Assistant Facilities Manager - Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

Role Overview

Assistant Facilities Manager at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Aldar Education, located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Company Overview

Cranleigh Abu Dhabi is a leading British international school delivering education inspired by the heritage and ethos of Cranleigh School in the UK. As part of Aldar Education, the school operates within a values-led, high-performance environment. Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child-centred, and innovative schools based in the UAE, educating over 38,000 students across a group of owned and managed schools.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Facilities Manager supports the Senior Operations Manager in delivering high-quality facilities management, health and safety, and general services across the school. The role ensures the campus, accommodation, and support services operate to the highest standards, providing a safe, well-maintained, and efficient environment for students, staff, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities & General Services

• Support the delivery of facilities and general services across the school, promoting a strong service culture and ensuring efficient deployment of staff and resources.
• Supervise and support on-site facilities and support teams, including Security, Khidmah facilities teams, cleaning, maintenance, and other contracted service providers.
• Ensure school facilities are maintained to high standards of cleanliness, safety, presentation, and operational readiness.
• Act as a day-to-day point of contact for facilities-related matters, escalating issues where required.
• Support the planning and resourcing of school events and activities to ensure facilities and services are in place and operating effectively.

Maintenance & Operations

• Support the coordination of all repairs and maintenance works, including inspections, contractor engagement, and follow-up to ensure work is completed to specification.
• Assist in monitoring the condition and safety of buildings, grounds, and equipment in line with Health and Safety guidance.
• Support daily site checks and ensure issues are logged, tracked, and resolved.
• Assist with monitoring BMS systems and alerts where applicable.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote a positive and proactive health and safety culture across facilities and support service teams.
• Support compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation, Aldar Education policies, and local authority requirements.
• Assist in completing internal and external health, safety, and environmental audits.
• Support contractor HSE monitoring and compliance.

Finance, Procurement & Contracts

• Support the management of facilities-related budgets and expenditure.
• Assist with procurement and purchasing in line with Aldar Education policies and Delegation of Authority procedures.
• Support contract management to ensure value for money and service delivery standards are met.

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the management and coordination of facilities and general services teams.
• Work collaboratively with school leadership, Parents and Community, and Aldar Education HQ.
• Support performance management, training, and development of facilities staff.
• Build strong working relationships with contractors, suppliers, and regulators.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil) – Mandatory
• NEBOSH – Preferred
• Certification in Energy Management or Facilities Management – Preferred

Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in facilities, operations, or health and safety roles.
• Experience in education, hospitality, or large multi-site environments – Desirable
• Experience supporting school operations – Advantageous
• Experience in Abu Dhabi – Desirable

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and follow-up.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commercial awareness and cost-control mindset.
• Confident working with contractors and service providers.
• High standards of professionalism and integrity.

Additional Information

• Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package.
• The future-focused learning model places special emphasis on professional development, coaching, and training for staff.
• All appointments are subject to enhanced safer recruitment checks in line with UAE Labour Law, KHDA requirements, and Aldar Education's Safer Recruitment Framework.
• Cranleigh Abu Dhabi and Aldar Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Aldar Education is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• UAE Nationals are strongly encouraged to apply in line with the national development strategy.