Learning and Development Lead
Mars GCC
Total years of experience :22 years, 7 Months
MARS INC - Oct 2010 to date
Global FMCG manufacturer with over 78, 000 international associates and more than $33 billion in net sales.
MARS GCC - DUBAI Mar 2014 to date
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Lead the execution of Learning and Development, Employee Engagement strategies across functions ranging the entire supply chain from Manufacturing to Sales, comprising of 110+ leaders managing 800+ Associates
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Lead the formulation of Annual training calendar and Individual Development Plans using competency based evaluations for all associates with Quality of plans measured at “World Class” standards
• Successfully lead the new onboarding and induction process reducing the wait time to effective performance by 50%. Program replicated in Mars Global Induction Program. Assigned as Project manager for Global Onboarding project pilot in the region
• Played key role in driving engagement at the Production facility to >90th Percentile. Was recognized for contribution in the engagement success. Managing engagement survey follow-up actions for all teams
• Lead training vendor selection and customized program creation in alignment with stake holders, leading to highly successful behavioral training programs
• Lead the Mars Global Recognition Program for Mars GCC recognizing best in class contributions
• Leading operational excellence in L&D Operations though creating of world class training programs, automation, continuous improvements and efficient use of resources
• Building Line Management Excellence by Coaching and Mentoring line managers; Facilitating Team building programs
• Master trainer for key Mars signature programs. Managing teams of internal trainers. Supporting other business units in Gulf, Africa and India for Mars signature programs.
• As a Member of the Employer Branding team - built strategy and managed university events and Graduate Recruitment/Program initiatives
MARS GULF GENERAL TRADING (Formerly, Gulf Food Trade LLC) - DUBAI Oct 2010 to Mar 2014
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Manage the Learning and Development function supporting all Sales & Distribution and support team based in UAE and Gulf
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Designed & implemented new effective Onboarding & Induction program. Was rewarded for the same.
• Developed in field quality check procedures to effectively measure and manage quality of product display by the merchandisers
• Improved the Performance Management System making it more effective and accurate by developing new competency matrix for all roles in sales team
• Successfully executed the first time participation of GFT in the employee engagement (Gallup) and employee satisfaction (Great Place to Work) Surveys
• Champion for Cultural Integration of GFT to Mars. Designed and implemented the transition program
• Designed and delivered high quality training programs across the Middle East and India regions
EMAX (MAX ELECTRONICS LLC) - DUBAI
Leading Electronics Retailer across the Middle East, a division of Landmark Retail Group
TRAINING MANAGER
Lead all training and people development actions across all GCC Countries. Supported Operations and HR in building sales performance capabilities
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
• Lead Training Need Analysis, Design & Delivery for Sales, Customer Service, Product and Behavioral Trainings for all employees. Increased sales conversion as a result of customized sales trainings
• Lead Technology Training project through external technology training partners for retail staff focused knowledge selling for end user application of complex technology; Resulting in higher sales and customer satisfaction
• Lead Process Design/Improvements for Performance Management, Training/Impact Evaluation, Customer Service, In-store Customer Handling, After Sales Customer Handling and Complaint Resolution. Also designed and implemented employee Reward & Recognition program
• Managed escalated customer complaints and Lead performance monitoring for Sales and Customer Service teams for corrective action planning through feedback and coaching
• Team Management - Lead the training team and external/partner trainers