Head of HR Operations

Work with Us

Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of schools that span 20 countries and share one common purpose: to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Europe and the US, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, Cognita employs more than 22,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of over 100,000 students.

Together, Cognita schools provide a uniquely global education that goes beyond grades, developing academic excellence alongside adaptability, agency, and the positive attitudes that prepare young people to grow, thrive, and find success in a rapidly evolving world.

Job Overview

We’re looking for an exceptional Head of HR Operations to lead our HR Shared Services and ensure world-class support across our Middle East schools and regional hub.

You will be responsible for delivering exceptional HR operational support services and advancing our HR shared services model. Sitting on the Middle East HR Leadership Team, this role will be pivotal in driving operational excellence, technological advancement, and continuous improvement across the employee lifecycle, to offboarding.

You will lead a high-performing HR Operations team, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and customer service excellence in every interaction, while preparing the function to scale in line with our regional growth.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and inspire the HR Operations team to deliver high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused service.
• Set clear performance standards and foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support and guide the team through business growth, acquisitions, and integrations.

Operational Excellence

• Manage and enhance HR systems and data governance to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee employee data management, benefits administration, visa renewals, and offboarding processes.
• Deliver insights through HR metrics and analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to SLAs and continuously refine processes to exceed expectations.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead the evolution of HR operations through automation, process optimisation, and self-service solutions.
• Implement new HR systems and policies, ensuring seamless adoption and effective change management.
• Enhance employee experience through digital innovation, including intranet and self-service platforms.
• Oversee regional HR benefits and drive the implementation of a new payroll process and platform.

Skills & Experience:

• 10+ years’ progressive HR experience across multiple Middle East markets.
• Proven success in HR shared services leadership.
• Experience managing large-scale HR operations and systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Expertise in HR policies, governance, and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through growth and transformation.
• M&A or integration experience is an advantage.

Qualifications:

• Master’s in Human Resources Management (preferred).
• CIPD Accreditation (advantageous).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a fast-growing regional education group with a purpose-driven mission.
• Shape the HR operations strategy across a diverse and dynamic region.
• Lead a high-impact team driving innovation and operational excellence.
• Join a culture that values collaboration, ambition, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will be an operationally strong and strategically minded HR leader who thrives on building structure in a high-growth environment. You combine people leadership with a passion for continuous improvement and a customer-centric mindset.

Cognita is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.