Manager - Learning & Development - Aldar Education

Job Description

Aldar Education is currently seeking a Manager - Learning & Development to join our HQ office in Abu Dhabi.

Aldar Education is the leading education group in Abu Dhabi, we provide inclusive and innovative learning that inspires and empowers communities, Aldar Education aims to be your employer of choice. We educate over 34,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders and employees across the group.

Working collaboratively, our purpose is to empower the next generation to shape our future, directly supporting the educational goals of Abu Dhabi’s government. Today, Aldar Education’s efforts are guided by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 plan, which aims to build a sustainable knowledge-based economy through premium education.

We are a “Great Place To Work” and currently employ over 1,400 teachers to deliver the English National Curriculum, the highly regarded American Massachusetts State Curriculum and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme all with an international dimension.

The Manager - Learning and Development (L&D) is responsible for the design, delivery, and management of innovative and high-impact learning initiatives that support Aldar Education's vision of excellence and continuous growth.

A key focus will be placed on the development and retention of UAE nationals and expats through structured graduate programs and leadership pipelines. The Manager - L&D will also oversee the implementation of a learning platform that facilitates accessible, high-quality professional development opportunities for all employees.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the highly successful Aldar family of schools and to help shape the future of Abu Dhabi’s leading school group.

Responsibilities

Main Duties:

• Lead the implementation of a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS):
• Ensure the LMS is scalable and supports various types of learning interventions (e-learning, blended learning, live workshops, etc.).
• Collaborate with the Aldar Training Academy to maximise usefulness of learning platform as well for educators.
• Provide ongoing support and training to employees to maximize the platform’s usage and impact on organizational learning.
• Identify HQ skill gaps through Training Need Analysis and develop targeted learning interventions to build critical competencies across the organization.
• Work with the Heads of P&C and design/drive a P&C learning calendar that is addressed to upskill the HROs and P&C team.
• Develop a strategic learning calendar (for Non-Edu roles) that addresses both short-term learning priorities and long-term development needs.
• In conjunction with the GH- Talent and the Emiratisation team, develop and roll out graduate programs in line with Emiratization goals, while also supporting expats’ growth within the organization.
• Support AEs succession planning by designing development plans and pathways for identifying high-potential employees on future leadership roles.
• Provide input and manage the L&D budget to ensure cost-effective use of resources in line with Aldar Education’s strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with the P&C team and senior leadership to design and implement learning initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
  
  
  

Specific Duties:

• Ensure training programs (leadership development, compliance training, soft skills workshops) are scheduled and communicated effectively across the organization.
• Generate insights from LMS data and feedback mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of learning interventions.
• Encourage usage of learning platform through creative methods.
• Present learning impact reports to senior management, identifying return on investment (ROI) and areas for improvement.
• Regularly update learning metrics and dashboards to track progress on key objectives, such as participation rates and employee satisfaction.
• Work with relevant stakeholders on designing executive leadership programs to build strategic leadership capabilities among senior leaders and executives.
• Collaborate with P&C and legal teams to ensure compliance training is regularly updated to reflect changes in policies and regulations.
• Support the enhancement of the onboarding/induction trainings and establish guidance for schools and HQ.
• Develop structured onboarding and induction programs that integrate new hires smoothly into the organization’s culture and processes.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage external vendors and learning partners to deliver specialized training programs.
• Support organizational development and change management initiatives through targeted learning interventions, including providing learning and coaching support for teams undergoing transitions or restructuring.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Learning and Development, Organizational Psychology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  
  
  

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in learning and development, with at least 2 years in a leadership or management role or 7 years experience as HR Generalist with minimum of 3 years managerial experience and focus on L&D.
• Experience in the education sector or a similar environment is a plus.
  
  
  

Job Specific Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Expertise in implementing and managing learning management systems (LMS), with a solid understanding of e-learning tools and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in managing teams and collaborating with senior leadership to drive organizational learning strategies.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to use data for decision-making and improvements.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work cross-functionally and build partnerships across departments and business units.
• Ability to design and deliver learning solutions that cater to a multicultural workforce, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, establish collaborative relationships, and inspire positive change.
• Strong and consistent supervisory skills
• Strong commercial acumen
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Advanced knowledge of all relevant accreditation standards
  
  
  

What We Offer

Aldar Education is a family of world-class, child centered, and innovative schools based in the UAE. We educate over 34,000 students across our group of owned and managed schools and as we grow so does our need for highly skilled, inspirational, and dedicated school leaders. We offer an attractive remuneration package including medical cover, flights, housing, and free child school places. Our future-focused learning model includes both students and staff so we place a special emphasis on professional development, coaching and training.

Successful candidates will have access to a wide network of professionals and opportunities to both lead and contribute to training others as well as developing themselves.

Aldar Education is keen to hear from like-minded, forward thinking school leaders who would welcome the challenges and opportunities that we have to offer.

This job description is not all inclusive. Aldar Education reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are also mindful of our national development strategy and encourage UAE Nationals in their application at our company.

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.