Training Manager - Middle East & Africa Region

About the Role

The position of Training Manager for the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region involves supporting and enhancing business development by designing, facilitating, and supervising comprehensive training programs, including all mandatory global trainings. This role includes identifying regional training needs in partnership with Business Leaders, creating and executing targeted training initiatives, and improving overall employee performance. The scope also encompasses coordination and consolidation of training data across various departments such as Medical, HR, and Compliance, while excluding technical training for GXP domains. Additionally, the Training Manager oversees the Learning Management System (M-Learning) in collaboration with the identified regional Competence Center.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the initial training schedules for newly hired Medical Representatives across MEA, including both Menarini employees and partners.
• Collaborate with stakeholders from Marketing, Medical, HR, and Compliance to align training content, scheduling, and documentation management.
• Manage and update training modules for soft skills and other related programs, ensuring materials are current and accessible.
• Oversee and report on mandatory certification processes and compliance training programs.
• Design and implement customized training solutions requested by Business Area Managers (BAMs) and Country Managers to support employee development plans, in partnership with HR and leadership teams.
• Engage with MEA Business Partners (BAMs, CMs, NSMs) to determine objectives and develop comprehensive learning plans and solutions.
• Conduct regional training needs assessments, including GAP analyses, to drive continuous improvement and development.
• Develop and execute the annual MEA training plan in alignment with the Regional Head’s approval.
• Integrate cutting-edge training methodologies, such as multichannel learning and artificial intelligence applications, to enhance learning effectiveness.
• Establish KPIs to evaluate training effectiveness and business impact.
• Manage the regional training budget and resources, coordinating with the Regional Head.
• Create tailored individual and group training programs targeting specific business requirements.
• Disseminate company values, vision, and mission through all learning activities.
• Select and coordinate internal and external training providers to deliver effective learning experiences.
• Resolve specific challenges by adapting training programs as needed.

Field Engagement

• Conduct field visits and provide coaching to Medical Representatives before and after visits according to pre-agreed plans with BAMs.
• Utilize field visit reports and appraisal forms to identify training needs for field force personnel.
• Prepare and deliver reports to Area Managers, National Sales Managers, and BAMs regarding field activities.
• Plan and execute upskilling initiatives for field force personnel based on annual field visit plans approved by BAMs and Regional Head.

Learning Management System (LMS) Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate mandatory training activities via the company’s e-learning platform for the MEA region.
• Ensure participant enrollment, monitor progress, and provide completion updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to mandatory training deadlines and accurate tracking of training activities within the M-Learning system.
• Communicate promptly with HR and Regional leadership regarding any required remediation for non-compliance or lagging participants.

Documentation and Compliance

• Monitor, evaluate, and improve training programs, including assessing their effectiveness.
• Maintain and archive training records in accordance with local and global regulatory requirements.
• Conduct participant satisfaction surveys post-training sessions.
• Compile and share detailed training reports with applicable departments, based on data from e-learning platforms and other systems.
• Deliver annual training plans and reports following the Global Procedure for Training Activities (HRM12).
• Ensure all educational activities comply with company policies, SOPs, ethical standards, ICH guidelines, and local laws.
• Verify that all medical and product information used in training is authorized by Medical Department personnel and complies with regulatory standards.
• Review and approve marketing training materials, coordinating with Medical Governance and oversight teams to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Adhere to Menarini’s integrity standards and relevant legal requirements.
• Manage record keeping, backup, archiving, and destruction processes responsibly and in a timely manner.
• Identify and contribute to best practices and ongoing process enhancements.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Pharmacy, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in Training or Learning & Development roles within multinational pharmaceutical companies.
• Minimum of 3 years serving as a Training Manager.
• Expertise in varied training methodologies including mentoring, coaching, classroom, e-learning, workshops, and simulations.
• Proficient in training policy development, documentation, and implementation.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office or Google Suite and related communication tools.
• Fluent in Arabic and English, both written and spoken; proficiency in French is an advantage.

Competencies and Skills

• Strategic thinker with creative problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and time effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern learning principles and training techniques.
• Proven success in designing and executing impactful training programs.
• Effective leadership skills including coaching, feedback delivery, and team mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams and adapt to multicultural environments.
• Motivated, dependable, and hands-on with a focus on results and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Capable of building strong relationships internally and externally.