UAE National - Senior Manager - Emiratisation Development & Talent Programs

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global trading company based in Dubai is seeking a Senior Manager for Emiratisation Development & Talent Programs. This role entails overseeing talent development initiatives for Emirati nationals, managing relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring program success aligned with national agendas. The ideal candidate should have a degree in HR or related fields, along with 6-8 years of experience in Talent Management or Emiratisation. Strong project management skills and vendor management experience are essential.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience in Talent Management, Learning & Development, or Emiratisation.
• Proven success in managing large-scale development programs in the GCC region.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the portfolio of Emiratisation development programs across various business verticals.
• Translate the strategic Emiratisation agenda into detailed operational plans.
• Lead program execution through team members, ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Collaborate with HR to optimize the candidate journey from selection to retention.
• Directly manage and develop the Emiratisation team, assigning tasks and monitoring performance.
• Handle operational escalations related to Emirati talent, resolving or escalating as needed.
• Serve as the primary contact for HR Business Partners and line managers on Emiratisation matters.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including universities and government entities.
• Lead vendor management for training and program partnerships, ensuring diverse input.
• Collaborate with TA and businesses to maintain a pipeline of national talent.
• Utilize data to track KPIs such as hiring, retention, and promotion rates.
• Provide updates on initiatives to drive alignment and highlight opportunities.
• Oversee the planning and execution of Emiratisation events such as recruitment and graduation ceremonies.
• Pilot new Emiratisation projects, leading execution from planning to implementation.
• Act as an advocate for Emirati employees, gathering and analyzing feedback to enhance retention and growth.
• Translate employee concerns into strategic recommendations.

Skills

Strategic Thinking and Program Design

Data-driven Decision Making and ROI Measurement

Vendor and Stakeholder Management

Emiratisation and National Talent Development Expertise

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or related field

Job description

UAE National - Senior Manager - Emiratisation Development & Talent Programs

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions – automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare – the Group employs more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Al-Futtaim partners with over 200 of the world’s most admired and innovative brands and continues to grow and expand by responding to the changing needs of customers within the societies in which it operates.

Job Requisition ID: 173987

Overview Of The Role

The Senior Manager of Emiratisation Development & Talent Programs is responsible for designing and implementing talent development initiatives for Emirati nationals within Al‑Futtaim. The role oversees programs across multiple business verticals, aiming to provide structured learning pathways from education to leadership stages. This position involves strategic talent management, innovating learning approaches, and developing leadership pipelines, making Al‑Futtaim a preferred employer for UAE nationals. The manager collaborates with HR, business leaders, and external partners to ensure program success and alignment with national agendas.

What You Will Do

• Oversee the portfolio of Emiratisation development programs across various business verticals.
• Translate the strategic Emiratisation agenda into detailed operational plans.
• Lead program execution through team members, ensuring high‑quality delivery.
• Collaborate with HR to optimize the candidate journey from selection to retention.
• Directly manage and develop the Emiratisation team, assigning tasks and monitoring performance.
• Handle operational escalations related to Emirati talent, resolving or escalating as needed.
• Serve as the primary contact for HR Business Partners and line managers on Emiratisation matters.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including universities and government entities.
• Lead vendor management for training and program partnerships, ensuring diverse input.
• Collaborate with TA and businesses to maintain a pipeline of national talent.
• Utilize data to track KPIs such as hiring, retention, and promotion rates.
• Provide updates on initiatives to drive alignment and highlight opportunities.
• Oversee the planning and execution of Emiratisation events such as recruitment and graduation ceremonies.
• Pilot new Emiratisation projects, leading execution from planning to implementation.
• Act as an advocate for Emirati employees, gathering and analyzing feedback to enhance retention and growth.
• Translate employee concerns into strategic recommendations.

Required Skills To Be Successful

• Strategic Thinking and Program Design
• Data‑driven Decision Making and ROI Measurement
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management
• Emiratisation and National Talent Development Expertise

What Qualifies You For The Role

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, or related field.
• 6-8 years of experience in Talent Management, Learning & Development, or Emiratisation.
• Proven success in managing large‑scale development programs in the GCC region.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

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