Head - Strategic Planning & Execution

Job Description
Aldar Education is seeking an exceptional Head – Strategic, Planning & Execution to drive the development, alignment, and tracking of Aldar Education's strategic direction and integrated planning.

As Abu Dhabi's largest and most established education group, and a leading force in the UAE's education sector, Aldar Education continues to grow and strengthen its network of schools. To support this growth, we are looking for a dynamic leader to drive our Operational Risk & Safety agenda across the organization.

Since its inception in 2007 with just 250 students, Aldar Education has grown into a highly sought-after education provider, with 27 owned and managed premium and super-premium schools and academies- in partnership with some of the world's most 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 to deliver world-class education across a broad range of curricula and learning pathways from nursery through to K12.

At Aldar Education, our impact goes far beyond the classroom: we are proud to contribute to the UAE's vision for a sustainable, knowledge-based economy through premium education. With this in mind, we hire educators and insustry professionals who not only embody our values and cultural ethos but also bring a genuine passion for education—qualities central to our mission of shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

If you are passionate about excellence and ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply and be part of our journey.

As Head of Strategic Planning & Execution, you will play a pivotal role in bridging long-term strategy with annual planning and budget cycles, ensuring alignment across functions and robust performance reporting. The role also partners closely with the Investment & Growth Team to generate market intelligence and actionable insights, directly informing executive decision-making and shaping submissions to EXCOM and the Board.

Responsibilities
Main Duties

• Coordinate and facilitate annual strategic planning cycle and offsites, ensuring executive input and alignment.
• Consolidate departmental annual plans (objectives, KPIs, initiatives, manpower) and validate strategic fit.
• Own and update CXO and N-1 scorecards across AE HQ; ensure KPIs are aligned with Group themes.
• Collaborate closely with Finance to integrate strategic assumptions into the budget and business plan.
• Prepare sections of the annual Strategic Business Plan deck presented to EXCOM and Board.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and year-end performance reports for EXCOM and Board.
• Work closely with the EPMO team to ensure strategic and transformation programs/projects are well structured, governed, and delivered.
• Support change management efforts to enable smooth adoption of strategic initiatives and digital transformation programs.
• Translate external trends, competitor analysis, and market intelligence into actionable recommendations.
• Prepare impactful presentations and strategic materials for executive decision-making.
• Ensure alignment between AE and Group strategy, including reporting and submissions.

Specific Duties

• Act as focal point for the strategy planning calendar, ensuring cross-functional integration of timelines.
• Maintain and enhance tools, dashboards, and processes related to performance tracking and scorecards.
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives assigned by the Director of Strategy and CEO.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Education Management, or related field
• Master's degree or MBA preferred

Minimum Experience

• 8+ years in strategic planning, management consulting, or corporate strategy roles
• Experience in top consulting firms or large-scale strategy/PMO functions strongly preferred
• Proven track record in developing strategy frameworks, business plans, and KPIs

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Strong strategy development and execution capabilities
• Advanced analytical skills (KPIs, performance dashboards, market intelligence)
• Familiarity with financial modelling and integrated planning
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with BI tools and dashboards preferred
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to influence without authority and work across cross-functional teams

What We Offer
Aldar Education offers an attractive remuneration package including medical & life insurance, flights, and education benefits. Our employees have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward-thinking leaders who would welcome the challenges and opportunities that we have to offer.

This job description is not all-inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals to join our company.

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.