BASEL OFFICE - Manager Learning & Development

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• Reporting to the Director Learning & Development, the Learning & Development Manager is responsible for developing training content and delivering impactful learning experiences for Viking's onboard employees.
• Define and manage the annual training calendar and coordinate training logistics to ensure the successful delivery of learning programs.
• Facilitate hospitality-focused soft-skills training and drive a culture of continuous learning across a diverse and international workforce.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and deliver engaging face-to-face learning and development programs onboard our ships, covering guest excellence, leadership, behavioral and professional skills, company culture, onboarding, and employee well-being.
• Drive continuous learning by developing and implementing effective pre- and post-training initiatives that reinforce learning outcomes.
• Partner with onboard operations to assess learning needs and continuously enhance training programs to meet evolving business and employee requirements.
• Design and deliver train-the-trainer seminars for permanent and temporary onboard trainers in facilitation and instructional techniques, ensuring consistent delivery of Learning & Development programs onboard.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development team members to ensure alignment and consistency across all programs in terms of content, messaging, methodology, and delivery.
• Support the development of digital learning solutions in partnership with the Digital Learning Manager, ensuring alignment with existing learning objectives and programs.
• Contribute to the delivery of learning and development initiatives for office-based employees.
• Support and oversee training logistics in collaboration with colleagues from Learning & Development and onboard operations, ensuring all sessions are well-coordinated and delivered as planned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Learning & Development and employee training within an international environment in hospitality, cruise lines or retail. Candidates with strong operational backgrounds—such as Hotel Manager, Cruise Director, or Program Director—who have demonstrated experience in training employees in hospitality or cruise operations are considered equivalent to this L&D background.
• Demonstrate excellent facilitation and public speaking skills, with the confidence to engage both small and large audiences.
• Apply strong expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design, and the development and delivery of both soft-skills and operational training programs.
• Build trusted relationships through outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deliver innovative learning solutions across face-to-face, digital, and train-the-trainer environments, tailored to diverse audiences.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities effectively through strong organizational and project management skills.
• Communicate fluently in written and spoken English and confidently use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing environment through a positive attitude and outstanding people skills.
• Holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Communication, Psychology, Business, Human Resources, or a related field is a plus.
• Candidates without full-time Learning & Development experience may complement their operational background with additional certifications in training, facilitation, coaching, Learning & Development, or a related field.

CULTURE & BENEFITS

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY