Head of Talent Management & Development

About the role

Are you an experienced talent management leader ready to influence how specialist professionals develop, progress, and lead? Black Pearl is recruiting a Head of Talent Management & Development for a confidential investment organisation in Abu Dhabi. This opportunity suits a senior Human Resources professional with expertise in Learning & Development, succession planning, performance management, and leadership development. Working closely with Human Capital leadership and department heads, you will turn business priorities into practical development programmes, strengthen career pathways, and support the growth of UAE national talent.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a learning strategy that addresses current capability gaps and prepares employees for future business needs.
• Oversee the annual learning programme, including training needs assessment, programme design, provider selection, budgets, and impact evaluation.
• Partner with investment and corporate teams to create relevant development experiences for specialist professionals.
• Lead talent review and succession planning activities, identifying potential successors and establishing clear development priorities.
• Support consistent performance assessment through manager guidance and calibration discussions.
• Develop career progression and promotion assessment frameworks with clear expectations for advancement.
• Build leadership programmes that prepare high‑potential employees for broader responsibilities.
• Create and monitor Individual Development Plans for Emirati employees, working closely with their managers.
• Design structured graduate development and onboarding programmes that help early‑career talent build capability.
• Use talent data and programme outcomes to assess progress and recommend improvements.

Required profile

• Substantial experience in Talent Management, Learning & Development, or Organisational Development, with ownership of programmes and frameworks.
• A background in investment management, asset management, banking, financial services, or another complex professional environment.
• Demonstrated experience across succession planning, talent reviews, performance management, and leadership development.
• Strong knowledge of instructional design and practical approaches to adult learning.
• The ability to understand specialist business needs and work with subject‑matter experts to develop relevant learning content.
• Experience in Emirati talent development, graduate programmes, or structured career development would be an advantage.
• Strong project management skills, including managing external providers, budgets, and multiple initiatives.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with the confidence to advise and present to senior stakeholders.
• A relevant bachelor’s degree; CIPD, SHRM, or an equivalent professional qualification is advantageous.