Learning & Development Manager - Southern Europe

The Learning & Development Manager – Southern Europe acts as the pivotal bridge between global L&D strategy and our properties in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Reporting to the Divisional HR Director and partnering closely with Global L&D Department, this role adapts and delivers impactful learning experiences tailored to the specific needs. By collaborating with hotel General Managers and local HR teams, the manager will identify priorities, facilitate key programs, and champion a culture of continuous development to drive employee growth and support the success of the division.

Primary Responsibilities

Divisional L&D Strategy & Needs Analysis:

• Act as the primary business partner for our properties in Southern Europe.
• Proactively collaborate with General Managers and local HR teams to conduct thorough training needs analyses, identifying skill gaps and development opportunities that align with business objectives.

Global Program Deployment:

• Lead the successful implementation of all global L&D initiatives within the region.
• Provide hands-on, practical support to local HR teams to ensure flawless execution and tracking of mandatory training, taking full ownership to achieve 100% completion rates.

Funded Training Management:

• Actively research, secure, and manage opportunities for externally funded training (formazione finanziata).
• You will handle the entire process from proposal to reporting to optimize the regional L&D budget and maximize learning opportunities.

Learning Experience & Facilitation:

• Design, adapt, and facilitate inspiring, ambitious, fun, and inclusive learning experiences.
• Whether it's a global program that needs localizing or a new course for a specific regional need, you will ensure the content is engaging, effective, and drives capability development.

Data-Driven Measurement & Reporting:

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for all learning activities.
• Use data to measure training effectiveness, demonstrate the return on investment (ROI), and present clear facts and figures on L&D results to both divisional and global leadership.

Lms & Technology Champion:

• Master and promote the use of our learning platform and other digital tools.
• Act as the regional subject matter expert, providing first-line support and guidance to ensure our teams are confident and capable users of our learning technology.

Strategic Projects & Continuous Improvement:

• Partner with the Global Talent function to propose and contribute to special projects.
• Act as a bottom-up voice, providing insights from the region to inform global strategy and continuously seek innovative ways to foster a culture of growth.

Vendor & Budget Management:

• Manage relationships with external training providers, from selection and negotiation to quality assurance.
• You will be responsible for sourcing high-quality, cost-effective solutions that align with the divisional L&D budget.

Talent Development Pathways:

• In partnership with local HR and the Talent function, contribute to the development of high-potential employees by aligning learning initiatives with career progression and succession plans.

Performance & Talent Cycle Management:

• Facilitate the annual performance review process and support divisional leaders during the Organisational Management Review (OMR), linking development plans to succession strategies and fostering a culture of continuous feedback.

Early Career & Partnership Programs:

• Oversee key talent initiatives including the NextGen internship program and the LVMH You&ME program, acting as the main point of contact for schools and partners to attract and develop the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, Training Management, or a similar talent-focused role.
• Proven experience within the luxury hospitality, high-end retail or a comparable service-driven, multi-site industry is essential.
• Demonstrable experience in the full L&D lifecycle: from needs analysis and instructional design to facilitation and impact measurement. 
• A proactive, "on the field" approach with a proven ability to support multiple locations, moving from planning to execution seamlessly. 
• Exceptional ability to build strong relationships, influence, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from General Managers to frontline staff and the global corporate team. 
• Confident and proficient user of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other learning technologies.  
• Strong command of MS Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and PowerPoint for creating engaging presentations. 
• A strong understanding of how learning initiatives can drive commercial results, employee engagement, and enhance the guest experience. 
• Experience working across different cultures, with a high level of sensitivity and the ability to adapt approaches for diverse. 
• Professional certifications in training, coaching, or L&D (e.g., CPTD, CIPD) are a plus. 
• Fluency in English is required. Professional proficiency in Italian and/or Spanish is highly desirable to effectively partner with our properties. 
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently (approximately 30-40%) across Italy, Spain, and Portugal to provide on-site support to our 11 properties.

Benefits

At Belmond we pride ourselves on fostering a culture built on kindness, active listening, and genuine connections with our colleagues and guests. We offer a comprehensive range of compensation, perks and benefits including:  

• Permanent contract within CCNL Turismo Federalberghi
• Competitive salary and life insurance plan.
• Complimentary and preferred rate experiences at our iconic destinations.
• Harvard Management Online Training.
• Corporate Belmond and LVMH Benefits.
• Meals vouchers.   

We strive to create an environment where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a commitment to your ongoing development, you'll have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the most talented individuals in the industry. Join us and be part of creating unforgettable moments for our guests, communities, and each other.   

The Belmond & LVMH Family    

Belmond is proud to be part of LVMH, and the Belmond global collection of iconic hotels, trains and river cruises, all creating exceptional experiences worldwide. When you join one of our properties, you join a global family of history-rich hotels and breathtaking destinations, where our employees are at the heart of the Belmond experience.