Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implement Corporate L&D Strategies, frameworks and programs at property level.
- Adapt and localize Corporate Learning Content to reflect:
- Local Culture
- Operational realities of the hotel
- Provide full compliance with corporate standards, brand guidelines and learning frameworks
- Provide structured feedback to Corporate L&D on program effectiveness and improvement opportunities.
- Lead annual training needs analysis linked to perforamnce data, guest feedback and audits.
Learning Delivery and Facilitation:
- Deliver training sessions, workshops, and seminars on various topics, utilizing interactive and engaging training methodologies to enhance learning effectiveness.
- Facilitate learning experiences, conduct training evaluations, and provide feedback to participants to ensure learning objectives are met.
- Develop internal trainer capabilities (Train-the-Trainer programs)
- In coordination with Corporate L&D, design training programs, workshops and learning initiatives to address employee development needs and align with organizational goals.
Leadership Development (Implementation & Coaching):
- Roll out corporate management and leadership development programs at property level
- Support Talent identification processes (Successors, HiPos) aligned with corporate frameworks
- Provide on the ground coaching to leaders to reinforce program application
Learning Technology Integration:
- Identify and implement learning technologies, e-learning platforms, and digital tools to enhance training delivery, accessibility, and engagement for employees.
- Manage learning management systems (LMS), online resources, and virtual training solutions to support a blended learning approach.
Pre-Opening & Operational Readiness:
- In coordination with Corporate L&D, design and deliver all pre-opening roadmaps (service culture, SOPS, brand immersion etc.)
- Ensure all employees complete mandatory onboarding and functional training prior to opening
- Partner with Department Heads to certify operational readiness through assessments and simulations
Learning Evaluation and Reporting:
- Develop evaluation metrics, assessments, and feedback mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of training programs and learning initiatives.
- Analyze training data, track learning outcomes, and prepare reports on training effectiveness, ROI, and employee development progress for property leadership and corporate reporting.
- Ensure compliance with local regulatory requirements (ie. KSA Labour law, health & safety, SFDA and HACCP)
- Track completion of mandatory certifications
- Ensure audit readiness for internal and external inspections
Learning Culture Promotion:
- Foster a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the organization through learning events, recognition programs, and learning communities.
- Promote a learning mindset, encourage self-directed learning, and support a culture of innovation and growth among employees.
Job Scope:
As a Director of Learning & Development at the hotel, you will lead the implementation and evaluation of learning programs to enhance employee knowledge, skills, and performance. This role acts as a strategic bridge between Corporate L&D (strategy design) and Hotel Operations (execution & impact), ensuring training programs translate into measurable improvements in guest experience, employee capability, and operational performance.
Education, Qualifications/Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field; Master's degree or relevant certifications preferred.
- 8-12 years proven experience in learning and development roles, training management, or talent development positions, preferably in the hospitality industry with 3-5 years in a leadership role.
- Pre-Opening experience in large-scale hotels or resorts (highly preferred)
- Passion for service excellence and people development
- Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and training delivery techniques.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills with the ability to engage and inspire learners at all levels.
- Proficiency in learning management systems (LMS), e-learning tools, and digital learning technologies.
- Analytical mindset, with the ability to assess training needs, evaluate learning outcomes, and measure training impact effectively.
- Strategic thinking, project management skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to drive learning initiatives and talent development strategies.
