Director-Talent Management & Engagement | Employee Services

American University of Sharjah; Sharjah; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UAE is seeking a Director of Talent Management & Engagement. This role involves leading talent acquisition, promoting employee engagement, and overseeing performance management initiatives. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and at least 10 years of HR leadership experience, with strong skills in organizational development and stakeholder management. The position offers an opportunity to shape workforce culture and enhance staff capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 5 years in senior management.
• Proven expertise in talent management and performance management.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead staff recruitment processes aligned with university priorities.
• Manage a comprehensive performance management system.
• Develop employee engagement and well-being initiatives.

Skills

Talent management

Organizational development

Performance management

Employee engagement

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Oracle HCM

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Talent Management & Engagement will lead a newly established department designed to advance AUS’s evolving people strategy and strengthen institutional effectiveness. This role is responsible for overseeing talent acquisition, organizational development, performance management and employee engagement & well-being, ensuring these functions are integrated, strategic, and aligned with institutional priorities. The Director will serve as a key partner to university leadership in shaping workforce culture, enhancing staff capability, and promoting an engaging and supportive environment for all employees.

Job Responsibilities

• Talent Management
• Lead all staff recruitment processes, ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment with AUS priorities.
• Support academic hiring in coordination with the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
• Drive organizational development initiatives, including succession planning and leadership development.
• Oversee Oracle e-Recruitment implementation with IT for an efficient, tech-enabled hiring process.
• Performance Management
• Manage a comprehensive performance management system for all staff.
• Manage performance standards, tools, and feedback mechanisms to support growth and accountability.
• Schedule training sessions for managers and staff to ensure effective adoption of the framework.
• Coordinate with academic leadership to align faculty and staff performance processes.
• Employee Engagement & Wellbeing
• Lead holistic employee engagement and well-being initiatives across the university.
• Develop programs that support physical, mental, and social well-being.
• Implement recognition and feedback mechanisms to enhance employee experience.
• Foster an inclusive culture aligned with AUS’s values to support satisfaction and retention.

Qualifications And Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven expertise in talent management, organizational development, and performance management system design and implementation.
• Strong track record of driving employee engagement and well-being initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience with HR technology platforms, ideally Oracle HCM or equivalent.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage change effectively and foster collaboration across departments.

How To Apply

• Interested applicants should fill out the form.
• AUS alumni are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants who do not meet specified requirements will not be shortlisted.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• AUS is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability or marital status. Opportunities for employment are based solely upon one’s qualifications.