cleaning, security, pest control, landscaping, and any other services required
   7. Prepare contracts and agreements with contractors / suppliers.

Phase 3 – Full-time:

1. 1. Onboarding of the pre-opening team for Administrative staff
   2. Implement and Monitor the Marketing and Enrolment Plan in 2.2
   3. Supervise preparation for events listed in 2.4
   4. Implement purchase of all items as per 2.5
   5. Facilitate building commissioning, building and facilities insurance, etc.
   6. Control over selection and issuance of job offers to academic staff to join on 1 August 2026, prepare medical insurance for staff and students
   7. Contracts / arrangements for apartment rent, medical insurance, transportation for staff
   8. Arrangements for all other steps necessary for successful opening of the school on 1 September 2026
   9. Facilitate the signing of status of “International School” by Government of Kazakhstan as per legislation.

Phase 4 – Full-time:

4.1 Draft and follow the snagging list for general contractor to eliminate

4.2 Facilitate the obtaining of educational license, including the approval of working curriculum, teachers’ diplomas, attestations, classes and studios equipment, library content, sanitary inspections, etc.

4.3 Manage all administrative and support departments and teams.

Salary to be determined based on the interview with Executive Committee