Head Industrial Relations & Employability

GBS Dubai; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Employability & Industry Relations to lead strategic initiatives that enhance student employability within the UAE's vibrant business landscape. This role involves forging partnerships with local industries, government bodies, and educational institutions to create impactful collaborations. The successful candidate will leverage their deep understanding of the UAE market and higher education expertise to elevate the institution's presence and drive innovation. If you are passionate about bridging academia and industry, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of UAE business landscape and professional network.
• Proven ability to align academic offerings with private sector needs.

Responsibilities

• Forge strategic alliances with UAE industries aligned with government sectors.
• Design and expand frameworks for student placements and internships.

Skills

Local Industry Knowledge

Higher Education Expertise

Relationship Management

Strategic Influence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Head of Employability & Industry Relations (UAE)

Dubai/Ajman, UAE

Full Time

Work From Office

Job Summary:

The Head of Employability & Industry Relations (UAE) will lead the strategy, development, and execution of industry engagement initiatives that strengthen GEDU (GBS Dubai & GUC Ajman) standing within the UAE's dynamic business and education ecosystem. This role will drive high-impact collaborations with local industries, regulatory bodies (e.g., KHDA), government agencies, alumni networks, and affiliate universities to increase student employability, foster innovation, and secure mutually beneficial partnerships through MOUs, sponsorships, and placement opportunities

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development: Forge and maintain strategic alliances with key UAE-based industries aligned with government priority sectors (e.g., Tech, healthcare, logistics).
• Industry Engagement & Advocacy: Represent GEDU in industry councils, chambers of commerce (e.g., Dubai Chamber), and government initiatives to strengthen institutional presence.
• Placement & Internship Ecosystem: Design and expand a scalable framework for student placements, internships, and work-integrated learning programs tailored to UAE corporate expectations.
• Government & Regulatory Liaison: Build strong relationships with UAE regulators (e.g., KHDA, MOHRE) to align with compliance and unlock local talent development funding or initiatives
• Sponsorships & MoUs: Identify, negotiate, and formalize strategic partnerships and sponsorships with leading UAE companies and family business groups.
• Sector Insight & Market Intelligence: Maintain insight into UAE economic drivers to identify emerging industry trends and steer partnership strategies.
• Brand Elevation through Collaboration: Champion co-branded projects, events, and executive education offerings with industry partners to amplify GBS Dubai's visibility.

Skills, knowledge and experience required

• Local Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the UAE business landscape, with a well-established professional network in sectors of national strategic importance.
• Higher Education Expertise: Proven ability to navigate and align academic offerings with KHDA frameworks and private sector needs.
• Relationship Management: Demonstrated success in managing senior-level relationships across government, corporate, and education sectors in the UAE
• Strategic Influence: Ability to represent the institution at national forums and shape collaborative agendas that respond to UAE employment and innovation goals.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector, Pearson qualification standards and KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority of Dubai)
• Bachelor's degree
• 10-year extensive relevant experience, preferably in university, corporate training institutes.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned.

To know our Privacy Policy, please click on the link below:

https://gbs.ac.ae/our-policies/