Director of Industry Relations

at  Sommet Education

DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY RELATIONS

Permanent contract /Abu Dhabi
Les Roches Global Hospitality Education, in the top 3 for Employer Reputation of Hospitality & Leisure Management graduates by the QS World University Ranking, is a brand of the Sommet Education Group. Founded in 1954, Les Roches is a private institution based on the Swiss model of experiential learning, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of hospitality, tourism and event management. Les Roches prepares entrepreneurial and innovative graduates across a global network of campuses in Crans-Montana (Switzerland), Marbella (Spain) and Shanghai (China).
You share our values: Development, Distinctiveness, Joint commitment, Openness and Sense of service.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Education, or a related field. A Master’s degree would be highly advantageous.
• Significant experience working in the hospitality industry, ideally in roles involving training, development, or management. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding industry needs and trends.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 7-10 years of progressive experience in the hospitality industry, with a focus on training, development, management, or a related area.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, or projects demonstrates leadership abilities and organizational skills.
• Direct involvement in designing, developing, or delivering training programs is highly valuable.
• Experience in sales, marketing, or business development within the hospitality industry is highly valuable.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Deep understanding of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the hospitality industry, including emerging technologies, changing guest expectations, and economic factors.
• Familiarity with adult learning principles, instructional design models, and various training delivery methods (e.g., classroom training, online learning, simulations, coaching).
• Awareness of relevant technologies used in the industry, such as property management systems (PMS), point-of-sale (POS) systems, revenue management systems, and guest engagement platforms.
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, stakeholders, and internal colleagues is essential for collaboration, securing buy-in, and ensuring long-term partnerships.
• The ability to think strategically, analyze industry trends, and contribute to the development and implementation of long-term plans for B2B training initiatives is crucial for ensuring alignment with the academy’s goals.
  Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches is hiring a Director of Industry Relations.
  The Director of Industry Relations plays an essential role in our School’s success and reputation worldwide. The vision is to enhance our academy’s strategic growth initiatives within the professional training and development sector by cultivating dynamic industry partnerships, anticipating future workforce needs, and pioneering innovative solutions that position the academy as a transformative force within the hospitality industry. The Director of Industry Relations will collaborate with industry partners to design and deliver bespoke training programs that address their unique challenges and opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within their organizations.

• Identify and cultivate relationships: Proactively seek out and build relationships with key decision-makers in hospitality organizations, industry associations, and relevant government agencies.
• Needs analysis: Conduct thorough needs assessments to understand the specific training and development requirements of industry partners.
• Proposal development: Develop and present compelling proposals outlining the value proposition of the hospitality school’s training programs and services.
• Negotiation and contracting: Negotiate contracts and service level agreements with industry clients, ensuring mutually beneficial terms.
• Relationship management: Maintain ongoing communication and engagement with industry partners to foster long-term collaboration and satisfaction.
• Program Design & Delivery: Curriculum development: Contribute to the design and development of innovative and industry-relevant training programs, incorporating current trends, technologies, and best practices.