Training Manager

Position summary

John Hardy is looking for a Training Manager to lead learning and development across its Wholesale and Retail teams. The role is centered on creating and delivering engaging, outcome-focused training that builds product knowledge, sharpens selling capability, strengthens brand storytelling, and helps improve both sell-in and sell-through. Most sessions will be delivered face to face, with some virtual training to support regional and global audiences.

Using a train-the-trainer approach, this position will also enable Account Executives and Field Leaders to teach retail partners effectively, helping ensure a consistent, premium John Hardy experience across every channel.

To succeed in this role, you will need originality, strong facilitation skills, and the ability to turn business strategy into meaningful learning experiences that improve performance and build long-term brand advocacy. The right candidate will be energetic, approachable, relationship-driven, and able to influence varied audiences while representing the brand with professionalism and authenticity.

Reporting line and location

Reporting to the VP Wholesale & Caribbean Sales, this position is based in the NYC Metro area in a hybrid work arrangement.

Responsibilities

• Build, refine, and deliver brand-consistent training programs that help Retail, Field Sales, and Wholesale teams create an elevated luxury client experience.
• Develop and maintain product education content that expands understanding of craftsmanship, design inspiration, and collection narratives while supporting brand and business priorities.
• Own the train-the-trainer program by equipping Account Executives and Field Leaders with the knowledge, confidence, and presentation skills needed to train retail partners and store teams.
• Work closely with Marketing, Merchandising, and Sales to keep all training content accurate, aligned, and creatively consistent.
• Assess learning needs and use insights to identify development priorities, improve training plans, and support measurable performance gains.
• Assist with major wholesale events, trunk shows, pop-ups, anniversaries, activations, and regional programs, including staff education, client experience coaching, and brand representation.
• Partner with Account Executives during events to coach storytelling, selling behaviors, and merchandising standards in person.
• Introduce modern, technology-supported ways to improve in-store learning, strengthen storytelling, and boost sales effectiveness through John Hardy University.
• Facilitate engaging in-person and virtual sessions covering product features, visual presentation standards, and seasonal priorities.
• Deliver hands-on coaching and feedback during boutique visits to reinforce selling skills, service standards, and brand consistency.
• Collaborate with Field Managers to identify training priorities, organize development efforts, and support effective rollout across territories.
• Measure training effectiveness using performance data, client feedback, and field observations, then update content to stay relevant and high quality.
• Support seasonal launches and brand activations with tailored learning sessions and presentations.
• Act as a subject matter expert and trusted representative on luxury retail best practices, visual merchandising, and market trends.
• Promote the brand’s heritage and values by encouraging teams to create emotionally engaging client interactions through storytelling and personalized service.
• Travel more than 60% across assigned markets to deliver training, visit boutiques, and support key brand initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Education, or a similar field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in training, retail education, or learning and development in a customer-facing, luxury retail, or sales environment.
• Demonstrated success in designing, delivering, and managing innovative training programs that improve sales outcomes, team engagement, and client experience.
• Strong presentation and communication ability, with the confidence and presence to lead rooms, motivate audiences, and keep content memorable and relevant.
• A live training presentation will be required during the interview process.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence across teams and functions.
• Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to manage several priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfort working with Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as digital learning platforms.
• Ability to create practical training calendars and timelines that support smooth execution across markets.
• Willingness to travel 60% or more, including occasional evenings and weekends during busy periods.

Additional information

The role involves in-person training as the primary delivery method, supported by virtual sessions when needed for regional and global audiences. Success also depends on close cross-functional collaboration, regular boutique visits, event support, and the ability to adapt learning content based on field performance and feedback.