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Instructional Design Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Instructional Design Manager is a working manager responsible for leading a small team of instructional designers while directly designing and delivering high-impact learning solutions that build ...

About the Role We are seeking our first-ever Instructional Design Manager. This is a rare opportunity to build an instructional design practice from the ground up and leave a lasting mark on how a ...

The Instructional Design Manager is a working manager responsible for leading a small team of instructional designers while directly designing and delivering high-impact learning solutions that build ...

Manager Instructional Design

New York, NY · On-site

$125K - $191K/yr

Experience managing a team, including leading cross-functional teams and large-scale learning projects * Strong understanding of adult learning theory, instructional design, and training practices

Lead complex, institution-wide instructional design initiatives. * Direct large-scale instructional design projects that span academic departments and functional units, requiring coordination of ...

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Instructional Design Manager information

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$44.5K

$81.3K

$134.5K

How much do instructional design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for instructional design manager in the United States is $81,336.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an instructional design manager?

To thrive as an Instructional Design Manager, you need expertise in instructional design methodologies, curriculum development, project management, and a relevant degree such as in instructional design, education, or a related field. Familiarity with authoring tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, learning management systems (LMS), and industry certifications such as CPLP or ATD are highly beneficial. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills help drive team performance and stakeholder engagement. These abilities are crucial for creating effective learning solutions, managing complex projects, and leading multidisciplinary teams in dynamic environments.

What does an instructional design manager do?

An Instructional Design Manager oversees the development of instructional materials and training programs to enhance learning experiences. They collaborate with subject matter experts, trainers, and designers to create engaging and effective educational content. Their responsibilities include managing instructional design projects, implementing learning technologies, and ensuring courses align with organizational goals. Additionally, they evaluate training effectiveness and continuously improve learning strategies based on feedback and performance outcomes.

What types of teams or departments does an instructional design manager typically collaborate with?

Instructional Design Managers frequently collaborate with subject matter experts, trainers, graphic designers, IT staff, and organizational leaders to create effective learning programs. They may also work closely with HR or talent development teams to ensure training aligns with company goals and compliance requirements. Successful managers often serve as the bridge between content experts and technical teams, facilitating clear communication and integrating feedback throughout the design process. This cross-functional collaboration helps ensure that instructional materials are both engaging and aligned with organizational needs, making teamwork a central aspect of the role.

More about Instructional Design Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Instructional Design Manager jobs? Cities with the most Instructional Design Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Instructional Design jobs? The most popular types of Instructional Design jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Instructional Design Manager jobs? The top employers for Instructional Design Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Instructional Design Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Instructional Design Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Instructional Design Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,336 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Instructional Design Manager

Yum

Plano, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description


The Instructional Design Manager is a working manager responsible for leading a small team of instructional designers while directly designing and delivering high-impact learning solutions that build capability across the KFC system. This role partners with cross-functional stakeholders to identify performance needs, create scalable training programs, and drive readiness strategies that support key business initiatives, including product launches, operational process improvements, technology implementations, and people programs.
Balancing people leadership, project leadership, and hands-on instructional design, this role ensures learning solutions are aligned to business priorities, effectively prepare restaurant teams for change, and contribute to improved operational performance and business results.
Responsibilities
People Leadership (25%)
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of Instructional Designers, creating an environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Manage team capacity, workload prioritization, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects and business priorities.
  • Establish quality standards and best practices for instructional design methodologies, deliverables, and readiness programs.
  • Conduct performance management activities, development planning, and ongoing coaching to support individual and team growth.
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, remove barriers to execution, and ensure successful delivery of team objectives.

Instructional Design (45%)
  • Personally design and develop high-impact learning solutions using adult learning principles, instructional design methodology, and performance-based learning strategies.
  • Lead end-to-end readiness initiatives that support product launches, technology implementations, process changes, operational initiatives, and organizational capability-building efforts.
  • Design and develop learning solutions across multiple modalities, including eLearning, facilitator-led training, virtual instructor-led training, microlearning, videos, simulations, job aids, and performance support resources.
  • Serve as lead instructional designer on high-priority and complex enterprise initiatives.
  • Ensure consistency, alignment, and integration across learning curricula, readiness programs, and role-based learning pathways.
  • Continuously evaluate and enhance learning approaches to improve learner engagement, retention, and business impact.

Project & Stakeholder Management (20%)
  • Partner closely with Operations, People & Culture, Marketing, Technology, Communications, and other cross-functional stakeholders to identify capability gaps and performance needs.
  • Consult with stakeholders on learning strategies and readiness approaches that support successful adoption and execution of business initiatives.
  • Develop project plans, implementation timelines, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery.
  • Manage vendor relationships and external learning partners as needed.
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, within budget, and aligned with strategic business objectives.

Learning Effectiveness & Continuous Improvement (10%)
  • Define success measures and evaluation strategies for learning programs and readiness initiatives.
  • Utilize learner feedback, performance data, operational metrics, and business outcomes to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Conduct post-launch evaluations and implement enhancements to increase impact and efficiency.
  • Stay current on instructional design trends, learning technologies, and innovative learning practices to continuously evolve KFC's learning portfolio.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Adult Learning, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Communications, Education, or a related field.
  • Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements.

Experience
  • At least 8 years of experience in instructional design, learning and development, training design, organizational capability, or a related field.
  • Experience designing and developing enterprise-scale learning programs and readiness strategies.
  • Experience leading complex projects and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Prior people leadership, team lead, coaching, or mentoring experience preferred.
  • Experience creating learning solutions across multiple delivery modalities and platforms.

Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
  • Experience applying ADDIE, SAM, and other learning design frameworks.
  • Experience with learning technologies, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), Learning Experience Platforms (LXP), Content Management Systems (CMS), and related tools.
  • Strong project management, planning, and prioritization capabilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and learning content development tools.

Behavioral Competencies & Mindset
  • Strategic thinker with a strong bias for action and execution.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence without authority across multiple stakeholder groups.
  • Strong consultative, communication, and relationship-building skills.
  • Agile and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Passion for developing people capability and improving business performance through learning.
  • Continuous learner who embraces innovation and challenges the status quo.

Salary Range: $110,500 to $123,405 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.