Head of Students Consulting

Job Purpose

Lead and manage the Students Consulting team to effectively implement ATA's vision and strategy by overseeing the design and execution of consulting programs fostering student development and aligning with organizational objectives. Cultivate a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and professional growth among team members while ensuring the provision of exceptional consulting services to students, their guardians, and other stakeholders. Serve as the key liaison connecting students, instructors, and management to uphold a professional and supportive environment. Strategize and execute solutions for academic, attendance, and behavioral issues, promote continuous improvement aligned with best practices, and ensure compliance with all organizational policies and standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Guide the Student Consulting Team by establishing clear goals, delegating tasks, and fostering a culture of high performance.
• Track team productivity, adherence to deadlines, and quality delivery of student support services using structured monitoring and feedback.
• Compile and submit performance reports aligned with departmental KPIs and ATA’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain efficient workflows to guarantee optimal operation of the Student Consulting section.
• Conduct regular team meetings to synchronize objectives, resolve obstacles, and encourage team collaboration.
• Act as the key escalation contact for complex behavioral, academic, or attendance issues beyond counselor intervention.
• Engage with students, guardians, faculty, and staff to ensure timely and appropriate resolution of critical concerns.
• Serve as the communication bridge between upper management and the Student Consulting Team for accurate and prompt information flow.
• Maintain communication consistency across all shifts to ensure continuous student service quality.
• Promote an organizational culture characterized by respect, transparency, and trust among students, instructors, and leadership.
• Lead research initiatives focusing on student development, behavioral trends, and academic performance to support institutional decision-making.
• Prepare strategic recommendations and initiatives based on data insights for long-term student engagement and planning.
• Conduct site visits to the Al Dhafra campus to oversee trainee experiences and service standards.
• Assess student welfare, performance, and discipline ensuring alignment with ATA’s support criteria.

Management and Operational Excellence

• Plan and oversee personnel and resources within the Section to meet Department goals efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Encourage staff development through Personal Development Plans (PDPs), succession planning, and talent nurturing, emphasizing UAE Nationals to meet Emiratization targets.
• Contribute to Department budget preparation and regularly monitor expenditure against approved budgets, addressing significant variances promptly.
• Drive the implementation of Section policies, procedures, systems, standards, and internal controls to support Departmental workflows and align with company and international standards.
• Administer the Company Performance Management System, monitoring Section KPIs and balanced scorecards to ensure goal achievement.
• Foster innovation and motivate employees to embrace change management initiatives aimed at continuous operational and service improvement.
• Recommend process enhancements aligned with best practices and ISO standards to devise intelligent solutions for Section challenges.
• Support Health, Safety, Environment (HSE) culture adherence, ensuring compliance with relevant policies, training, and legislation according to international standards and company codes.
• Prepare Management Information Systems (MIS) and progress reports to provide accurate and timely data for Company Management.

Communication and Relationships

• Maintain internal relationships with Student Services Department managers, students, teaching staff, counselors, administration officers, and other departmental sections.
• Engage with external stakeholders such as student guardians, focusing particularly on those facing academic, attendance, or behavioral challenges.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Social Sciences, or equivalent field.
• A minimum of 10 years’ professional experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial role and 4 years within an educational or vocational training institution.