Head – Agency Training

Role Purpose

The role holder will be responsible for leading and overseeing the training and development function for the agency channel. The Head of Training plays a strategic role in designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive training programs and initiatives to equip agents with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success, driving sales performance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Main Responsibilities
Strategy

•  Training Strategy Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive training strategy that aligns with the organization's business goals, agency channel objectives, and industry best practices.
• Training Needs Analysis: Conduct regular training needs assessments to identify knowledge gaps, skill deficiencies, and performance improvement opportunities within the agency channel. Use the findings to develop targeted training interventions.
• Alignment with Business Objectives: Ensure that training programs are aligned with the overall business objectives and contribute to the growth and success of the organization. Identify key performance indicators and metrics to measure the impact of training on business outcomes.
•  Talent Development and Succession Planning: Work towards identifying high-potential employees and design training programs that nurture their skills and capabilities. Contribute to succession planning efforts by identifying future training needs to develop a pipeline of talent.
•  Learning Technologies and Platforms: Stay updated on emerging learning technologies and digital platforms to enhance training delivery, engagement, and accessibility for agents.
• Training Budget Management: Collaborate with finance and budgeting teams to develop and manage the training budget, ensuring optimal utilization of resources while delivering high-quality training programs.

Operational

•  Training Program Design: Design and develop training programs, curriculum, and learning materials for new and existing agents, covering product knowledge, sales techniques, compliance, technology tools, and customer service.
• Training Delivery and Facilitation: Deliver engaging and impactful training sessions to agents, utilizing a variety of training methodologies and techniques, including classroom training, workshops, e-learning, and on-the-job training.
• Performance Coaching and Support: Provide coaching and guidance to agents, sales managers, and team leaders to enhance their sales skills, leadership capabilities, and overall performance.
•  Training Evaluation and Measurement: Implement evaluation frameworks and performance metrics to assess the effectiveness and impact of training programs. Continuously gather feedback and data to measure training outcomes and make data-driven improvements.
•  Training Budget Management: Develop and manage the training budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while maintaining high-quality training programs.
• Compliance and Regulatory Training: Ensure agents receive regular and up-to-date training on compliance requirements, ethical practices, and regulatory changes impacting the insurance industry.

Corporate Governance

•  Compliance: Stay updated with insurance regulations and underwriting best practices to ensure compliance with industry standards
• Adherence to the laws and regulations of Kenya, the policies and regulations within the insurance industry and all internal company policies and procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and establishing mitigation measures against emerging business risks.

Leadership & Culture

•  Building the team capabilities and ensuring adequate succession planning within the department Fostering a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices and good corporate citizenship while maintaining a conducive work environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop initiatives that promote a positive and inclusive company culture.
•  To provide the much-needed transformational leadership to meet and surpass the expectations of stakeholders.
•  Set performance targets and objectives, monitor progress, and ensure timely completion of activities.
• Conduct regular team meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge related to claims handling and industry trends.
•  Building relevant departmental capacity to deliver on strategy by leading, guiding, directing, and evaluating the work of the team.

Key Competencies

•  Leadership and People Management: Ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a team of trainers, instructional designers, and training coordinators.
• Training Strategy and Program Development: Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to develop comprehensive training strategies and design effective training programs.
• Communication and Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to deliver engaging training sessions and effectively convey complex concepts.
•  Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and credibility with agents, sales managers, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
•  Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze training needs, evaluate training effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to enhance training outcomes.

Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Insurance, Finance, Business or any other related course.
• Certified Trainer Qualification ECOP Qualification
•  Diploma in Insurance/LOMA/CII/IIK Qualification

Relevant Experience

•  Minimum 7-8 years’ experience in a similar role, with a minimum of 4 years’ managing a team and a focus on agency operations, sales, or training.
• Extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing training programs for insurance agents or sales professionals.
• Proven track record of success in leading and developing high-performing training teams or departments.
•  Strong understanding of the agency distribution channel and its unique dynamics, including recruitment, onboarding, sales processes, and agent development.
•  Demonstrated expertise in instructional design methodologies, adult learning principles, and training evaluation techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of life insurance products, sales strategies, underwriting guidelines, and regulatory compliance.