Open to opportunities

Karl Smith

@karlsmith

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Senior Learning & Development leader delivering end-to-end learning strategies and measurable outcomes.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a senior learning partner role where I can own end-to-end L&D strategy, lead blended facilitation and LMS governance, and drive measurable impact through learning analytics, stakeholder leadership, and continuous improvement.

I’m a strategic Learning & Development leader with 10+ years of end-to-end ownership of complex, multi-stakeholder learning programs. I partner with senior executives to diagnose capability gaps, translate business priorities into learning road-maps, and measure results against performance metrics—so learning directly improves outcomes.

At the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), I led the Education, Training & Member function from October 2019 to August 2025, owning end-to-end learning across member qualifications, CPD, onboarding, and trainee development nationally for 10,000+ members. I designed and owned the full L&D lifecycle (needs analysis through curriculum design, facilitation, LMS oversight, and evaluation), chaired the CPD Committee to set annual priorities and benchmark against IFAC IESs, and led digital transformation of examination and preparatory class delivery—improving operational efficiency and learner satisfaction. I’ve also founded and operated a specialist training company for 10 years, secured SETA funding through proposals and reporting, built Accredited Training Centre/CPD/Education policy, and mentored learning teams through coaching, peer reviews, and shared best practices.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Manager, Education & Training

South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA)

Oct 2019 - Aug 2025 (5 years 10 months)

Led SAIPA’s Education, Training & Member function, owning end-to-end learning for member qualifications, CPD, onboarding and trainee development for 10,000+ members nationally. Chaired the CPD Committee, developed IFAC-aligned learning priorities, and owned LMS governance and learning analytics to drive continuous improvement.

Learning Strategy Instructional Design Blended Learning LMS Governance Learning Analytics Stakeholder Management Accreditation & Compliance

Founder & Operations Manager

BNSA & Horwath Zeller Karro

Oct 2006 - Sep 2019 (12 years 11 months)

Founded and led a specialist training and coaching firm, designing and facilitating bespoke leadership, behavioural and technical programmes for clients such as Old Mutual, Standard Bank and Cape Town Tourism. Managed full programme lifecycles from needs analysis through evaluation, and delivered B-BBEE skills development consulting with audit evidence packs and compliance reporting.

Training program development Needs Analysis Facilitation Coaching B BBEE Skills Development Compliance Reporting Stakeholder Engagement Client Management

Senior Executive, Southern Region

South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)

Jan 2000 - Sep 2006 (6 years 8 months)

Led member engagement and CPD initiatives for the Western and Eastern Cape region by coordinating learning events, seminars and annual conferences. Collaborated with regional and national stakeholders to align regional activities to institute strategy and KPIs.

Event Management Stakeholder Management Strategic Planning KPIs Committee Collaboration Regional Governance

Acting Head: Schools Liaison

Vista University, UWC & Dept of Education

Jan 1990 - Dec 1999 (9 years 11 months)

Provided classroom instruction, including lesson planning, delivery and learner assessment, while supporting education outreach through communication, marketing and student recruitment. Managed sponsorships and public relations partnerships to increase institutional visibility and community engagement.

Classroom Instruction Lesson planning Learning Assessment Instruction Delivery Communication Strategy Marketing Recruitment Stakeholder Engagement Sponsorship