Job Description

About Cognita


At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they are starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too. We protect what is special about them, whilst offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and the best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to thencollective wisdom of over 100 schools in 16 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that's, quite literally, world class.

About the Role


At Cognita Middle East, we group our schools into "Cogs". As the Cog Managing Director, you will lead a group of 4-8 schools and be fully accountable for ensuring the delivery of world class holistic education to our students, developing and nurturing future leaders, growing the student population and achieving strong financial outcomes. Your role will also be instrumental in expanding our presence across the region.





You will line manage the Principals of each school within your Cog and have a dedicated team of functional leaders including a Finance Director, Head of HR, Head of Facilities, Head of Projects and Head of Admissions & Parent Experience, as well as the support of our regional centres of excellence.





Reporting to the CEO of Cognita Middle East, you will also be part of the Middle East Regional Executive Team and will be expected to play a key part in defining the strategic direction of Cognita in the region.

What We're Looking For:

• Passion.
• A natural collaborator with a forward-thinking and innovative approach.
• Proven leadership experience and impact.
• Strong strategic, operational, and cultural leadership skills.
• Integrity, a strong moral compass, someone who leads without ego.
• The ability to think differently, creatively and innovatively in identifying improvement and growth opportunities.
• Exceptional communication and relationship building abilities.
• A relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to going above and beyond for colleagues and families.
• Someone who cares deeply about the people and the world around them.
• Someone who can achieve the very best for children in terms of provision, outcomes, and rich memories in a competitive commercial context.



Why Join Us? • Be a part of one of the world's largest, fastest growing and most respected K-12 organisations.
• Be part of a vibrant, fast-evolving region with significant growth opportunities.
• Lead a fun, flexible, and dedicated team. We hire talented people. You will get to work with and be challenged and inspired by them every day.
• Work somewhere where the way we do things is just as important as what we do.
• Be challenged - no day is the same and we are committed to be the best at getting better.
• The opportunity to make a substantial impact on our schools, communities and ultimately the children in our care.


As this is a highly sought-after role, we expect the volume of applications to be high, therefore we will only contact shortlisted candidates.

Safeguarding Responsibilities


To comply with safeguarding policies, procedures, and code of conduct


To demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding and student/colleague wellbeing


To ensure that any safeguarding concerns or incidents are reported appropriately in line with policy


To engage in safeguarding training when required.

•Cognita Schools are 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 practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed•