Learning and Development Manager

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi is looking for Learning & Development Manager to join our People & Culture team.

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognized for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Emirates Palace is the definition of an unrivaled Arabian fantasy. From a 1.3 km pristine private beach, landscaped pools and a private marina overlooking a natural bay, the hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and perfect for a once-in-a lifetime holiday or for events and meetings that make a statement, with some of the city’s largest hotel conference centres. Emirates Palace offers award-winning 5-star luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences with 394 luxurious rooms and suites along with award-winning culinary cuisines.

About the job

Based at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi / within the People & Culture Department, the Learning & Development Manager is responsible for creation, implementation, and facilitation of all colleagues’ trainings and learning programs. The Learning & Development Manager reports to the Director of Learning & Development and Quality.

As Learning & Development Manager, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Analyzing learning and development needs in all areas of the hotel
• Developing a strategy for learning and development of all colleagues
• Ensuring colleagues training needs are met by arranging resources for training to be conducted throughout the hotel (i.e. providing a first-class training environment emulating our guests meeting environment)
• Designing, delivering and arranging training programs to address specific training needs
• Assisting all department heads with making and implementing training decisions in their areas
• Managing the performance and development for all colleagues
• Maximizing learning by providing a creative, fun and exciting environment in delivering trainings such as: MOve In orientation, On-Job Training, Group Training Techniques program, Interviewing for Success, Presenting for Success, MOve Up and any new training programs as provided by Corporate Learning & Development
• Reporting on training completion rates across the Property
• Supporting all efforts to enliven our Company’s Mission, Vision, Pillars and Legendary Quality Experiences throughout the hotel
• Controlling training expenses and managing expenditures to meet the property’s needs while remaining within budget guidelines

As Learning & Development Manager, we expect from you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Hospitality Management, Organizational Development or relevant field.
• Professional certification in Learning & Development / Training is an advantage. Additional hospitality certifications (e.g., Forbes, Leading Hotels of the World) preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of progressive experience in L&D, preferably in luxury hospitality or high-end service environments.
• Ability to perform training needs analysis and align learning interventions with operational goals.
• Strong instructional design skills—both in-person and e-learning modalities.
• Familiarity with adult learning principles, blended learning techniques, and learning management systems (LMS).
• Capability to coach leaders and individual contributors.
• Deep understanding of luxury service principles and five-star hospitality standards.
• Ability to train colleagues on soft skills such as etiquette, guest engagement, personalization, and anticipatory service.
• Knowledge of brand-specific service standards
• Engaging public speaker and effective facilitator across all levels of colleagues.
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse teams.
• Ability to build rapport and influence across departments.
• Collaborative team player with strong leadership presence.

Our commitment to you

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.
• Retirement Plans. When you show commitment to us, we reciprocate. We offer different retirement plans depending on the length of your service and your role.

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