Learning & Development Manager

About Orient Express

Artisan of travel since 1883, Orient Express sublimates the art of travel with its luxury trains, hotels, and sailing yachts. The brand has just launched its first hotels, Orient Express La Minerva, in Rome followed by Orient Express Venezia at Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in 2026. The experience continues with the recent launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, followed by Orient Express Corinthian in 2026, the first of two Orient Express Sailing Yachts, and finally, the return of L’Orient Express train to railways. Since 2022, Orient Express is part of Accor Group’s leading collection of luxury brands with a century-old legacy in the hotels and fine- dining sectors. In 2024, Accor and LVMH entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of Orient Express. Follow the journey at @orientexpress on Instagram or visit the website at www.orient-express.com. 

Accor & Orient Express are currently seeking an experienced Learning & Development (L&D) Manager to lead and champion the Orient Express teams in Corporate and Operations (Hotels and Trains). Reporting directly to the Head of Operations and Head of People & Culture, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and developing all aspects of Learning & Development strategy. 

Join our growing and dynamic environment, where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Learning and Development across the Orient Express brand, focusing on strategic initiatives on all facets of Learning and Development. 

Main missions 

CONTENT CREATION:   

• Develop L&D programs and create learning materials for all properties. 
• Foster a culture of continuous learning through implementation of coaching sessions and mentorship programs using new training methods. (E-learning, courses, gamification programming…) 
• Create a tailored / uniform on-boarding & induction experience. 
• Develop and execute a comprehensive learning and development strategy aligned with Accor culture & Orient Express standards. 
• Design, implement, and evaluate training programs for all levels of asset employees. 
• Oversee the delivery of training sessions, utilizing a variety of methods and technologies to engage learners and maximize learning outcomes. 

BUDGET: 

• Contribute to the preparation of the Learning & Development/ training budget and monitor the financial performance of all properties. 

ALIGMENT & MEASUREMENT:  

• Ensure compliance to Orient Express & Accor People & Culture guidelines. 
• Align the learning culture to Orient Express standards. 
• Collaborate with assets to localize content and materials for training programs, ensuring relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with Orient Express standards. 
• Ensure the assets maintain accurate and up to date records of all training activities. 
• Ensure compliance to all relevant Health, Safety and Environment management mandatory trainings for the Corporate team 
• Liaise with the Accor Academy and outsourced training providers to ensure that all L&D opportunities are leveraged to maximize Artisan development. 

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: 

• Identify training needs through ongoing assessments, feedback mechanisms, performance evaluations, service audits and guest feedback. 
• Create a team of on property trainers, so that operational training can take place as appropriate 
• Provide an advice service to both managers and Artisans on training opportunities, career choices, qualifications and other development topics. 
• Visit all assets on a rotation basis to deliver content (Orientation, Train the Trainer, Performance Management etc.) as well as Forbes/LQA training, and to measure effectiveness of previous sessions 
• Conduct assets’ service audits according to Forbes/LQA standards as applicable 
• Provide feedback to the executive teams in the assets on the Artisans’ performance in their jobs 

• Human Resources, Education, Business Administration degree / Learning, Development, Training qualifications. 
• Knowledge of railway and maritime industries. 
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive HR/Training experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role in a growing environment.  
• Strong experience working in international environments, preferably in the hospitality industry/luxury industry. 
• In-depth understanding of traditional and modern training methods (including content creation, workshops, simulations, e-learning and coaching).  
• Experience organizing training activities in a corporate environment, ideally within industries such as retail, automotive services, hospitality and/or food & beverage.   
• Ability to facilitate training for different leadership levels in Italian and English. 
• Ability to build and implement strategies as well as to manage projects in a complex environment. 
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing L&D strategies, policies, and programs. 
• Strong understanding of hospitality operations and needs. 
• Strategic and human-oriented leader, proactive, autonomous, with outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills.
• Strong ability to work independently. 
• Effective leader with ability to inspire and communicate at all levels. 
• Organizational & planning skills. 
• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS).