Training Manager (HOD) - Pre-Opening Premium Hotel

Requirements

Pre-Opening Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the hotel's pre-opening Learning & Development roadmap.
  
• Prepare departmental induction and onboarding plans for all associates.
  
• Coordinate orientation programmes for new hires across departments.
  
• Work closely with department heads to identify role-specific training requirements.
  
• Develop pre-opening training calendars and certification schedules.
  
• Ensure all brand-mandated training modules are completed before opening.
  
• Support operational readiness exercises, mock drills, and trial operations.
  
• Assist HR in creating a culture aligned with the hotel's vision and service philosophy.
  

Learning & Development

• Design, implement, and monitor annual training plans.
  
• Conduct behavioural, service excellence, and soft skills training.
  
• Facilitate leadership development programmes for supervisors and managers.
  
• Deliver Train-the-Trainer programmes.
  
• Identify external training partners where required.
  
• Maintain training records, attendance, certifications, and compliance documentation.
  
• Measure training effectiveness using feedback and operational performance indicators.
  

Quality & Service Excellence

• Drive guest service culture across all departments.
  
• Conduct regular service audits and coaching sessions.
  
• Support mystery audit preparation and quality initiatives.
  
• Partner with department heads to close service gaps through structured learning interventions.
  

Compliance & Statutory Training

• Ensure compliance training is completed as per legal and company requirements.
  
• Coordinate POSH, Fire & Life Safety, Food Safety, Health & Hygiene, Security, and other mandatory programmes.
  
• Maintain documentation for audits and certifications.
  

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with:
  • General Manager
    
  • Director of Human Resources
    
  • Executive Committee
    
  • Department Heads
    
  • Corporate Learning & Development Team
    
• Liaise with external trainers and learning partners.
  

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Hotel Management, Human Resources, or related discipline.
  
• Certification in Learning & Development or Training (preferred).
  
• 6–10 years of hospitality experience, including at least 2–3 years in a Training Manager or Assistant Training Manager role.
  
• Prior pre-opening hotel experience will be a strong advantage.
  
• Experience with luxury, upscale, or premium hospitality brands preferred.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Learning & Development Strategy
  
• Instructional Design
  
• Adult Learning Principles
  
• Training Needs Analysis
  
• Service Excellence
  
• Leadership Development
  
• Presentation & Facilitation Skills
  
• Coaching & Mentoring
  
• Excellent Communication
  
• Team Building
  
• Change Management
  
• Stakeholder Management
  
• MS Office & Learning Management Systems (LMS
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Pre-opening training completion rate
  
• Associate onboarding effectiveness
  
• Brand certification completion
  
• Training hours per associate
  
• Guest service quality improvements
  
• Mystery audit/training audit scores
  
• Associate engagement with learning programmes
  
• Training feedback scores
  
• Compliance training completion
  

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in pre-opening projects for luxury or premium hotel brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, Accor, Hilton, Radisson, Taj, Oberoi, ITC, The Leela, Minor Hotels, or similar hospitality groups will be preferred.