How to build a career as a Chief Learning Officer in today’s business world

So, what exactly is a Chief Learning Officer?

A CLO oversees how learning and development are planned and delivered across a company. They design the strategy behind how employees learn and grow and ensure it’s aligned with business goals.

This goes far beyond new hire orientation or occasional training. CLOs build systems that help people build skills, grow into leaders, and stay competitive in rapidly moving industries.

Their role typically involves:

• Creating long-term learning and development strategies
• Partnering with leaders to prepare the workforce for the future
• Launching coaching and leadership development programmes
• Driving a company-wide culture of continuous learning
• Ensuring learning contributes to business performance

Most CLOs answer directly to the CEO or CHRO. 

They’re not just part of the conversation; they help shape it.

What does a CLO actually do?

CLOs have one mission: help people grow, so the business can grow too.

They don’t sit in a corner office making training plans in isolation. They work side-by-side with HR, tech teams, and senior leaders to keep learning relevant, engaging, and measurable.

On any given day, a Chief Learning Officer might:

• Direct and manage the business’s L&D strategy
  
• Oversee the tools and platforms that deliver training
  
• Create leadership pipelines and upskilling programmes
  
• Track how learning impacts business performance
  
• Test out new learning technologies, from digital tools to blended formats
  
• Build a culture where learning happens every day
  
• Promote DEI through learning and awareness efforts

The title itself goes back to Steve Kerr at General Electric under Jack Welch, but today, it’s one of the most influential roles in any organisation that sees people as the key to growth.

How do you become a Chief Learning Officer?

There’s more than one way to become a CLO, which is a plus. Whether you come from HR, teaching, coaching, corporate training, or even business management, what matters is how well you can link learning to performance.

That said, many Chief Learning Officers tend to have a few common traits and qualifications:

• A master’s degree or MBA, typically in business administration, HR, or organisational development
  
• Experience leading learning and development initiatives
  
• Strong leadership and communication skills
  
• A track record of influencing company culture and engaging senior stakeholders
  
• Comfort with data, technology, and learning management systems

While a bachelor’s degree can help you start in L&D, moving into a Chief Learning Officer role will likely require deeper business knowledge and a strong strategic mindset.

Where do CLOs work?

In short, almost everywhere.

Chief Learning Officers are needed in industries that rely on people to drive innovation and performance. That includes:

• Technology
• Banking and finance
• Healthcare
• Education
• Retail
• Consulting
• Government and non-profit sectors

In global business hubs like Dubai, demand for CLOs is rising. Companies are investing more in learning and development to stay ahead of rapid digital transformation. 

CLOs are stepping up to lead that investment and ensure it delivers real value.

And during challenging times like layoffs, tech transitions, or organisational change, the CLO plays a vital role in supporting employees through reskilling, coaching, and future-focused development.

Core priorities for aspiring Chief Learning Officers

For aspiring Chief Learning Officers in the modern business world, success in the CLO position comes from mastering leadership development and aligning learning strategies with business goals.

Focus areas:

• Create impactful learning and development initiatives for the entire organisation.
  
• Foster continuous learning, continuous improvement, and a strong learning culture.
  
• Lead training programmes and talent development to strengthen employee development.
  
• Use learning management systems and new technologies to address skills gaps.
  
• Collaborate with the C-suite, training director, or chief education officer to provide learning that supports company strategy.

Skills and qualifications for future CLO success

Stepping into the corporate world as a CLO requires a mix of education, leadership, and management expertise.

Key capabilities:

• Excellent communication skills, cultural awareness, and deep knowledge of the organisation’s culture.
• Experience in instructional design, coaching programmes, and development initiatives.
• Ability to work closely with leaders, teams, and employees across the workforce.
• A master’s degree or bachelor’s degree in education, management, or related fields.

Is the CLO role right for you?

This role isn’t just about delivering training; it’s about shaping how people learn, grow, and thrive at work.

If you enjoy solving people's problems, working across teams, and leading change, the CLO role could be a great fit. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and deeply rewarding.

Here’s what the work often involves:

• Leading with empathy and adaptability
• Listening to feedback and adjusting programmes based on real needs
• Communicating with executives, learners, and everyone in between
• Staying updated on AI in learning and tracking its impact
• Supporting leaders while building systems for others to grow

If you’re curious, people-driven, and interested in future-focused leadership, this career path could be the next big move.

Career outlook

The future looks strong for CLOs. More businesses are shifting toward employee-led growth models, and learning is being seen as a core part of competitive advantage. That means more investment in leadership development, coaching, and internal mobility.

If you’re building a career that can adapt and grow with the business world, the CLO role is one of the most future-proof paths you can take.

Thinking about making the move?

At The University of Manchester - Dubai, our short business courses are designed to help leaders develop the kind of learning management expertise that modern businesses need. 

If you’re aiming to step into a CLO role or you simply want to lead learning more strategically, now’s the time to get started.

FAQs

1. What qualifications do you need to become a Chief Learning Officer?
Most CLOs hold a master’s degree or MBA in business, HR, or education. Experience leading learning and development initiatives is essential.

2. How much experience is typically needed for the CLO role?
Usually between 8 to 15 years in training, leadership development, or employee learning roles.

3. How is a CLO different from a training director?
A training director focuses on individual programmes. A CLO shapes the entire company’s learning strategy and ensures it aligns with overall business goals.

4. Are CLOs in demand in the tech sector?
Yes. As technology evolves, tech companies rely on CLOs to close skill gaps and lead talent development.

5. Do only large companies hire CLOs?
Not at all. While many CLOs work at multinational firms, more small and mid-sized companies are now hiring learning leaders to build strong development cultures.