Training & Development Specialist - Sport Travel

Destination Sport; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports travel company is seeking a Training & Development Specialist in Manchester. This hybrid role involves leading the training division, developing innovative learning solutions, and managing a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in training and a passion for developing people, delivering engaging content, and supporting business growth. Experience in the travel industry is desirable but not essential.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of effective training planning and delivery.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging learning solutions.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with senior management to assess training needs.
• Develop innovative solutions to increase engagement.
• Oversee and manage the appraisal system.

Skills

Experienced trainer

Team management

Training development

Communication skills

IT literate

Job description

Overview

Training & Development Specialist — Destination Sport Group. This is a hybrid role based in our Manchester office with flexibility for homeworking, so you must live within a commutable distance.

Destination Sport Group sets the global standard in sports travel, offering a holistic approach to partnerships. We are proud to have 7 market leading sports travel companies in our Group, helping millions of customers to enjoy sport. destinationsport.com

Due to an exciting year of growth, we’re looking for a Training & Development Specialist to work alongside our HR Director to lead the training division and manage & develop our Talent & Development Coordinator and Talent Acquisition Specialist.

This key role will partner with all business areas to identify the key training requirements of the group, develop new schemes and initiatives to drive and support the growth of the business, and support the running of day-to-day operations. We are looking for a hands-on trainer who has a passion for delivering inspiring and influential training while expanding our online training offering.

What you will typically do

• Work closely with the HR Director and the senior management team to agree key and critical areas of development and assess future and current training needs.

• Collaborate with the Talent & Development team to run our Academy scheme.

• Build key relationships to understand the unique elements of our business and act as a trusted learning partner.

• Work across the wider business to map out training pathways to support new and existing staff.

• Identify and map new talent and existing talent to support business growth.

• Develop innovative solutions to increase engagement, reduce attrition, and promote the group culture.

• Create, develop, and deliver learning solutions end-to-end.

• Gather feedback on training to ensure courses are effective and engaging.

• Pull data from appraisals and work with managers to undertake Training Needs Analysis and implement structured development programmes.

• Oversee, develop and manage our appraisal system to ensure meaningful data and feedback are captured.

• Take ownership of online training tools, tailoring the system to deliver engaging content.

• Take ownership of our Talent Academy, including apprenticeships, placements, the Destination Future programme, and mentoring schemes.

• Build relationships with universities, schools and colleges, encouraging insight days and networking events.

• Manage the levy budget and utilise training available through apprenticeships.

• Deliver effective reporting and data analysis.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Be an experienced trainer with a passion for developing people.

• Experience developing training for early careers and apprentice schemes.

• Experience managing a team successfully.

• Proven track record of effective training planning and delivery in a similar role.

• Self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative.

• Confident building relationships across all levels of seniority.

• Ability to develop and deliver engaging and influential learning solutions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• IT literate – experience with online training tools is a plus.

• Knowledge of current Learning & Development methods and industry trends.

• Highly responsive with the ability to absorb information quickly and meet deadlines.

• Team player who can also work independently and take ownership for tasks.

• Organised and methodical with strong time management.

• Experience in the travel industry is desirable but not essential, or the ability to adapt to a new industry.