Training and Development Specialist

Role Title

Training & Development Specialist

Location:

Head office Galway with remote options

Role Purpose

The Training & Development Specialist will support the design, delivery, measurement and continuous improvement of learning and development activity across the Group. The role will work with managers, advisers and support teams to identify development needs, create practical learning solutions, maintain accurate training records and ensure learning activity supports competence, compliance, efficiency and career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct training needs analysis across advisers, staff and management.

• Analyse output from surveys, manager feedback, compliance monitoring, business MI, quality reviews and strategic initiatives.

• Develop training programmes internally or identify suitable external providers where required.

• Design post-programme tools for attendees and line managers to support workplace application and behavioural change.

• Ensure programmes are developed and delivered within approved budget.

• Support the Training & Development Team with training delivery, facilitation and programme administration.

• Update and expand the current training library for targeted online completion, assessment and feedback.

• Use authorised AI tools to improve content development, learner support, assessment design and training administration, subject to governance and review.

• Design tailored training and development modules to support career progression, efficiency and capability development.

• Maintain up-to-date records for each relevant resource, including qualifications, CPD hours, in-person training, online modules, assessments and feedback.

• Prepare training MI and insight reports for managers and T&D leadership.

• Support induction, onboarding, regulatory change training, product training, system adoption and leadership/middle-management development where required.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the financial services industry.

• Preferably experience in Life, Pensions and Investments in training, coaching, adviser-development or learning role.

• Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA).

• Relevant Training & Development qualification.

• Experience preparing and delivering training for regulated financial services audiences.

• Experience maintaining CPD, qualification or training-completion records.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with Learning Management Systems or online learning platforms.

• Experience designing assessments, feedback tools and learner evaluation mechanisms.

• Experience in AI-enabled learning, digital content creation, Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint and PowerPoint.

• Knowledge of CPC, MCC/MCR, CPD requirements, IDR, GDPR and conduct standards relevant to financial services distribution.

• Experience working with sales management, branch structures, adviser networks or support functions.

Core Competencies

• Training needs analysis - Able to identify, prioritise and evidence knowledge, skills and behavioural gaps.
• Instructional design - Designs practical, engaging and measurable learning solutions.
• Facilitation and coaching - Confident delivering workshops, virtual sessions, coaching and post-programme support.
• Regulatory awareness - Understands the importance of competence, CPD, customer outcomes and evidence in a regulated environment.
• Stakeholder management - Builds credibility with advisers, managers, support teams, Compliance, HR and external providers.
• Digital capability - Comfortable developing online materials and using authorised AI tools to improve learning outcomes.
• Analytical mindset - Uses data, feedback and business MI to identify trends and measure impact.
• Organisation and governance - Maintains clear records, version control, budgets and reporting discipline.

Why Join Us?

At Ask Acorn, our people are our greatest strength. That’s why we offer:

• 💼 Competitive salary ranging from €30-35k plus uncapped monthly bonus for high performing advisors and a comprehensive benefits package which includes: up to 25 days annual leave, company pension scheme, sick leave, employee assistance programme and much more.
• 🎯 Annual performance-based bonus: End of year company bonus of up to 10% of salary
• ⏰ Flexible working options: As part of the benefits package, we will be including flexible remote working options with just 1 day a week onsite in Galway so you can work to live and not live to work !
• 🚀 Career development opportunities across both Ask Acorn (distribution) and Acorn Life (manufacturing)
• 🧓 Company pension scheme, Sick Leave & Employee Assistance Program
• 🏃‍♂️ Active Sports & Social Club with regular events and team activities
• ❤️ Charity involvement, including fundraising, community partnerships, and volunteering opportunities
• ✈️ Annual subsidised company trip – a highlight of the year for connection and celebration

About Ask Acorn

Ask Acorn. part of the Acorn Life Group, is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing financial services firms—100% Irish-owned and proudly rooted in communities nationwide for 35 years. Our mission is simple: to give people peace of mind about their finances, with trusted advice and tailored solutions at every life stage. From life and pensions to general insurance and premium finance, we help customers make confident decisions—supported by a network of qualified advisors and a passionate operations team behind the scenes. We're more than a financial services provider—we're a company built on trust, empathy and clarity. That’s why our Operations function plays such a vital role in delivering the seamless, respectful experience our customers expect. Join us at Ask Acorn and be part of a company that puts relationships, service and purpose at the heart of everything we do.

We invest in our people’s growth, listen to their needs, and support their ambitions—because when our people thrive, our business does too. It’s a win-win for everyone.