Kurt Kociss
GARDNER,IL
Summary
An accomplished Training Specialist bringing over a decade of experience in designing, delivering, and managing high-impact training programs. The ability to assess team needs, build scalable training content, and drive measurable results using the ADDIE Model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement & Evaluate). In 2024, helped launch a global initiative to standardize training, orientation, and onboarding across North America and international regions—creating a unified experience for teams in EMEA, China, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Latin America, and Mexico.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Sales Trainer
LAMB WESTON
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Learning Methodologies-eLearning, virtual, and classroom trainings at corporate and plant locations.
- Orientation & Onboarding – Designed a comprehensive orientation program for new team members followed by a detailed 30/60/90 onboarding program specific to the role, followed by continuous trainings.
- Evaluate- the effectiveness of programs using Course Evaluation, Post-event Feedback, and New Product surveys to name a few. These were used to uncover learning gaps, using the findings to understand the program effectiveness and make program improvements when needed.
- Collaborated with Cross-functional teams and Subject Matter Experts to align training objectives aligned with business goals.
- Sales Development Programs-Developed and designed trainings programs with the responsibility of communications, scheduling and housing the trainings in the Learning Library.
- Micro Learnings- Conducted these "bite-sized" lessons designed to focus on a single topic, typically lasting no more than 10-15 minutes. These sessions often focus on professional development such as Planning your Day, Time Mgmt. and Active Listening to name a few.
- Lunch & Learns- Informal training sessions usually hosted by a SME around a given topic of interest that are designed to foster collaboration and open discussion. Responsible for scheduling, reviewing content, and moderating these trainings.
- Team Calls- Participated on weekly sales team calls to discuss hot topics, new product launches, industry trends, knowledge and insights and other relevant topics.
- Six Stages of Team Selling-Instrumental in the design and development of a uniform selling model for sales which consisted of six stages 1. Business Planning 2. Discovery 3. Solution 4. Proposal 5. Closing 6. Retention & Loyalty.
- Leadership Training- Instrumental in the design and development of a training geared toward people managers. Characteristics of Effective Leaders, Situational Leadership, Coaching, Goal Setting.
- Franklin Covey, DISC, StrenghtsFinders- Used these platforms in training all levels of team members, from Sr. Leadership to Sales.
Business Development Manager
CONAGRA-LAMB WESTON
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Accounts- Responsible for a portfolio of customers covering a five-state region. Worked one-on-one with the business owners to build a relationship and trust that set our company apart from our competitors.
- Increased sales volume year over year through targeted KPI strategies and customer-focused selling. Was able to obtain yearly price increases by educating the customer on the value of our product and services.
- Led successful product launches, ensuring all customers were aware of any new additions to our product line and visited them to discuss and answer any questions.
- Conducted gap analyses to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities. What customers do we have, and where are the opportunities we can pursue.
Divisional Sales Manager
MASCARI SALES & MARKETING
01.2001 - 01.2012
- Managed a team of six in (IL. IN. WI.), providing ongoing product training and in-field coaching to ensure sales success and customer retention.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IllinoisSkills
- DESIGNER & CREATOR
- FACILITATOR
- COLLABORATOR
- DETAILED
- ORIENTED/ORGANIZED
- CROSS-FUNCTIONAL
- MOTIVATOR
- STRATEGIC THINKING
- WORKDAY
- SALESFORCE
- EXCEL, POWERPOINT, WORD, FORMS, SHAREPOINT
- ARTICULATE 360
- CANVA
- LINKEDIN LEARNING
Certification
- TRAINING AND FACILITATION CERTIFICATION, ATD ASSOCIATION FOR TALENT DEVELOPMENT (2022)
- FACILITATING VIRTUAL TRAINING CERTIFICATION, ATD ASSOCIATION FOR TALENT DEVELOPMENT (2021)
- INTRODUCTION TO INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN, ATD ASSOCIATION FOR TALENT DEVELOPMENT (2019)
Timeline
Senior Sales Trainer
LAMB WESTON
01.2018 - 01.2024
Business Development Manager
CONAGRA-LAMB WESTON
01.2012 - 01.2018
Divisional Sales Manager
MASCARI SALES & MARKETING
01.2001 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of St. Francis
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