Job Description

Head of Design and Technology (DART) Vacancy

International School based in Dubai (UK Curriculum)

Overview

Byron Recruitment is seeking a Head of Department to lead and develop a high-performing team while ensuring the department delivers consistent, high-quality outcomes aligned with wider educational goals. This role is suited to an experienced leader who can set direction, strengthen operations, support people development, and drive continuous improvement across the department in a British National Curriculum International School.

The Head of Department will play a key role in shaping departmental strategy, building a positive team culture, and ensuring effective collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for the department and translate educational priorities into clear operational plans
• Lead, manage, and develop the department team to achieve strong individual and collective performance
• Oversee day-to-day departmental operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and timely delivery of objectives
• Establish clear goals, performance standards, and accountability measures across the team
• Monitor departmental performance through reporting, analysis, and regular review of key metrics
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, and ways of working to increase effectiveness
• Manage departmental budgets, resources, and workforce planning in line with organisational needs
• Build strong working relationships with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to support wider success
• Ensure the department operates in line with company policies, regulatory requirements, and best practice standards
• Lead change initiatives within the department, ensuring clear communication and smooth implementation
• Support succession planning and talent development to build long-term capability within the team
• Act as a senior point of escalation for complex issues, providing sound judgement and timely resolution
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment
• Contribute to broader organisational planning and decision-making as a member of the leadership team

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior leadership or departmental management role
• Knowledge of U.K. curriculum
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, set strategy, and deliver operational results
• Strong people management skills, including coaching, performance management, and team development
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and departmental planning
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and organisational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead through change effectively
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience developing and improving departmental processes and performance measures
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, and operational best practices relevant to the function

Nice to Have

• Experience leading cross-functional projects or business transformation initiatives
• Background in scaling teams or building new departmental capabilities
• Relevant professional qualification or leadership training
• Experience working within a complex or growing organisation

What Success Looks Like

• The department consistently meets or exceeds its objectives and performance targets
• Team members are engaged, well-supported, and developing in their roles
• Processes and operations run efficiently and are continuously improving
• Stakeholders experience clear communication, strong partnership, and dependable delivery
• The department contributes meaningfully to wider organisational growth and performance

Team and Culture

This role offers the opportunity to shape the direction of a department, influence senior decision-making, and make a lasting impact on team performance and outcomes. The successful candidate will join a professional environment that values leadership, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Growth Opportunity

As Head of Department, you will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change, mentor future leaders, and play an important role in the ongoing development of the wider organisation.

Benefits

• Accommodation or housing allowance
• Medical insurance
• Tuition fee waiver for up to two children
• Annual flights allowance
• Bonus schemes

Why Join

You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to providing a nurturing learning environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. The school encourages teachers to share ideas, explore new approaches, and contribute to a vibrant international community.