Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist

Aqua Expeditions; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua Expeditions in South Africa is hiring a Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist on an Independent Contractor basis. You will execute the Global People & Culture strategy across operations, translating standards into practical learning, capability-building and career development actions for frontline staff and leaders.

You will diagnose capability gaps, design and deliver hands-on training, lead onboarding and cross-training, coach leaders, and build structured development plans

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in Training, Learning & Development or related fields.
• Experience in luxury hospitality, cruise travel or premium service operations.
• Ability to work remotely with global teams across different time zones.
• Fluency in English; Spanish a plus, French appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose capability gaps and identify development needs across operations and teams.
• Design, adapt and deliver practical training aligned with Aqua service standards and SOPs.
• Provide hands-on, on-the-job and onboarding training across Aqua Expeditions operations.
• Coach crew members, supervisors and leaders to strengthen performance and people development.
• Build structured development plans and identify high-potential employees for broader roles.

Skills

Training & Development

Leadership coaching

Stakeholder management

Communication

Remote collaboration

Education

University degree in Hospitality Management

Bachelor-level degree or equivalent

Job description

We’re hiring: Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist based in South Africa. 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.