Assistant Learning & Development Manager - Job Opportunity at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Abu Dhabi, AE
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 19, 2025
On-site
USD 45,000 - 60,000 per year based on mid-level L&D position in Abu Dhabi luxury hospitality market, with potential for performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits package typical of Mandarin Oriental properties

Benefits

Comprehensive learning and development programs tailored to career advancement stages, providing continuous professional growth opportunities that exceed industry standards
Global accommodation benefits through MOstay program offering complimentary nights and discounted rates worldwide, delivering significant value for hospitality professionals
Extensive health and wellness programs focused on work-life balance, addressing the demanding nature of luxury hospitality operations
Competitive retirement plans with service-based benefits structure, demonstrating long-term employee investment and retention focus

Key Responsibilities

Drive organizational excellence by implementing and maintaining Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental's learning and development standards across all operational departments
Champion company culture transformation by supporting mission, values, and legendary quality experiences that directly impact guest satisfaction and brand reputation
Execute strategic learning initiatives by developing and implementing comprehensive L&D plans aligned with business priorities and operational excellence goals
Orchestrate hotel-wide training coordination and execution, ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and skill development across all colleague levels
Manage strategic learning calendar optimization to maximize resource utilization and ensure comprehensive coverage of all training requirements
Create innovative learning environments through creative facilitation of orientation programs, product knowledge sessions, and new hire integration processes
Lead continuous service excellence initiatives aligned with luxury hospitality standards including LQEs and Forbes requirements
Maintain compliance excellence through comprehensive training tracking systems ensuring regulatory and mandatory training completion
Drive administrative excellence in learning operations including records management, reporting systems, and resource optimization
Champion digital learning transformation through effective management of online learning platforms and technology integration
Ensure fiscal responsibility in training operations while maintaining budget adherence and maximizing learning investment returns
Lead cross-departmental collaboration through monthly trainer meetings, knowledge sharing, and best practice implementation
Develop internal training capabilities by supporting and mentoring departmental trainers to enhance overall learning effectiveness
Execute quality assurance programs through product knowledge assessments and standards audits ensuring consistent service delivery
Drive colleague engagement through recognition initiative coordination and positive workplace culture development

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in Hospitality Management, Human Resources, or related field

Experience

Extensive experience in the hospitality industry, previous training experience is a must

Required Skills

Confident and dynamic public speaker Able to communicate and interact effectively with all levels of an organization Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to train, motivate, evaluate and mentor colleagues to meet desired ends Skilled at fostering strong relationships with colleagues while consistently upholding the confidentiality of both colleagues and guests Enthusiastic and positive personality with ability to build trusting relationships with others Creative, effective team player, possessing a high degree of professionalism, energy and determination Proven organizational skills, work well on their own, able to set and meet deadlines with quality results Proficient in MS Office Applications, advanced in Excel and PowerPoint Ability to multitask Great attention to detail
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The luxury hospitality sector is experiencing unprecedented demand for personalized service excellence, driving increased investment in comprehensive learning and development programs that can deliver consistent guest experiences across global properties. Organizations are recognizing that exceptional service delivery requires systematic training approaches that go beyond traditional hospitality education. Digital transformation in hospitality training is accelerating rapidly, with online learning platforms becoming essential tools for scalable colleague development. The integration of technology-enabled learning with traditional face-to-face training is creating hybrid models that maximize learning effectiveness while optimizing operational costs. Post-pandemic hospitality recovery has intensified focus on colleague retention and engagement, making learning and development roles critical to organizational success. Companies are investing heavily in career development programs as key differentiators in competitive talent markets, particularly in luxury segments where service quality directly impacts brand reputation.

Role Significance

Typically manages training coordination across 300-400 colleagues in luxury hotel environment, with direct interaction with departmental trainers and indirect influence on entire property workforce development
Mid-level management position with significant operational responsibility and cross-departmental influence, serving as key support to senior L&D leadership while having direct impact on hotel-wide training effectiveness and colleague development outcomes

Key Projects

Implementation of comprehensive new hire orientation programs that accelerate colleague integration and reduce turnover Development and execution of service excellence training initiatives aligned with luxury hospitality standards and brand requirements Digital learning platform management and optimization to enhance training accessibility and effectiveness Cross-departmental training coordination ensuring consistent service delivery across all hotel operations

Success Factors

Exceptional communication and presentation skills that can engage diverse audiences across all organizational levels, from entry-level colleagues to senior management, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and learning retention Strong project management capabilities with ability to coordinate multiple training initiatives simultaneously while maintaining quality standards and meeting operational deadlines in fast-paced luxury hospitality environment Cultural sensitivity and adaptability essential for working in international luxury hospitality environment, with ability to customize training approaches for diverse colleague backgrounds and learning styles Technology proficiency and learning platform management skills becoming increasingly critical as hospitality training evolves toward hybrid digital-physical delivery models Business acumen and understanding of hospitality operations to ensure training programs align with revenue goals, guest satisfaction objectives, and operational efficiency requirements

Market Demand

High demand driven by hospitality industry recovery, increased focus on colleague development, and expansion of luxury hotel operations in Middle East region

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Advanced communication and presentation skills are absolutely essential as the role requires daily interaction with colleagues at all levels, from front-line staff to executive management, demanding ability to adapt messaging and delivery style to diverse audiences while maintaining engagement and learning effectiveness Comprehensive hospitality industry knowledge and training experience form the foundation of credibility and effectiveness in this role, as colleagues must respect the trainer's expertise and practical understanding of operational challenges and service standards Technology proficiency, particularly in learning management systems and Microsoft Office applications, has become critical for modern L&D roles as digital platforms increasingly supplement traditional training methods and data analysis becomes essential for program evaluation

Beneficial Skills

Project management certification or training would enhance ability to coordinate complex, multi-departmental training initiatives and ensure systematic program delivery that meets operational requirements and timeline constraints Additional language skills, particularly Arabic, would be valuable given the regional location and diverse colleague population, enabling more effective communication and cultural connection with local team members Train-the-trainer certification or adult learning principles education would strengthen facilitation effectiveness and ability to develop other departmental trainers, multiplying impact across the organization

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work within iconic Emirates Palace setting combining traditional Arabian hospitality with contemporary Mandarin Oriental service philosophy, providing unique cultural and professional experience
Access to Mandarin Oriental's global learning and development resources, including international training programs and career mobility opportunities across worldwide property portfolio
Exposure to ultra-luxury hospitality standards and high-profile clientele, providing exceptional professional development in premium service delivery and guest relations
Integration of cutting-edge learning technologies with traditional luxury service training, offering comprehensive experience in modern hospitality education methodologies

Career Growth

Typically 2-4 years to advance to senior L&D management roles, with progression dependent on performance, additional certifications, and organizational expansion opportunities

Potential Next Roles

Learning & Development Manager with full departmental responsibility and strategic planning authority Director of Learning & Development overseeing regional or multi-property training operations Human Resources Manager with expanded responsibility beyond training to include recruitment, performance management, and employee relations Operations Training Manager focusing on specific operational areas such as food & beverage or rooms division

Company Overview

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental represents the pinnacle of luxury hospitality in the Middle East, combining the legendary service standards of Mandarin Oriental with the opulent Arabian hospitality traditions of Emirates Palace. As part of the globally recognized Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, the property maintains exceptionally high standards for colleague development and guest experience delivery.

Premier luxury hospitality brand with strong global presence and reputation for service excellence, positioning colleagues for career advancement within extensive international hotel network and providing exposure to world-class hospitality practices
Flagship luxury property in Abu Dhabi serving as key regional hub for Middle East operations, offering significant exposure to high-profile events, VIP guest services, and international business development opportunities
Highly professional environment emphasizing continuous learning, cultural diversity, and service excellence, with strong emphasis on colleague development and career advancement within global hospitality network
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