Managing Director – Training & Development

ILLAFTrain; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading corporate training provider in Abu Dhabi is looking for a Senior Executive to lead operations in training and learning solutions. The role entails managing large-scale projects, building strategic partnerships, and providing market insights. Suitable candidates will have significant managerial experience, preferably in training, and fluent bilingual skills in Arabic and English. A strong background in strategic leadership and training project management is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7–10 years of management and training experience.
• At least 3 years in a senior executive role.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, spoken and written.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage large-scale training projects.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships.
• Analyze markets for opportunities and trends.

Skills

Strategic planning

Delegation

Time management

Team building

Negotiation

Performance leadership

Market knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field

Postgraduate qualification (MBA or Master’s)

Job description

Job Purpose

To lead and direct the company’s operations in the field of corporate training and learning solutions by managing people and teams, ensuring the success of large-scale training projects from negotiation to ROI measurement, while building strategic partnerships and enhancing competitiveness in the UAE and GCC markets.

1. Leadership & Strategic Management

• Define the company’s strategic vision and annual business plans to achieve organizational objectives.
• Effectively delegate tasks and monitor both individual and team performance.
• Oversee human and financial resources to ensure operational efficiency.
• Develop and enhance internal policies, systems, and procedures.

2. Training Project Management

• Lead training projects from needs assessment and negotiations to program design and delivery.
• Supervise the development of innovative training models and solutions.
• Ensure quality execution and manage logistical requirements.
• Evaluate ROI and submit performance reports to the Board and clients.

3. Partnerships & Business Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers in government and private organizations.
• Represent the company at events, conferences, and official engagements.
• Negotiate and secure long-term contracts and partnerships that drive business growth.

4. Market Insight & Organizational Development

• Analyze the UAE and GCC markets to identify needs and opportunities.
• Develop training products and services aligned with market demands.
• Provide strategic advisory services to key clients to strengthen the company’s market position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Training & Development, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or Master’s in HR/Training & Development) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of proven experience in management and training, including at least 3 years in a senior executive role.
• Strong knowledge of training systems and competency development frameworks in the UAE and GCC.
• Bilingual proficiency: Fluent in Arabic and English (spoken and written).

Core Skills

• Managerial: Strategic planning, delegation, time management, systems development.
• Leadership: Team building, motivation, change management, and performance leadership.
• Project Management: Needs analysis, program design, training project lifecycle management, evaluation.
• Relationship Management: High-level negotiation, building strategic partnerships, engaging with decision-makers.
• Market Insight: Deep understanding of the UAE and GCC markets, ability to translate client needs into practical solutions.

Authority & Decision-Making

• Approve and implement operational plans and budgets.
• Negotiate and finalize contracts within delegated financial and administrative authority.
• Make executive and operational decisions to ensure project success.
• Officially represent the company with clients and government entities.

Working Relationships

• Internal: All departments and operational teams.
• External: Clients (government and private sectors), strategic partners, service providers, and regulatory authorities.

Personal Attributes

• A strategic leader with flexibility and strong decision-making abilities.
• Quickly understand organizational and client needs and transform them into actionable solutions.
• Strong negotiation and persuasion capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills are suitable for engaging with senior executives in the government and private sectors.
• Integrity, discipline, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Skills

• Strategic Leadership & Business Planning
• Training Project Management (Design, Delivery, ROI Evaluation)
• Strong Negotiation & Relationship Management
• GCC & UAE Market Knowledge
• Bilingual (Arabic & English) – Fluent