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

Desired Candidate Profile

• 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