Head of Training – Sales & Distribution Learning

Discovery Limited

. Lead the Sales and Distribution Training function within the Discovery Institute of Training .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeSandton • South AfricaLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in leading Sales and Distribution Training functions, developing strategic learning solutions, and managing complex training operations within financial services. Proven ability to partner with senior management and cross-functional teams to drive measurable learning outcomes and ensure governance and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Sales Enablement LeadershipLearning Strategy DevelopmentStakeholder ManagementCoaching and Performance ManagementGovernance and Compliance Oversight

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Learning Management Systems (LMS)Facilitated LearningAdult Learning PrinciplesSales Capability DevelopmentProject DeliveryCurriculum DevelopmentPerformance EvaluationCapacity PlanningRegulatory TrainingQuality Assurance

Soft Skills

Strategic PlanningAnalytical Problem-SolvingWritten CommunicationFacilitationCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Relevant Degree in Learning and DevelopmentPostgraduate Qualification in Business or Related Field

Industry Keywords

Financial ServicesTraining FunctionSales Management ConsultancyDistribution AcademyOrganisational Development

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the Sales and Distribution Training function within the Discovery Institute of Training
Set the strategic direction of learning and translate product, financial planning, sales capability and distribution priorities into high-impact learning solutions
Partner with senior management to achieve business objectives and drive the learning strategy for the facilitation team
Ensure the Training Manager and facilitators deliver consistent, scalable and measurable learning experiences
Define and lead the end-to-end Sales and Distribution learning strategy
Translate business strategy, market shifts, regulatory requirements, product changes and channel priorities into multi-year capability roadmaps and annual and quarterly plans
Manage the Training function’s operating model, organisational structure, leadership capacity, workforce planning, role clarity, performance standards and succession pipeline
Lead the Training Manager and portfolio leads through management routines, delegations, service standards, capacity allocation and performance practices
Own the strategic direction, governance and performance of the Distribution Academy
Oversee academy intake planning, curriculum priorities, delivery capacity, learner progression, accreditation or regulatory dependencies, stakeholder commitments and outcome reporting
Establish and lead a Sales Management Consultancy capability to diagnose performance and capability challenges and recommend targeted interventions
Provide strategic oversight of the Adviser Graduate Channel, including learning pathways, workplace exposure, coaching, assessment, readiness decisions and transition into distribution roles
Own consolidated annual and quarterly learning delivery roadmaps, including business-as-usual delivery, strategic projects, academy cohorts, consultancy engagements, graduate activity, product launches, refreshers and regulatory interventions
Direct portfolio prioritisation, resource allocation, capacity, scheduling, risk management and dependency resolution
Set learning standards, quality assurance, continuous improvement and innovation across learning and capability solutions
Establish and chair governance frameworks and ensure audit readiness and control of learning records, assessments, approvals, regulatory training and progression decisions
Own management information and reporting across training delivery, the Distribution Academy, Sales Management Consultancy and Adviser Graduate Channel
Define and monitor measures for demand, capacity, participation, progression, quality, learner experience, assessment, readiness, consultancy outcomes and business performance
Act as a senior learning and capability partner to distribution executives, sales leaders, product houses and enabling functions
Build cross-functional partnerships and create a high-performing, accountable and future-ready function

Requirements

What you’ll need

Relevant degree and/or postgraduate qualification in learning and development, business, commerce, financial planning, education, human resources, organisational development or a related field
Extensive senior-level experience leading a training, sales enablement, facilitated learning, product learning, financial planning learning or distribution learning function in a complex financial services environment
Proven experience managing managers and/or senior specialists, including accountability for team structure, performance, coaching, capacity planning, capability development and delivery standards
Strong understanding of learning strategy, facilitated delivery models, adult learning principles, learning operations, sales capability development, LMS-enabled learning, evaluation, governance and project delivery
Demonstrated ability to partner with senior management and cross-functional teams to translate strategic objectives into practical learning solutions, governance routines, delivery plans and measurable outcomes
Excellent strategic planning, stakeholder management, people leadership, written communication, facilitation, coaching, analytical and problem-solving skills
Commercial credibility and learner-centred approach
Ability to plan and manage multiple schedules and projects with strong attention to detail
Ability to anticipate operational risks and resolve issues quickly
Ability to work collaboratively across DIT, management, Instructional Design, operations, product, compliance and business teams
Ability to develop others through coaching, feedback, capability-building and role-modelling high standards
Ability to uphold standards for learning delivery, documentation, audit readiness, version control, attendance records and reporting

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal Opportunities employer
Employment Equity Plan and Targets considered during recruitment
Encouragement and welcome for people with various disabilities to apply