Receptionist - Aldar Education (UAEN)

Role Overview

Aldar Education seeks a UAE National Receptionist for its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. This role offers an opportunity to join a leading school group and contribute to shaping the future of Abu Dhabi's education sector.

Company Overview

Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child-centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. Since its inception in 2007 with 250 students, the organization has grown to operate more than 25 owned and managed premium and super-premium schools and academies in partnership with prestigious institutions including Rugby School, King's College Wimbledon, and Cranleigh. The Group now serves over 38,000 students through 5,000 educators from more than 100 nationalities, delivering world-class education across a broad range of curricula and learning pathways from nursery through K12.

Aldar Education contributes to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, knowledge-based economy through premium education. The organization hires educators and industry professionals who embody its values and cultural ethos and bring genuine passion for education.

Role Purpose

As the front-facing representative of Aldar Education HQ, the Receptionist delivers exceptional customer service while supporting the administrative and operational needs of the office. This role serves as the first point of contact for all visitors, creates a welcoming and professional environment, and provides vital support to ensure the smooth functioning of daily operations.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service & Visitor Management

• Deliver high-quality customer service to all visitors, representing Aldar Education HQ with professionalism and integrity.
• Greet all visitors in a courteous, friendly, and efficient manner, ensuring a positive first impression.
• Manage the Lobby and 1st-floor reception areas, ensuring a seamless arrival and departure experience for all guests.
• Track and log external visitors, collaborating with security to ensure a smooth visitor experience.
• Manage visitor logs and generate reports on office activities, such as visitor numbers and meeting schedules.

Communications & Inquiries

• Answer and route incoming phone calls according to Aldar Education's telephone protocol, ensuring professional handling of all inquiries.
• Address phone and email inquiries promptly and professionally, using the established referral system to route communications as appropriate.
• Provide basic, accurate information in person, over the phone, or via email.
• Assist the team by handling inbound and outbound calls and logging admissions inquiries into relevant systems.

Administrative & Clerical Support

• Provide general clerical and administrative support such as photocopying, filing, faxing, and responding to routine correspondence.
• Support the Executive Director of Operations with administrative tasks, including gathering data reports and calendar management.
• Sort and distribute incoming mail and manage outgoing correspondence.
• Communicate daily schedules and meeting forecasts to the HQ Operations team via email.

Meeting & Facility Management

• Oversee and manage meeting room bookings and related systems, ensuring smooth operations.
• Maintain the reception area's appearance, ensuring that it is always tidy and equipped with necessary materials (e.g., pens, forms, brochures).

Operations & Compliance

• Implement and uphold operational policies, systems, and processes to ensure a productive and efficient work environment.
• Possess and maintain a thorough understanding of Aldar Education's services, policies, and procedures.
• Assist in the compilation of data for monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as directed by the HQ Operations Manager.
• Identify and escalate maintenance or cleaning issues, providing recommendations for improvement.
• Ensure all procurement and financial processes follow the Delegation of Authority procedures, working closely with the line manager to complete necessary paperwork.

Meetings & Engagement

• Attend and actively participate in relevant meetings and briefings.
• Participate in management meetings, providing relevant data and insights as necessary.

Stakeholder Relations & Compliance

• Promote Aldar Education's core values, maintaining high standards of service and professionalism.
• Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with both internal staff and external stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and effective working environment.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations and internal policies to avoid penalties and fines.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring all recommendations are addressed in a timely manner.

Health, Safety & Environment

• Act as a responsible person for HSE compliance, ensuring that Aldar Education HQ adheres to all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Promote a proactive safety culture within the office and escalate any identified risks or hazards to the line manager in a timely manner.

General Support

• Support management and the operational team with various tasks, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to completing duties.
• Perform any other tasks deemed reasonable and necessary by the Operations Team, ensuring full support to the overall operational function.
• Handle possible additional requirements during peak periods, when events might be hosted including weekends or late nights.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• High School Certificate/Diploma or bachelor's degree.

Professional Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in a customer-focused role, preferably within the region.
• Prior experience in the education sector is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); proficiency in Arabic is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook 365.
• Proficiency in operating office equipment (PC, photocopier, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage tasks diligently and complete them within deadlines.
• Effective multi-tasking and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Well-organized and capable of managing multiple tasks independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Willingness to extend effort beyond typical work hours when necessary.

Additional Information

Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package including a range of benefits. The organization places 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.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.

Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization is dedicated to its national development strategy and encourages UAE Nationals in their application.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time.