Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist

Aqua Expeditions; España; À distance; EUR 45 000 - 65 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Aqua Expeditions in Spain is seeking a Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist to lead and translate our people strategy across operations. You will design hands-on training, onboard new hires, coach leaders and build sustainable internal talent pipelines to sustain our luxury service standards.

The role requires working remotely with global teams, exceptional communication, and a track record in Learning & Development within premium hospitality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3–5 years of Training/Learning & Development experience.
• Experience in luxury hospitality or premium service operations.
• Fluent in English and Spanish is a plus; French is appreciated.

Responsabilités

• Design, adapt and deliver practical training programs aligned with Aqua service standards.
• Lead onboarding, operational induction and cross-training across operations.
• Coach leaders to strengthen performance and people development.
• Build development plans and internal talent pipelines.
• Track training effectiveness with dashboards and records.

Connaissances

Training & Development

Coaching

People & Culture collaboration

Learning needs analysis

Formation

University degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, Psychology, Organizational Development, Education or a related field

Outils

Learning platforms

Aqua Lab

Description du poste

We’re hiring: Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist based in Spain. At Aqua Expeditions , we are passionate about providing exceptional levels of service to our guests. We take pride in pampering our guests and ensuring that their time with us creates a trip of a lifetime. The Aqua experience is carefully curated by a team of talented individuals — from onboard crew to reservations staff — who work behind the scenes to guarantee smooth sailing. We are always on the lookout for new team players who share our passion and expertise, to ensure a world-class travel experience.

OUR VISION:

To create and deliver unique and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences so that our guests can have enriching memories to cherish for a lifetime.

OUR MISSION:

Aqua Expeditions offers customized luxury travel experiences aboard vessels of elegant, contemporary design, centered around immersive culture and wildlife excursions unique to each location, award-winning cuisine by renowned chefs, personalized guest service, and a commitment to community, sustainability and preservation.

4 CORE VALUES:

A: We value AUTHENTICITY, believing in the unique talents of each individual and the importance of integrity. Q: We aim for QUALITY, emphasizing a service-oriented approach and shared knowledge. U: We believe in UNITY, and prioritize effective teamwork. A: We hold deep ADMIRATION and respect for our environment, collaborating closely with local communities to foster responsible practices that protect and conserve nature.

Sounds great – what’s the role in a nutshell? Execute Aqua Expeditions ’ Global Training & Development strategy directly across operations, translating People & Culture standards into practical learning, capability-building and career development actions. The role works closely with frontline employees and operational leaders to identify development needs, deliver hands-on learning, strengthen leadership capabilities and build sustainable internal talent pipelines.

Your passion is:

• Diagnose operational capability gaps through observation, interviews, performance information and direct engagement with employees and leaders.
• Design, adapt and deliver practical training programmers aligned with Aqua service standards, SOPs, expected behaviors and business priorities.
• Provide hands-on, on-the-job and onboard training across Aqua Expeditions operations, ensuring learning is relevant to the local operating context.
• Lead and support onboarding, operational induction, cross-training, refresher training and continuous learning initiatives.
• Coach crew members, supervisors and operational leaders to strengthen performance, feedback, team leadership and people-development capabilities.
• Build structured development plans for identified employees, connecting training, coaching, stretch assignments, cross-exposure and internal mobility.
• Identify high-potential employees and employees ready for broader responsibilities in partnership with operational leaders and Global People & Culture.
• Support succession planning by maintaining visibility of internal talent, development progress, readiness and capability gaps across operations.
• Develop and support internal trainers and subject‑matter experts to expand local training capability and ensure sustainable transfer of knowledge.
• Support the implementation and continuous development of Aqua Lab and other practical learning platforms and initiatives.
• Follow up after training and development actions to verify behavioral application, operational improvement and progress against agreed objectives.
• Maintain accurate records, evidence and dashboards covering training delivered, participation, development plans, talent observations and outcomes.
• Provide structured field feedback and recommendations to Global People & Culture and operational leadership.
• Coordinate external training providers when required, ensuring quality, relevance, cost discipline and alignment with Aqua standards.
• Perform other Training & Development responsibilities consistent with the role, without evolving into general People & Culture administration.

Key Deliverables and Measures of Success

• Annual Training & Development plan aligned with operational priorities and regional needs.
• Measurable improvement in operational competencies and consistent execution of Aqua standards.
• Effective onboarding, cross‑training and leadership-development interventions.
• Active development plans for identified talent, with clear actions, owners, timing and follow‑up.
• Stronger readiness of frontline supervisors and operational leaders for expanded responsibilities.
• Increased internal mobility, cross‑exposure and succession coverage for priority roles.
• Reliable visibility of capability gaps, talent readiness and development progress across operations.
• Training effectiveness demonstrated through observable behavior and performance improvement, not only attendance records.

What are we looking for?

• University degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, Psychology, Organizational Development, Education or a related field.
• 3‑5 years of relevant professional experience in Training, Learning & Development, Talent Development, operational coaching or a related field.
• Experience in luxury hospitality, cruise, travel or premium service operations is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work remotely, while maintaining excellent communication and alignment with global teams across different time zones.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is a plus, proficiency in French is appreciated.

This role is offered under an Independent Contractor Agreement.