Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is looking for a Learning & Development Director 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 recognised 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.

Nestled in the city's heart, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai offers a stunning fusion of modern design with a touch of oriental flair, redefining hospitality standards.

With unparalleled views of Dubai's skyline, the iconic Burj Khalifa, and the sparkling Arabian Sea, this urban retreat offers 224 luxury Residences and 259 Rooms & Suites.

Going beyond traditional hospitality, Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai is not just a hotel but a lifestyle destination, offering relaxation, luxury, and memorable experiences.

About the job

Based at the Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai within the People & Culture Department in Dubai, the Learning & Development Director is responsible for, but not limited to, the overall Hotel Learning & Development, Performance Management and Quality Assurance: including operation and non-operation line colleagues, supervisors, managers, Department Heads and Executive Committee and focusing on delighting our guests and colleagues. Learning & Development Director reports to the Director of People & Culture.

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

• Leads Learning & Development (L&D) efforts across the hotel by planning, implementing, and reviewing programs aligned with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s (MOHG) standards, business goals, and employee development needs.
• Collaborates with senior leadership (including the Director of People & Culture, Executive Committee, and Department Heads) to manage performance cycles, succession planning, L&D strategy, and budget.
• Delivers and facilitates training programs for all staff levels, including executive retreats, classroom sessions, on-the-job training, and leadership development, while supporting quality assurance efforts and guest satisfaction metrics.
• Manages L&D infrastructure, including training calendars, departmental trainers, training records, and reporting (monthly reports, audits, and feedback reviews), while coordinating with external training providers as needed.
• Drives employee engagement and career development by coaching, counselling, and supporting initiatives such as Management Trainee Programs, Cultural Exchange Ambassador activities, and team-building efforts.
• Demonstrates strong leadership, interpersonal, and operational capabilities, including effective communication, team building, problem-solving, talent development, and alignment with MOHG’s mission, values, and LQEs (Legendary Quality Experiences).

As a Learning & Development Director, we expect from you: 

• Holds a Vocational Diploma or Degree/Higher National Diploma in Hospitality, Business, or Human Resources; adult learning certification and leadership facilitation certification preferred.
• At least 2 years in a 5-star hotel and 2–3 years in a managerial Learning & Development or Training role.
• Skilled in facilitating leadership programs, especially for senior managers, and experienced in coaching and conducting targeted workshops.
• Capable of conducting Training Needs Analysis at both departmental and hotel-wide levels and measuring training outcomes effectively.
• Proficient in using HR Information Systems to manage training records and requirements.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken) and possesses some hands-on operational hotel experience.

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.
• Colleague Comfort and Convenience: Benefit from comfortable accommodation, a duty transportation, and duty meals to ensure your work experience is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
• Competitive Salary and Benefits: We offer a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, fully aligned with UAE industry standards, to ensure your financial well-being and stability.

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