Revathi Subramanian
Dubai
Summary
Retail Training Expert with over 15 years of diverse experience across Fashion, Food & Beverage, Photography, and Travel Retail sectors. Adept at designing and implementing comprehensive training programs, developing talent, and driving operational excellence. Holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Health Coach certification, with a passion for facilitating positive change both professionally and personally.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Training Manager (Global)
DEI Global
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
02.2023 - Current
- Created and implemented a structured onboarding process at a global scale (21 countries) ensuring that all new hires are effectively inducted and integrated into the company culture from day one
- Designed and standardized comprehensive learning content, incorporating regional variations to address cultural and operational differences, ensuring consistency in training quality across all locations
- Developed an advanced Photography Masterclass for Level 2 Photographers, elevating their skills and enhancing the quality of work across the organization
- Launched a robust Reward and Recognition program for the Operations team, driving motivation, and encouraging excellence in performance
- Established a global training calendar and a standardized assessment system, ensuring consistent delivery of training and accurate evaluation of learner progress
- Led the strategy for developing site-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), streamlining operations and ensuring uniformity across global sites
- Played a key role in the creation and development of multilingual learning materials, enabling effective training delivery across diverse language groups
- Successfully launched and scaled training programs for Photographers and Guest Associates across various job roles, enhancing skill levels and improving overall job performance.
- Led cross-functional teams in localizing training content, ensuring cultural relevance and impact.
Training Manager (Country)
Reliance Brands Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, India
03.2022 - 02.2023
- Oversaw the complete employee training lifecycle for 5 bridge-to-luxury and luxury brands at a country level, ensuring seamless and timely induction of new hires through a mix of classroom, virtual, and on-floor sessions
- Provided comprehensive retail soft skills training for prominent brands, present in India - Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers, West Elm, Pottery Barn and Scotch & Soda
- Played a pivotal role in facilitating successful new store openings by equipping teams with essential skills
- Led Career Progression modules designed to cultivate and prepare retail teams for leadership roles, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Organized and edited training manuals, multimedia visual aids, and other educational materials.
- Conducted orientation sessions and organized on-the-job training for new hires.
- Prepared and distributed manuals, handouts and online tutorials to provide employees with training materials and resources.
Sr Manager - Training & Brand Standards (Country)
Travel Food Services Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, India
03.2022 - 02.2023
- Crafted and executed a strategic framework designed to enhance learner experience, aligning training initiatives with business goals through careful budgeting, tiered course structures, and KPI-driven curriculum
- Spearheaded frontline training strategies, managing both classroom and on-the-job training programs
- Implemented comprehensive assessments and created specialized training content to meet diverse operational needs
- Standardized training experience across multiple geographical locations, ensuring consistency in induction programs, product standards (including Food Safety and First Aid), behavioral competencies, HR policies, and customer service excellence
- Collaborated closely with leadership to identify and address training needs, developing a bespoke Career Development Program, 3L – Learn, Lead, Leap with 5 pillars, Café College, Culinary College, Bar Academy, Lounge School, QSR Campus that significantly enhanced organizational capabilities and prepared employees for future roles
- Introduced innovative on-the-job evaluation system, enabling the identification and development of high-potential employees, thereby strengthening the talent pipeline
- Developed and launched an Employee Engagement Calendar and Wellness Program, initiating critical initiatives such as 'Counselor on Call' and mental health awareness sessions, fostering a supportive work environment
- Partnered with external vendors to deliver targeted competency-based training, significantly enhancing employee skill development and operational efficiency
- Successfully rolled out a Learning Management System (LMS) for frontline employees, streamlining access to training resources and improving overall learning engagement and effectiveness
- Worked with key stakeholders to craft and refine Learning & Development content, ensuring that all materials were closely aligned with organizational goals and maximized learner engagement.
- Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
- Carried out and developed social media, e-blast and public relations campaigns.
Regional Lead - Operations Training
The Arvind Store, Arvind Mills Pvt Ltd
Bangalore, India
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Led Operations training for The Arvind Stores across Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, spanning 400 full time employees with a focus on the made-to-measure concept, ensuring that training aligned with and supported the achievement of store KPIs
- Conducted Induction, Product, and Process training sessions, equipping store teams with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles and deliver exceptional customer service
- Managed the Mystery Shoppers Program to identify training gaps and areas for improvement, enabling targeted training interventions to enhance store performance
- Introduced a strategic Bench Planning approach for store managers, utilizing training outcomes to create a pipeline of ready talent for leadership positions within the stores
- Implemented a Coaching program aimed at improving performance, including the creation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to address specific development needs and accelerate employee growth.
Learning & Development Manager
The Collective Store, Aditya Birla Nuvo Pvt Ltd
Bangalore, India
12.2013 - 08.2014
- Led recruitment and training processes for both shop floor and back-end executives, ensuring that all team members adhered to luxury service standards, thereby maintaining store's premium brand reputation
- Managed overall performance and productivity, driving operational excellence across store and ensuring that all staff were equipped to meet high standards of service and efficiency
- Coordinated and delivered product training for a wide range of multi-brand products, overseeing seasonal launches and visual merchandising to ensure that all staff were well-prepared and knowledgeable
- Led customer service training programs for shop-floor teams, ensuring that every team member was skilled in delivering exceptional customer experiences
- Managed the store's incentive program, motivating the team to achieve sales and service goals.
Assistant Manager - Talent Transformation
Max Fashion Pvt Ltd, Landmark Group, India Pvt Ltd
Bangalore, India
10.2011 - 11.2013
- Conducted thorough training needs analysis, competency mapping, and 360-degree evaluations for retail staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and employee development objectives
- Developed and executed a well-balanced training calendar that integrated both classroom and on-the-job training sessions, tailored to the specific needs identified during analysis
- Ensured comprehensive training across the cluster, regularly collecting feedback to assess the impact and effectiveness of training programs
- Measured post-training effectiveness to support career growth initiatives such as the Career Passport Program, ensuring that training outcomes translated into tangible career advancement opportunities
- Led regular training audits and managed mystery shopper evaluations, identifying gaps and implementing improvements to maintain high training standards
- Contributed to the launch of an Assessment Center for evaluating Store Managers, providing critical support in HR initiatives including monthly reward and recognition programs.
Research Associate
Transearch India
Mumbai, India
11.2010 - 09.2011
- Managed end-to-end recruitment for CXO-level positions for nonprofit sector, specializing in headhunting and finalizing hires for top executive roles c
- Maintained and managed comprehensive databases and MIS for efficient candidate tracking, ensuring a streamlined recruitment process.
Counsellor
Masina Hospital
Mumbai, India
05.2009 - 08.2010
- Implemented structured and projective tests for assessments, conducted counseling sessions, and led workshops and seminars for both teaching staff and students, focusing on enhancing overall well-being
- Closely monitored patient progress and provided follow-up counseling and support post-intervention, ensuring continuous care and positive outcomes.
Recruitment Consultant
Mindshare Recruitment Consultants Pvt Ltd
Mumbai, India
05.2007 - 01.2008
- Managed the recruitment process for mid-level managerial roles in the banking and hospitality sectors, ensuring candidates were thoroughly evaluated and matched to job requirements.
Education
Health Coach - Health And Wellness
Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Ohio06.2024
Exercise & Nutrition Coaching - Health And Wellness
Precision Nutrition
Canada12.2020
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
SNDT College of Arts
Mumbai05.2010
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Welingkars Institute of Management
Mumbai07.2008
Skills
- Training & Development
- Curriculum Design
- Leadership Development
- Talent Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Strategic Planning
- Learning Management Systems
- Multilingual Content Development
- Employee Engagement & Wellness
Certification
- Expressive Arts Therapy, SMART Studio, 05/2020
- Zumba Instructor License, Zumba LLC, 01/2019
- Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Work, Invictus, 10/2019
- Food Safety Supervisor Certification, FSSAI, 03/2019
- 7 Habits of Outstanding Customer Service, Franklin Covey, 04/2019
Timeline
Training Manager (Global)
DEI Global
02.2023 - Current
Training Manager (Country)
Reliance Brands Pvt Ltd
03.2022 - 02.2023
Sr Manager - Training & Brand Standards (Country)
Travel Food Services Pvt Ltd
03.2022 - 02.2023
Regional Lead - Operations Training
The Arvind Store, Arvind Mills Pvt Ltd
08.2014 - 07.2015
Learning & Development Manager
The Collective Store, Aditya Birla Nuvo Pvt Ltd
12.2013 - 08.2014
Assistant Manager - Talent Transformation
Max Fashion Pvt Ltd, Landmark Group, India Pvt Ltd
10.2011 - 11.2013
Research Associate
Transearch India
11.2010 - 09.2011
Counsellor
Masina Hospital
05.2009 - 08.2010
Recruitment Consultant
Mindshare Recruitment Consultants Pvt Ltd
05.2007 - 01.2008
Health Coach - Health And Wellness
Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Exercise & Nutrition Coaching - Health And Wellness
Precision Nutrition
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
SNDT College of Arts
Diploma - Human Resources Management
Welingkars Institute of Management