Learning & Development Manager

About the Role

The Learning & Development Manager is tasked with crafting and executing a comprehensive learning strategy that aligns with organizational goals. This role is pivotal in enhancing employee skills, leadership capabilities, service quality, and overall company performance. The manager collaborates closely with senior leadership, department heads, and managers to identify skill gaps, nurture talent pipelines, boost employee engagement, and ensure adherence to both organizational and legal standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement an annual Learning & Development roadmap tailored to business objectives.
• Conduct thorough training needs analyses across the organization and departments, translating insights into customized development programs.
• Set learning priorities influenced by business demands, employee performance, engagement surveys, and compliance requirements.
• Create and sustain structured learning journeys, career advancement schemes, and competency models.
• Assess the effectiveness and impact of training initiatives and make continuous enhancements.
• Lead the organization and delivery of various training sessions covering induction, technical skills, soft skills, leadership, and service excellence.
• Facilitate interactive workshops, leadership development programs, coaching, and mentoring efforts.
• Develop and update training content, guides, presentations, and learning materials.
• Introduce innovative learning methodologies including blended and e-learning approaches.
• Oversee the organization’s Forbes training and ensure service standards compliance, coordinating related assessments and remediation.
• Work with operational teams to embed high-end service practices into daily workflows and prepare for quality audits.
• Support performance management by working with supervisors to identify and foster talent and succession planning.
• Champion initiatives that enhance employee engagement, recognition, retention, and promote a learning culture.
• Manage all compliance-related training to meet mandatory deadlines and legal obligations.
• Maintain confidential and accurate training records and prepare comprehensive reports and dashboards for senior management.
• Lead and coach the Learning & Development team, maintaining productive external partnerships and managing budgets effectively.
• Represent the L&D department in strategic meetings and organizational projects to ensure alignment and support.

Qualification and Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in fields like Human Resources, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Psychology, or Hospitality Management.
• Between five and seven years of progressive experience in Learning & Development or related human resources roles, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Proven capability in creating and delivering organizational learning strategies, conducting needs assessments, and measuring training success.
• Experience in leadership and talent development, succession planning, and performance enhancement.
• Familiarity with Forbes training standards and luxury hospitality or service environments is preferred.
• Strong command of luxury service principles, employee engagement, and service excellence.
• Solid communication, coaching, facilitation, and interpersonal skills coupled with effective stakeholder management and leadership abilities.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in using training and HR data to guide decisions and optimize programs.
• Knowledge of UAE Labour Law and compliance frameworks.
• Technical proficiency with HRIS, Learning Management Systems, and Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in managing budgets and vendors proficiently.
• Professional L&D certifications such as CIPD, SHRM, or ATD are advantageous.