Manager Talent Programs
Date: 16 May 2025
Location: Abu Dhabi, AE
Company: Etihad Airways
Synopsis
The Manager, Talent Programs is responsible for supporting the design and development of talent management related programs and initiatives aligned to Etihad’s leadership framework focused on Senior Manager level and above. It will play a key role in ensuring Etihad’s leadership competencies are communicated and adopted across all levels of leadership.This includes working with external vendors and partners to source best in class leadership development content and solutions in the areas of executive coaching and senior/executive level leadership development and 360 assessments. In addition, this role will also work closely with the HR Delivery team on ensuring successful implementation and evaluation of talent management related programs. Key to success in this role will be the ability to work across a diverse set of stakeholders (both internal/external), manage multiple projects/tasks as well as ensure projects are delivered within budget.
Accountabilities
- Own and lead the strategy, design, and end-to-end execution of strategic talent programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and business needs. This includes full project management responsibility — from program conceptualization and stakeholder alignment to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement — with clear accountability for outcomes across the entire talent lifecycle.
- Spearhead the enterprise-wide enablement of succession planning by translating talent insights into targeted development strategies for critical roles.
- Partner with HR Business Partners and functional leaders to identify successor gaps, define readiness criteria, and architect bespoke development plans that accelerate bench strength.
- Ensure integration with broader workforce planning and leadership development agendas to build a future-ready leadership pipeline
- Curate and co-design customized leadership development journeys in line with success profiles and business priorities, including targeted programs for Senior Managers and above.
- Design and operationalize high-impact experiential learning interventions—including stretch assignments, cross-functional initiatives, and strategic secondments—to accelerate readiness and capability development of high-potential talent in alignment with succession and business priorities
- Partner with the Learning & Career Development team to align design, delivery, and evaluation frameworks with Etihad’s L&D Universal Standards (under development).
- Collaborate closely with HR Business Partners to translate talent insights into individual development plans and leadership readiness strategies.
- Maintain strong vendor relationships to support leadership development delivery, while ensuring compliance with Etihad’s procurement and budget processes.
- Continuously review and update talent management content to reflect evolving business needs and industry best practices.
Education & Experience
- Graduate or Post Graduate Degree in Human Resources, Organisational Development or a related field.
- 7-10+ years’ experience in designing and deploying talent management/leadership development related programs.
- Strong understanding of leadership development program design principles and impact assessment (including ROI).
- Strong communication and project management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different levels of the organisation.
- Business acumen and the ability to understand and align talent management practices with business goals.
- Relevant certifications in psychometric assessment/tools or coaching (preferable, however not essential).
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About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!
To learn more, visit etihad.com
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