ABOUT THE POSITION:
The Director of Talent Development at Rosewood AMAALA is responsible for leading and shaping the resort's learning, development, and performance culture strategy. This role oversees the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of all learning initiatives, ensuring alignment with Rosewood's values, service philosophy, Forbes standards, and A Sense of Place experience.
As a strategic partner to leadership, the Director of Talent Development drives a culture of continuous learning, leadership growth, operational excellence, and service mastery. The role plays a critical part in pre-opening readiness by building capability frameworks, delivering brand immersion programs, and ensuring associates are fully prepared to deliver exceptional luxury experiences from day one.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement the overall Talent Development strategy aligned with Rosewood brand standards and AMAALA's operational objectives.
- Lead and own the full Forbes Standards Training strategy, ensuring structured, measurable, and sustainable implementation across all departments.
- Design and deliver comprehensive Forbes Five-Star service training programs for associates, supervisors, managers, and leaders.
- Partner with operations leaders to embed Forbes behaviors into daily briefings, SOPs, and service rituals.
- Conduct Forbes readiness audits, mystery assessments, and service calibration workshops to maintain consistency.
- Lead all learning initiatives including orientation, brand immersion, Perfect Discovery, leadership development, technical training, and compliance programs.
- Design and execute structured pre-opening training programs to ensure full operational readiness.
- Ensure all associates complete mandatory compliance training in line with company policies and Saudi labor requirements.
- Conduct training needs analysis in collaboration with department heads and develop tailored development plans.
- Oversee performance management frameworks including goal setting, appraisals, and development planning.
- Coach leaders on effective performance conversations, service recovery coaching, and associate development.
- Monitor training effectiveness through KPIs, service audit results, guest feedback, Forbes assessment results, and engagement metrics.
- Maintain accurate records of training hours, certifications, assessments, and development progress.
- Drive succession planning and talent review processes in partnership with the Director of Talent & Culture.
- Promote a culture of learning, accountability, and service excellence across all levels.
- Collaborate with Corporate Talent & Culture to align development programs with global Rosewood standards.
- Manage the Talent Development budget, training facilities, and digital learning platforms.
- Lead and mentor Talent Development managers, trainers, and coordinators.
- Support associate engagement and recognition programs through development-driven initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality of associate development records and performance documentation.
- Promote Rosewood values and luxury service behaviors through visible leadership and consistent example.
- Perform other duties assigned by the Cluster Director of Talent & Culture
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in Talent Development or Talent & Culture within luxury hospitality.
- Strong hands-on experience in implementing and sustaining Forbes Five-Star service standards training.
- At least 3–5 years in a leadership role overseeing learning and development functions.
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Hospitality, Business Administration, Education, or related field.
- Professional certifications in training, coaching, or leadership development preferred.
- Experience in pre-opening or ultra-luxury resort environments highly preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in service culture transformation and performance coaching.
- Strong facilitation, presentation, and leadership influence skills
