Title: Learning & Development LeadLocation: Abu DhabiSector: Financial ServicesReporting Line: Manager of Talent Development & RewardsSecond Line: Chief Human Capital Officer
We are partnering with our exciting Abu Dhab based client to appoint a Learning & Development Lead. This role is within the Human Capital function, responsible for building high-impact learning solutions, driving performance excellence, and strengthening succession and talent pipelines across the organisation.
This role will suit a senior L&D or Talent professional with strong exposure to performance management frameworks, leadership development, and succession planning, ideally within a regulated or complex organisation.
Key ResponsibilitiesLearning & Development StrategyLead the design and delivery of end-to-end learning and development programmes aligned with organisational strategyConduct Training Needs Analysis (TNA) using job analysis, performance reviews and business prioritiesDevelop and implement the annual training plan and learning strategyDesign and deliver customised development programmes including:Leadership and executive developmentCompetency and capability frameworksTalent and mentorship programmesLead the creation and rollout of career development programmes to support internal mobility and leadership readinessStay abreast of global L&D trends and continuously enhance learning methodologies and toolsTraining Operations & DeliveryOversee coordination of all training activities including scheduling, communications, logistics and evaluationsManage onboarding and orientation programmes for new joinersPrepare, implement and track Individual Development Plans (IDPs)Maintain accurate learning records, dashboards and training analyticsManage summer internships and student placement programmesDraft RFPs and manage vendor selection for external training providersReview and evaluate training effectiveness and continuously optimise learning solutionsPerformance ManagementLead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of the end-to-end performance management cyclePolicies, processes, timelines, scoring and calibrationManage the annual performance appraisal cycle across the organisationPartner with managers to address performance gaps and improvement areasSupport the development and monitoring of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)Support recognition and reward initiatives in collaboration with Compensation & Benefits teamsSuccession Planning & Talent DevelopmentDesign and maintain a transparent career pathing and internal mobility frameworkEstablish and manage the organisational succession planning frameworkIdentify critical roles and build internal successor pipelinesWork with business leaders to identify high-potential talentDefine development pathways for successors to ensure leadership continuityEnsure succession plans are aligned with wider talent and workforce strategiesStakeholder Management & ReportingBuild strong relationships with internal stakeholders across all business unitsPartner with HR, Talent and Leadership teams to align development initiativesManage relationships with local and international training providersPrepare accurate and timely reports, insights and analytics for leadershipSupport positioning the organisation as an employer of choice through strong people development practicesLeadership & GovernanceProvide guidance, coaching and on-the-job development for junior team membersPromote organisational values, ethics and a high-performance cultureSupport policy development and continuous improvement initiativesEnsure compliance with corporate governance, risk and business continuity frameworks
Mandatory requirements:-Bachelors degree minimum qualifications-Candidates preferred who are already in Abu Dhabi or willing to relocate-Extensive experience in succession planning-Minimum of 8 years experience in L&D
