Training Director - Dubai, UAE

Iqarus has a proud history, extending over 40 years, of delivering fully-integrated healthcare solutions in complex and demanding operating environments. We operate across the medical spectrum from primary care and occupational health, to advanced pre-hospital trauma care, through to full scale laboratory, radiological, diagnostic and surgical capabilities. Our approach projects the highest standards of clinical care into the environments in which we operate, through a combination of local knowledge, multinational medical staff, integrated global clinical governance, training and medical supply. Our highly-skilled operational teams deliver frontline and preventative services to mitigate health risk and help organisations keep their workforces safe, healthy, resilient and productive. By increasing the quality, simplicity and efficiency of health delivery we enhance our clients’ return on investment in health and in many instances, help elevate social and/or humanitarian objectives too. Our clients include multinationals and SMEs, governments, non-governmental organisations, supra-nationals, and non-governmental organisations.

The Training Director (TD) will initially be a standalone position.  The primary purpose of this role is to transform and grow the Iqarus training business, around an expeditionary, project-based model. In conjunction with the MD, the role will assume overall responsibility for formulation and execution of a strategic training business plan.  The TD will also be responsible for the oversight of training delivery and day-to-day governance of training standards.  Additionally, the TD will be the authority for, and the custodian of, all training related Intellectual Property (IP).

The TD will be tasked with establishing the delivery model, inclusive of the capacity and infrastructure required to support that delivery model, with a clear focus on developing and accelerating growth through the sales channels of new and existing service lines both domestically and internationally.  This will entail creating operational strategies, overseeing execution, and seeking to understand whether there are additional tangential services that can be added to the Iqarus offering.

The TD will possess a deep understanding of both sales and training, with the ability to adapt and innovate in dynamic challenging environments.  The TD must possess strong leadership skills, a strategic mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and demanding setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

Training Program Development

• Develop and implement comprehensive medical and security training programs aligned with Iqarus’ mission and client requirements.
• Conduct training needs assessments to identify gaps and ensure relevance to industry and operational demands.
• Design training curricula covering medical response, emergency preparedness, tactical security, and other specialized areas as per Iqarus scope.
• Ensure training programs comply with relevant international and regional standards (e.g., UK Resuscitation Council, American Heart Association, ISO, WHO, and local regulatory bodies).
• Integrate modern training methodologies, including simulation-based training, scenario-driven learning, and blended training models.

Strategic Leadership and Vision Setting

• Collaborate with the Managing Director to establish and implement a strategic vision for the training service offering.
• Focus on driving growth across domestic and international markets by defining and executing a robust business plan.

Operational Delivery and Compliance Oversight

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality training services, ensuring all operational activities adhere to industry standards and align with strategic objectives.
• Oversee stock and asset management, maintaining operational efficiency and excellence.
• Maintain accreditation standards and manage the certification process for trainees.
• Monitor industry developments and update training materials accordingly to remain current with best practices.

Growth and Business Development

• Develop and execute strategies to expand the training service offering, capitalizing on synergies with International SOS and exploring new business opportunities across the region and globally.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and partners, identifying and pursuing growth avenues that align with Iqarus’ objectives.
• Engage with business development, sales, and marketing teams to support market expansion and cultivate new relationships within the International SOS network and beyond, with a focus on expanding service lines and exploring international markets.

Leadership and Team Culture

• Champion a collaborative and empowering work culture, promoting strong communication and teamwork.
• Serve as a role model by fostering a culture of high performance, adaptability, and alignment with the company's values and strategic direction.
• Implement organizational structures that ensure projects are efficiently developed and delivered, supporting both the current business framework and future growth potential.

Reporting and Performance Management

• Regularly produce, interpret, and manage comprehensive reports on KPIs, strategic initiatives, and the effectiveness of training delivery.
• Ensure training delivery remains agile and scalable, supporting sustained growth and adapting to evolving market needs.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.

• Proven commercial experience with strong financial acumen, capable of interpreting and communicating financial insights at the C-Suite level and supporting long-term strategic plans through financial modelling and forecasting.
• Demonstrated success in business development and growth within multinational and multicultural environments, with a solid track record of expanding business units, delivering substantial value, and developing scalable service lines, especially in complex or international contexts.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a keen ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities, drive innovation, and adapt to evolving business landscapes, particularly within high-risk industries and international settings.
• Skilled in writing and implementing successful business plans, with the ability to present and justify strategies effectively to senior management.
• Preferred experience in high-risk and remote environments, with a strong grasp of tendering and project award processes involving governments, NGOs, IOCs, or other major organizations, along with a background in Health Risk Management and training services.
• Military experience or experience in expeditionary training environments is highly advantageous, as is an understanding of risk management frameworks for training and operational readiness.
• Proficiency in blended learning methodologies, including digital and in-person training models, with an emphasis on innovative delivery methods.
• Strong network and established relationships within the military, government, or NGO sectors, particularly in relation to training and development, and adept at forming strategic partnerships and alliances within large multinational corporations or subsidiaries.
• Proven ability to thrive in remote or austere environments, with hands-on experience in overseeing operations and ensuring compliance with global regulatory and health and safety standards
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in diverse, challenging environments, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and the ability to influence and inspire across different contexts.

Key Skills:

• Software management system (SAP, NAV, SAGE etc).
• Strategic thinking.
• Development and strong execution of a business plan.
• Communication: Highly motivated and strong team player with excellent communication skills.
• An excellent customer service attitude and the ability to interact with customers in a professional manner are required. A flexible approach to deliver the right service to clients regardless of location or timescale is expected and this will involve an element of international travel.
• Organised, structured approach with the ability to seamlessly alternate between strategic and operational functions.
• Ability to discuss and negotiate at all levels.