Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist

About the role

Aqua Expeditions, a luxury travel operator offering customized voyages aboard vessels focused on culture, wildlife and cuisine, is hiring a Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist based in South Africa. The role executes the company's Global Training & Development strategy across operations, working with frontline employees and operational leaders to build capability, strengthen leadership and create sustainable internal talent pipelines. It is offered under an Independent Contractor Agreement.

Key responsibilities

• Diagnose operational capability gaps through observation, interviews and performance information.
• Design, adapt and deliver practical training programmes aligned with service standards, SOPs and business priorities.
• Deliver hands-on, on-the-job and onboard training relevant to the local operating context.
• Lead onboarding, operational induction, cross-training, refresher training and continuous learning.
• Coach crew, supervisors and operational leaders on performance, feedback and team leadership.
• Build structured development plans linking training, coaching, stretch assignments and internal mobility.
• Identify high-potential employees and support succession planning and talent visibility.
• Develop and support internal trainers and subject-matter experts, and support Aqua Lab and other learning platforms.
• Follow up on training to verify behavioural application and improvement, and maintain records, dashboards and evidence.
• Coordinate external training providers when required.

Required profile

• University degree in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Human Resources, Psychology, Organizational Development, Education or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in Training, Learning & Development, Talent Development, operational coaching or a related field.
• Experience in luxury hospitality, cruise, travel or premium service operations strongly preferred.
• Ability to work remotely while staying aligned with global teams across time zones.
• Full professional fluency in English and Spanish; French is appreciated.