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Learning Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Learning Manager Leads the design, development, and execution of strategic learning initiatives that builds organizational capability and accelerate business performance. Partners directly ...

Senior Learning Manager Leads the design, development, and execution of strategic learning initiatives that builds organizational capability and accelerate business performance. Partners directly ...

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Learning Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27

$41

$71

How much do learning design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for learning design in Chicago, IL is $41.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.48 and $54.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a learning designer?

Learning designers typically need a bachelor's degree in education, instructional design, or a related field. Experience with e-learning tools, curriculum development, and strong communication skills are also important, and some roles may require a master's degree or certifications in instructional design or related areas.

What are some common challenges Learning Designers face when collaborating with subject matter experts?

Learning Designers often work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop effective educational materials. A frequent challenge is balancing the SME's in-depth knowledge with the need to present information in a clear, engaging, and accessible way for learners. Differences in communication styles or expectations can occur, so strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate complex content into learner-friendly formats are essential. Building trust and maintaining open, respectful communication helps ensure successful collaboration and high-quality learning experiences.

How close is AI to replacing instructional designers?

AI can assist instructional designers by automating tasks like content generation and data analysis, but it is not yet capable of fully replacing the role. Instructional design requires creativity, understanding of learner needs, and contextual judgment that AI tools currently cannot replicate. Professionals in this field continue to adapt by integrating AI with their expertise to enhance learning experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Learning Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Learning Designer, you need expertise in instructional design principles, curriculum development, and adult learning theories, often supported by a degree in education or instructional design. Familiarity with e-learning authoring tools (such as Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate), learning management systems (LMS), and sometimes certifications like CPLP or ATD are common requirements. Strong communication, creativity, and collaboration skills enable you to translate complex content into engaging learning experiences and work effectively with subject matter experts. These capabilities are critical for designing impactful educational programs that drive learner engagement and measurable outcomes.

What is the difference between Learning Design vs Instructional Designer?

AspectLearning DesignInstructional Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, instructional design, or related fieldsOften requires similar degrees and certifications in instructional design or education technology
Work EnvironmentDesigns learning experiences across various platforms, including e-learning, classroom, and blended formatsDevelops instructional materials and courses, often collaborating with subject matter experts
Industry UsageUsed broadly in education, corporate training, and e-learning sectorsCommonly used in corporate training, higher education, and e-learning industries

Learning Design and Instructional Designer roles overlap significantly, focusing on creating effective learning experiences. Learning Design often emphasizes the overall planning and structure of learning programs, while Instructional Designers focus more on developing specific instructional materials. Both roles require similar qualifications and are integral to education and training sectors.

What is learning design?

Learning design is the process of planning, structuring, and creating educational experiences to help learners achieve specific outcomes. It involves analyzing learners' needs, defining objectives, developing instructional materials, and selecting appropriate teaching methods and technologies. Learning designers collaborate with subject matter experts and use evidence-based strategies to ensure content is engaging, accessible, and effective. Their work can be applied in schools, universities, corporate training, and online education environments.

What do learning designers do?

Learning designers develop educational materials, curricula, and instructional strategies to facilitate effective learning experiences. They analyze learner needs, create content using tools like e-learning software, and often collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure content aligns with learning objectives.

Are learning designers in demand?

Learning designers are in increasing demand as organizations focus on effective training and e-learning solutions. They are often required to have skills in instructional design, curriculum development, and familiarity with tools like Articulate or Adobe Captivate, with job growth driven by the expansion of online education and corporate training programs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Learning Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Learning Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Learning Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 80% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,200 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Mgr, Design & Development

Mgr, Design & Development

Grainger Businesses

Lake Forest, IL • Hybrid

$95K - $159K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Grainger rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 340 rated logistics


Job description

 

Work Location Type: Hybrid  

Req Number  331260

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visitwww.grainger.com. 

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $95,900.00 - $159,800.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 15 %, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

Rewards and Benefits

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
  • 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
  • 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
  • Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
  • Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger's benefits, please click on the link below:

https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire

Grainger Benefits

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation.  The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.   

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. 

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Position Details

The Sales Learning and Development Team provides role-specific learning for over 4,500 North American Sales and KeepStock team members and leaders that builds capabilities to drive profitable growth. COE Managers own operational excellence, continuous improvement, and incorporation of impactful emerging trends for their area of practice - Facilitation and Coaching, Design and Development, or Learning Operations. As part of the Learning Leadership team, COE Managers oversee a learning portfolio that includes onboarding/capability building programs, on demand learning and role-specific continuous learning. The team is charged with accelerating team member growth through role transitions and strengthening current team members skills as measured by learning, behavior, and performance metrics. You will work hybrid 2 days per week from our Lake Forest, IL office; remote/virtual candidates may be considered with increased travel.


You Will

  • Specific Responsibilities for Manager, Design and Development COE
    • Oversees learning design and development across the entire learning portfolio including formal capability building programs, large scale initiatives including NSSM, role-specific continuous learning, and on demand in-the-moment learning.
    • Champions disciplined use of learning frameworks and methodologies to design learning that drives performance improvement across design team. Incorporates a deep understanding of adult learning principles and an evolving view of how team members' learn to inform COE's design and development standards.
    • Standardizes on suite of authoring tools and experiences that address performance gaps, engage participants and fostering development efficiency. Stays abreast of industry trends on emerging modalities including digital immersive simulations and more extensive AI solutions. Consults on adoption of these modalities, analyzes make/buy decisions, and oversees vendor selection and ongoing relationships.
    • Governs and champions use of COE standards by other teams building select learning.
  • Common Learning COE Manager Responsibilities
    • Champions COE standards, processes, and tools that drive high-quality consistent COE learning output and establishes strong connection points including clear handoffs and standard artifacts with other learning COEs, Program Managers and stakeholder groups
    • Partners with Program Managers, Sales Effectiveness Intake Leads, and other key stakeholders to prioritize and scope new work in alignment with GBU priorities. Manages disciplined COE resource staffing process with the dual objective to deliver timely consistent high-quality work output along with growth of individual team members' capabilities
    • Owns COE effectiveness and efficiency goals. Develops metrics and measurement tracking processes and use these measures to drive continuous improvement around seller effectiveness and operational efficiency. Partners with Program Managers to analyze program-specific COE data and feedback to ensure operational excellence at a program-level.
    • Collaborates with Learning Leadership Team, COE and Program Managers, to optimize impact of overall learning portfolio and operational excellence across the broader team. Also collaborates with Learning Leadership team to evolve the learning roadmap incorporating a clear understanding of the needs of our customers, the team members we serve, external learning trends and innovations to optimize the learning environment.
    • Supports stakeholder alignment and communication with key business leaders most typically in partnership with Program Managers.
    • Stays abreast of emerging trends and practices leveraging internal Learning Partner network and external organizations and thought leaders.
    • Owns collaborative project management across COEs for large, prioritized initiatives. Builds internal team project management discipline and practices leveraging standard tools and processes


You Have

  • Bachelor's Degree Business, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Adult Education, or related fields required
  • 7+ years serving as an informal and formal leader across multiple learning areas of practice with experience operationalizing and scaling, with demonstrated ability to ability to coach and have difficult conversations required
  • Ability to travel 20-30%
  • Strong business acumen including knowledge of Grainger business, our customers and the sales and service teams preferably gained through direct field experience.
  • Deep expertise in adult learning including learning frameworks, methodologies, technology, best practices, and emerging trends and driving performance improvement
  • Strong design and development skills and ability and familiarity with range of AI type solutions
  • Process orientation/ continuous Improvement focus with strong ability to redesign processes to drive productivity and service improvements
  • Strong program/project management, skills overseeing large scale projects or workstreams
  • Strong collaboration skills and desire to partner closely with others
  • Continuing Education learning certifications desirable
  • Ability to lift <25 lbs.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

#LI-hybrid

#LI-LE1


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About Grainger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Industry

Office administration and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, IL, US

Year founded

1927