Learning And Development Specialist

Position: Learning and Development Specialist

Location: Sharjah, UAE (onsite)

Employment Type: Full-time

Experience Level: Mid-level

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About the Client

Our client is a forward‑thinking hospitality enterprise operating in the dynamic Sharjah market. With a strong emphasis on creating unmatched guest experiences, they blend modern service excellence with cultural authenticity to deliver memorable stays and events. Driven by innovation and sustainability, the company is rapidly expanding its team to support strategic leadership, enrich staff learning and growth, orchestrate distinctive experiences, enhance customer success, and advance environmental commitments.

About the Role

The Learning and Development Specialist position is a mid-level professional role focused on designing, delivering, and evaluating comprehensive training programs within the hospitality sector. This role is pivotal in fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, directly impacting service quality and operational excellence. The specialist will work closely with various departments to identify skill gaps, develop tailored learning solutions, and ensure alignment with the unique needs of a hospitality environment in Sharjah.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough training needs analyses across all departments, including but not limited to front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, and guest services, to identify skill gaps and development opportunities.
• Design, develop, and implement engaging learning programs, workshops, and e-learning modules tailored to the hospitality industry, ensuring content relevance and practical application.
• Facilitate in-person and virtual training sessions, utilizing adult learning principles and interactive methodologies to maximize participant engagement and knowledge retention.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training initiatives through feedback surveys, assessments, and performance metrics, making data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with department heads and HR to align learning objectives with organizational goals, service standards, and compliance requirements specific to hospitality operations.
• Develop onboarding programs for new hires, ensuring a smooth integration into the company culture and operational procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hospitality trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements to ensure training content remains current and competitive.
• Manage training records, track employee progress, and prepare regular reports on learning outcomes and program impact for senior management.
• Support the implementation of talent development initiatives, such as leadership development, succession planning, and career pathing within the hospitality context.

Required Experience & Skills

• Demonstrated experience (3+ years) in learning and development, training, or talent management, preferably within the hospitality industry or a customer service-oriented environment.
• Strong instructional design skills, with proficiency in creating both classroom-based and digital learning content tailored to diverse audiences.
• Excellent facilitation and presentation abilities, with a proven track record of delivering engaging training sessions to multicultural teams.
• In-depth understanding of adult learning theories, training evaluation models (such as Kirkpatrick), and best practices in hospitality training.
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS), e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), and virtual training platforms (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Analytical mindset with experience in measuring training effectiveness and using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Adaptability and cultural sensitivity, particularly in a diverse hospitality environment in Sharjah.
• Project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple training initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Hospitality Management, Organizational Development, or a related field is required.
• Professional certifications in Learning & Development, Training, or Hospitality (e.g., CPLP, CHDT, or equivalent) are highly desirable.
• Additional language proficiency (such as Arabic) is considered an asset due to the multicultural workforce.

Tools & Technologies

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle, SAP SuccessFactors, or Cornerstone
• E-learning authoring tools: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar
• Virtual training platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex
• Survey and feedback tools: SurveyMonkey, Google Forms
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Performance management and HRIS platforms commonly used in hospitality

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on employee development and guest satisfaction within a dynamic hospitality environment. The Learning and Development Specialist will play a key role in shaping a culture of excellence, supporting career growth, and driving organizational success through innovative learning solutions.

By applying to this position, you are granting us permission to process your CV and keep your profile on file for consideration for this and future opportunities.