We’re hiring: Global Training, Development & Retention Specialist based in Spain.
At , 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: 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 ’ 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 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!
