Stephen McGarrigle CF MBTI NLP TMS

Director of Talent and Learning at Maximus

• United Arab Emirates - Dubai
• My current job since January 2022

Learning & Organisational Development Consultant at SJM Learning

• United Arab Emirates - Dubai
• June 2020 to January 2022

A Learning Organisational Development Consultancy service that specialises in:

 Organisational Development Projects
 Coaching and Mentoring
 Capability and Competency Frameworks
 Learning Experience Strategy
 Leadership Development
 Performance Appraisal and Management
 Instructional Design and E-Learning Design  Succession Planning
 Employee Engagement
 CV Writing Services

Senior Manager - Learning & Development at Expo 2020 Dubai

• United Arab Emirates - Dubai
• May 2019 to May 2020

 Designed the Event time training framework for Expo2020 workforce.
 Managed a team of three Learning & Development Managers.
 Designed and managed the learning needs analysis of forty-six event time operational roles.
 Facilitated Team Building events for over eighty workforce team members.
 Co-created the Expo 2020 Dubai HERO Service expectations and behaviours.
 Managed the design and development of the event time Orientation program for over 40, 000 participants (contractors, paid, volunteers).
 Managed the design and development of Role Specific Training (RST) for all Event Time Roles (contractors, paid, volunteers).
 Designed and developed the event time Leadership framework and program “Connected Leadership” for over 1, 000 participants (contractors, paid, volunteers).
 Managed the design and development of Operational Specific Training (OST) for over 50, 000 event time team members (contractors, paid, volunteers).
 Established and co-facilitated the Training Advisory Group (TAG) to seek guidance and validation on L&D strategy from the business functions.
 Developed and facilitated Instructional Design Master classes and e-Books (session planning, presentation design, e-Book design and train-the-trainer) for team members responsible for training design and delivery.
 Designed and created processes for needs analysis, curriculum development, learning evaluation and impact, learning consultancy and resource development.

Associate Director Learning & Development at DXB Entertainments

• United Arab Emirates - Dubai
• February 2016 to May 2019

 Designed and implemented the Corporate Talent Development strategy, framework, polices & procedures and operational plan to develop, improve and enhance Culture, Compliance, Competence, Capability and Career for DXBE Corporate, Riverland, motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Lapita Hotel.
 Managed a team of nine team members including: three Senior Learning & Development Managers, one HR Development Manager, three Assistant L&D Managers, one L&D Officer and one L&D Administrator.
 Managed the roll-out of the Performance Management System and education initiatives for over 500 team members in supervisory positions.
 Managed the implementation of the Taleo Learn - Learning Management System for over 3, 000 team members.
 Coordinated the identification and delivery of regular safety and compliance training for over 3, 000 team members (e.g. Fire Safety, Fire Wardens, HACCP, Food Hygiene, Person in Charge, Chemical Handling, First Aid, Defibrillator, Forklift, Electrical Safety)
 Coordinated the annual Learning Calendar which included soft skills development, technical skills, compliance programs, leadership and team development and career initiatives.
 Established an accredited departmental training program with over 40 certified trainers across the organisation.
 Designed “Conducting Amazing Interviews” workshop for all team members responsible for recruiting employees.
 Designed, facilitated and delivered reinforcement activities for the “Amazeology” program; a mandatory service standards program (Be Welcoming, Be Proactive, Be Responsive, Be Engaged, Be Amazing) attended by over 3, 000 employees representing all levels and entities.
 Created and implemented an Employee Recognition Program to acknowledge and appreciate employees across the various entities of DXB Entertainments.
 Designed and delivered a range of high-quality performance development, management and appraisal tools and complementary education initiatives to reinforce best practice performance management.
 Designed, developed and facilitated Leadership Capability framework and the establishment of the “DXBE Leaders Academy” which resulted in the promotion of potential leaders and the implementation of action learning projects.
 Managed the implementation of 360-degree capability appraisals for Senior Executives and created individual development and coaching plans to improve and enhance performance.
 Developed the framework and core modules for “Theme Park School” an accredited talent development program for frontline team members.
 Conducted Assessment Centres and administered psychometric testing to identify suitable Graduates for National Development Program.
 Managed the “Helmi” Emirati Graduate Development program in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF).
 Established the “DXBE Academy” to offer non-accredited and accredited talent development and team building experiences to external companies across the UAE.
- Designed and developed in partnership with the University of Central Florida the “Happiness and Positivity Program” for the Prime Minister’s Office for over 3, 600 Happiness Centre employees across the UAE. Project Profit: AED 500, 000.
- Designed and facilitated Team Development activities for the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). Project Profit: AED 24, 000

Learning & Development Director at SJM Learning

• Australia
• August 2011 to January 2016

 Designed a competency and capability framework to support and inform effective recruitment, performance management, retention and learning and development initiatives.
 Researched and created role descriptions, salary schedule, job advertisements, performance based bonus program, employment contracts, HR policy and procedure manual and employee handbook.
 Developed end to end recruitment (talent acquisition) strategy including advertising job vacancies, short-listing applicants, coordinating and conducting audition interviews, completing reference checks and appointment of successful applicants.
 Designed the Onboarding process for new employees which aligns with the organisational culture and brand values.
 Developed and implemented employee branding program and innovative recruitment campaigns to ensure that the company is known as an “employer of choice”.
 Provided leadership and direction to a team of three in recruiting best-in-class talent to ensure that the company is hiring “exceptional talent with heart” at all levels and across a variety of operational and strategic roles.
 Developed a comprehensive learning and development framework (Tooniversity) focused on enhancing individual and organisational effectiveness.
 Provided ongoing support, training and advice to managers across all levels of the business in relation to talent acquisition, management and development matters.
 Established a performance management strategy designed to align individual accountability with organizational goals.
 Researched and sourced a suitable Human Resource Information and Development (Learning Management) System capable of tracking personnel data, payroll management and employee benefits, reporting HR metrics, recording learning and competency outcomes, facilitating performance management including appraisals, individual development plans and succession.

Training & Engagement Manager at Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games

• Australia
• June 2015 to January 2016

Learning & Development Manager at QANTAS International

• Australia
• January 2015 to June 2015

Learning and Development Manager at WMB

• Australia
• July 2012 to April 2013

 Developed quality and contemporary end-to-end Learning and Development strategies to maximise employee capacity and engagement.
 Developed, implemented and reviewed organisational Learning and Development strategy.
 Implement and review workforce capacity plan.
 Developed and facilitated soft skills training including service, communication, conflict management and emotional intelligence.
 Managed organisational approach to knowledge management, learning management system and e-learning initiatives.
 Developed organisational employee development framework and Leadership development framework.
 Supervised, coached and mentored the Learning and Development team.
 Analysed learning outcomes and created organisational responses to current and future learning needs.
 Developed and implemented Professional Development Assistance program.
 Created annual learning calendar, learning directory and individual learning plans.
Instigated the creation of career and transition maps and organisational succession plan.

Director - Leadership, Learning, Organisational and Talent Development at SJM Consulting

• Australia
• August 2011 to June 2012

 Designed, developed and implemented talent and performance management, leadership development and organisational development initiatives that meet the client’s needs.
 Analysed training needs and evaluating and coordinating training programs and initiatives.
 Reviewed, developed and implemented plans and strategies to manage and improve the quality, consistency and delivery of training and HR programs and initiatives.
 Developed and documented training presentations, materials and other resources.
 Designed and implemented suitable performance tools including leadership kits, capability frameworks, talent pools, KPI’s, performance feedback materials and coaching resources.

Learning and Organisational Development Manager at Ardent Leisure

• Australia
• October 2004 to August 2011

 Establish, manage and facilitate the DREAM Leader Academy programs.
 Establish manage and facilitate Theme Park School.
 Develop, implement, evaluate and revise innovative and cost effective training strategies that meet Dreamworld’s business needs and optimise training expenditure within budget.
 Assess organisational capability and staff development needs by conducting an annual training needs analysis and advise managers and supervisors on all issues relating to the training and development of their staff.
 Design, develop and deliver soft skills training and development programmes to meet identified needs with an emphasis on in house packages.
 Prepare the annual training calendar and coordinate the scheduling of training activities and ongoing improvement of learning programs
 Coordinate and facilitate the company Induction program ensuring that it maintains relevance and meets company objectives for new staff.
 Liaise with external training providers to determine training developments, implement approved programs, establish organisational goals, set timetables and negotiate costs.
 Monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes, and develop and maintain records of objectives, outcomes, employee feedback and effectiveness.
 Maintain accurate employee training records and administer the company’s fee reimbursement programme.
 Prepare, monitor and control training and development budget.
 Assist in the development of training and development policy.
 Assist in the development of apprenticeship, traineeship and other opportunities
 Provide regular reports on training expenditure and outcomes.