Location: South Africa, Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern CapeOur client, with its international associations and ever-expanding national and international interests, is looking at securing the services of a very dynamic and high-performing individual to head its Training and Development business. The initial focus will be on cementing in place its South African market opportunities, whilst also setting up and developing business opportunities in a variety of Sub-Saharan African countries. Our client is not only involved in the business of human capital development, but also has significant business interests in agriculture, finance and accounting, wealth creation, and human resources.Preferred location: JohannesburgThe Managing Director (MD) will lead the strategic direction and operational management of the training academy. The primary focus will be on expanding the academy's footprint within South Africa and subsequently into other African countries by 2028. The MD will ensure the academy delivers high-quality training programs, achieves financial sustainability, and enhances its reputation as a leading training provider.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership:Develop and implement a strategic plan to expand the academy's presence within South Africa and into Africa by 2028.Identify and pursue new business opportunities and partnerships to support growth objectives.Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic decisions.Analyse the market in South Africa and Africa to identify current and future skill gaps and training opportunities.Operational Management:Oversee the day-to-day operations of the academy, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of training programs.Implement policies and procedures to maintain high standards of training and customer service.Manage the academy's budget, financial performance, and resource allocation.Learning and Development:Formulate an employee learning and development framework that aligns with the overall business and marketing strategy.Create engaging and effective learning programs to address identified skill gaps and opportunities, including e-learning modules, instructor-led training, blended learning programs, and on-the-job training.Develop a comprehensive strategy for the design and implementation of blended learning programs.Establish the right learning technologies to support the learning programs, evaluating different learning management systems (LMS), authoring tools, and other technologies.Review and update the curriculum regularly to ensure it meets current and future business requirements.Business Development:Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, corporate clients, and educational institutions.Develop marketing and sales strategies to attract new clients and retain existing ones.Represent the academy at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.Develop and execute strategic sales plans to grow the business in South African and African markets.Drive pricing strategies to ensure sales growth and gross profit balance.Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of staff and trainers.Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to staff.Facilitate career development discussions between employees and managers to identify growth opportunities and create individual development plans.Collaborate with HR and departmental leaders to implement talent development programs, succession planning, and leadership development.Quality Assurance:Ensure all training programs meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.Implement quality assurance processes to monitor and improve the effectiveness of training delivery.Gather and analyze feedback from clients and participants to drive improvements.Stakeholder Communication:Maintain strong communication channels with all stakeholders, providing regular updates on training initiatives, progress, and outcomes against academy goals.Foster positive relationships with external partners, including educational institutions, training providers, and SETAs.Innovation in Learning:Prioritize innovation in learning to maintain an innovative learning function that provides better learning and career development opportunities for employees and clients.Identify and leverage AI opportunities to enhance learning programs and outcomes.Expansion Planning:Conduct market research to identify potential markets and opportunities for expansion into other African countries.Develop and execute a phased expansion plan, including setting up new training centers and establishing local partnerships.Monitor and evaluate the progress of expansion initiatives and adjust strategies as needed.Assist in setting up operations in Africa where appropriate.Customer and Sales Management:Build and lead high-performing sales teams.Foster strong customer relationships, ensuring the highest service levels.Provide comprehensive product/service training to distributors and customers.Lead marketing teams to maximize promotional efforts.Ensure succession plans and continuous development within the marketing/sales team.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the education or training sector.Strong strategic planning and business development skills.Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.Ability to lead and inspire a diverse team.Knowledge of the South African and African training markets is an advantage.Personal Attributes:Visionary and strategic thinker.Results-oriented with a strong focus on achieving growth targets.Adaptable and resilient in a dynamic environment.Committed to continuous learning and professional development.R75 000 to R95 000 per month CTC, commensurate with experience.
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