Talent Manager

Company Description CDM Smith is a global, full-service engineering and construction firm delivering world-class solutions in water, environment, transportation, and energy to public and private clients. The organization focuses on applying deep technical expertise and digital innovation to address evolving infrastructure and sustainability needs. CDM Smith works across the entire project life cycle to create lasting impacts, high-quality results, and enduring value for its clients. Team members collaborate across disciplines and regions, contributing to complex projects that shape communities today and for the future. More information about the company, its projects, and its culture is available at https://www.cdmsmith.com. Role Description CDM Smith UAE is seeking an experienced Talent Manager to lead the organization’s Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and Talent Management activities. The Talent Manager will be responsible for developing and executing talent strategies that enable the business to attract, recruit, develop and retain high-quality professionals. The role will have direct responsibility for managing the recruitment team , overseeing end-to-end recruitment delivery, driving learning and development initiatives, and coordinating talent and succession processes across the organization. The successful candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Talent Acquisition, Talent Management and/or Learning & Development , with strong UAE and GCC market exposure . Previous experience within engineering consultancy, construction, infrastructure, project management consultancy or multidisciplinary engineering organizations is strongly preferred. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring close partnership with senior management, technical leaders, hiring managers, HR and project teams. Qualifications & ExperienceEssential Requirements Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Psychology or another relevant discipline. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience across Talent Acquisition, Talent Management and/or Learning & Development. Strong and demonstrable UAE recruitment and talent-management experience . Relevant GCC experience and exposure , with a strong understanding of regional talent markets. Demonstrated experience managing and developing a recruitment or Talent Acquisition team . Strong preference for candidates coming from an engineering consultancy, construction consultancy, infrastructure, project management consultancy or engineering/construction organization . Demonstrated experience recruiting technical, engineering, project management, construction and professional positions . Experience managing specialist, senior-level and hard-to-fill searches. Hands-on experience with talent reviews, succession planning and employee development . Practical exposure to Learning & Development programs and capability-building initiatives. Understanding of performance management, probation reviews and Performance Improvement Plans . Experience with recruitment reporting, pipeline management, vacancy ageing and recruitment KPIs. Experience managing external recruitment agencies/vendors. Strong understanding of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), sourcing methodologies and recruitment analytics. Strong stakeholder-management skills with the ability to partner effectively with senior and technical leadership. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or postgraduate qualification in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration or a related discipline . Professional qualification such as CIPD, SHRM or equivalent . Previous experience within a multinational engineering consultancy or construction/ infrastructure organization . Experience supporting multiple business units, projects or countries across the GCC. Experience developing structured Learning & Development, succession, leadership development or competency-development programs .