Director of Aman Academy

Join our dynamic corporate team and become part of Aman Group. With offices strategically located around the world (Zug, London, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Miami and New York), our corporate colleagues are at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence for our ultra-luxury brand.

Role
The Director of Aman Academy is a rare opportunity responsible for building and running the Aman Academy. The Aman Academy is the group’s first dedicated in-house learning centre, created to develop, upskill and inspire our colleagues. Opening in early 2027 near Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand, it is a purpose-built training facility delivering world-class learning across key operational disciplines and Aman at Sea crew training. The Academy will combine structured programmes with hands-on training through dedicated facilities such as Spa and Culinary labs, alongside certification programmes, corporate meetings and a trade school for Thai nationals. 

The Director of the Aman Academy leads the learning strategy and curriculum, manages day-to-day operations and owns full P&L accountability. This role is ideally suited to a leader with prior experience in an academic or institutional setting, such as a Dean, Head of School or equivalent. Reporting to the Global Head of Talent, the role will initially be based out of the Bangkok office and relocate to Phuket end of 2026 when the Aman Academy is approaching its opening.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pre-opening and launch of the Academy, ensuring facility readiness, operational setup, recruitment, system configuration and management of the pre-opening budget including FF&E

• Implement the Academy’s operating model and learning strategy, ensuring effective governance, delivery standards and curriculum across all programmes

• Own and manage the Academy P&L, ensuring cost recovery and strong commercial discipline 

• Lead day-to-day Academy operations, ensuring smooth programme delivery and a consistently high participant experience 

• Oversee facility operations including housekeeping, F&B, security, maintancne and IT, maintaining facility standards aligned with Aman brand expectations

• Design and oversee practical, hands-on training aligned to real hotel environments (Rooms, F&B, Culinary, Spa) as well as crew training for Aman at Sea 

• Develop and manage relationships with government bodies, regulators and NGO partners to support accreditation and co-funding 

• Engage and influence internal stakeholders (GMs, HODs, corporate teams) to ensure consistent participation and alignment 

• Establish and lead the Thai trade school, including curriculum development, accreditation and programme rollout 

• Select, manage and quality-assure external trainers, certification bodies and delivery partners 

• Lead and develop the Academy team, driving performance, capability and operational excellence

Requirements

• At least 10 years in luxury hospitality, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership role

• At least 4 years’ experience in L&D, training, organisational development or leading a structured educational institution (e.g. Dean, Head of School)

• Demonstrable experience in designing and delivering training across more than one discipline

• Strong commercial acumen, including budget management, and P&L accountability 

• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders across a large, dispersed organisation without direct authority 

• Experience with government and NGO workforce development or training partnerships advantageous, ideally in Thailand

• Familiarity with accredited programmes (e.g. WSET, CIDESCO, STCW, HACCP) and experience in vocational training-heavy markets preferred (e.g. Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India)

• Proficiency in English required, Thai language preferred

• Willingness to be based full-time in Phuket