Job Overview

We are seeking a highly strategic and experienced Learning & Development Director to lead enterprise-wide capability building within a fast-paced real estate and property development organization based in Dubai.

This leadership role is responsible for designing and executing learning strategies that drive business performance, leadership excellence, and organizational growth. The successful candidate will partner closely with senior leadership to ensure talent development initiatives directly support the company’s long-term commercial and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Learning Strategy & Organizational Capability

• Design and implement a comprehensive L&D strategy aligned with business goals and the demands of the real estate and property development market

• Identify current and future skills gaps across functions and levels, translating them into targeted learning solutions

• Embed leadership, technical, and behavioral development frameworks across the organization

Leadership & Talent Development

• Develop and deliver leadership development and succession programs for high-potential talent and senior leaders

• Support business transformation initiatives through capability building and change enablement

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, performance excellence, and accountability

Stakeholder Partnership

• Act as a strategic partner to executive leadership and department heads to align learning initiatives with organizational priorities

• Collaborate with HR, Talent Management, and Business Leaders to integrate learning into the employee lifecycle

Measurement, Governance & Innovation

• Define KPIs and metrics to measure learning effectiveness, ROI, and business impact

• Leverage data and feedback to continuously refine and improve learning interventions

• Monitor emerging trends in digital learning, learning technologies, and adult learning methodologies

• Manage L&D budgets, vendors, and external learning partners effectively

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing L&D team

• Encourage innovation, collaboration, and professional growth within the function

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or related field

• Master’s degree preferred

• 10+ years of Learning & Development experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role

• Strong expertise in adult learning principles, leadership development, and talent frameworks

• Experience in large, dynamic organizations, ideally within real estate, construction, or property management

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organization-wide initiatives

• Strong analytical capability with experience tracking learning outcomes and ROI

Preferred Skills

• Experience implementing digital learning platforms and blended learning solutions

• Demonstrated success driving culture change through learning and development

• Strategic, forward-thinking leader with strong people management skills

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and executive presence

Job Type & Location

• Employment Type: Full Time

• Location: Dubai, UAE

• Industry: Real Estate & Property Development

About the Company

Big Fish is a specialist recruitment consultancy built on service excellence, industry knowledge, and genuine care. With deep regional expertise, Big Fish consultants are trusted advisors to both clients and candidates, delivering recruitment solutions that go beyond expectations.