Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist

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. If this sounds like you, apply now and be part of our extraordinary voyage!

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.

Apply Now and Let's Shape the Future Together!

Originally posted on Himalayas