Leadership Development Lead

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Leadership Development Lead based in Portugal.** This seasonal leadership role supports and mentors field teams across a designated European region. You will serve as a trusted leadership development partner, helping staff strengthen performance, engagement, teamwork, and career growth. Working closely with regional leaders, you will identify people and operational needs and turn them into practical support and coaching. You will mentor a group of approximately 15–20 leaders while contributing to onboarding, performance management, scheduling, and regional initiatives. The role combines hands-on people development, facilitation, operational coordination, and field engagement in a dynamic, international environment. You will have meaningful influence on staff satisfaction, retention, leadership quality, and the overall effectiveness of regional teams. This is also an excellent opportunity to broaden your leadership experience while taking ownership of high-impact people initiatives. ### Accountabilities - Serve as the Leadership Development point of contact for assigned regions, providing guidance and support to Leaders and Trip Planning Specialists across performance, leadership, teamwork, career development, scheduling, and internal systems. - Partner with regional leadership teams to strengthen morale, staff performance, operational effectiveness, and overall team engagement. - Coordinate region-specific people operations activities, including certifications, medical appointments, and other staff requirements as needed. - Welcome and onboard new Leaders and Trip Planning Specialists, providing guidance through regional onboarding initiatives and new-to-Europe programs. - Ensure appropriate completion of leadership development processes, including pre-trip training and coaching, mid-season check-ins, and end-of-season reviews for new leaders. - Mentor approximately 15–20 Leaders through regular one-on-one coaching, feedback, and professional development support. - Act as a positive ambassador for the organization by addressing concerns constructively, providing clarity around policies and procedures, and coaching staff when performance or behavioral support is required. - Oversee performance management activities for assigned regions, including following up on low performance alerts and conducting performance-related conversations in partnership with Leadership Development Managers. - Support career progression, targeted coaching, and disciplinary processes while maintaining consistency and professionalism. - Partner with regional management to facilitate team meetings and develop relevant content, as well as organize and facilitate regional kick-off meetings when required. - Conduct approximately 2–3 field visits during the season, subject to business needs and manager approval. - Participate in monthly scheduling reviews and collaborate with Leadership Development Managers and regional teams during schedule releases and coverage planning. - Participate in 1–2 New Leader Training sessions as a member of the training team. - Depending on business needs and interest, potentially lead one trip during the contract period or contribute to the interview team. ## Requirements - Previous experience leading trips and/or mentoring field staff, with a strong understanding of what makes an effective and successful field leader. - Strong mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and people-development capabilities, with the ability to motivate others and provide constructive feedback. - Demonstrated leadership experience and the ability to act as a trusted “leader among leaders.” - Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, combined with the ability to maintain a broader strategic perspective. - Strong interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence performance, and improve the effective use of regional systems. - Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously. - Previous experience as a Field Expert or within a similar field leadership role is highly desirable. - Experience as a Hiking & Trekking team member is a plus. - Ability to demonstrate the qualities associated with strong mentoring and leadership standards. - Fluency in at least one language relevant to the assigned region is desirable. - Spanish or Portuguese work authorization, or willingness to establish residency in the relevant country, is required. - A proactive, adaptable, collaborative approach and genuine interest in developing people in a fast-paced seasonal environment. ## Benefits - Seasonal full-time opportunity running from **March 1 through October 31**. - Remote working flexibility within the eligible European locations. - Significant ownership and autonomy within a regional leadership role. - Opportunity to mentor and develop a team of approximately 15–20 leaders. - Hands-on experience across leadership development, coaching, performance management, onboarding, training, and regional operations. - Opportunities to participate in New Leader Training and potentially contribute to interviewing. - Potential opportunity to lead a trip during the contract period, subject to interest and business needs. - Strong professional development opportunity within an international, people-focused environment. - Opportunity to work closely with experienced regional and leadership development professionals.