Design Lead

W. W. Grainger; Lake Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-one benefits

PTO 18 days

401(k) 6% match

Employee discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Grainger is seeking an Instructional Design Lead to oversee the design and development of innovative learning solutions that support organizational strategy. The role champions best practices and thrives in fast-paced environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to assess needs and deliver scalable programs.

The Lead drives continuous improvement by leveraging data and emerging technologies to enhance learning outcomes and supports organizational goals with modular curricula and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in instructional design or related field.
• 5+ years in a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of adult learning theories and learning tech.
• Designs scalable curricula across modalities.
• Leads cross-functional projects with SMEs and stakeholders.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads end-to-end design of blended learning experiences.
• Defines learner journey from onboarding to proficiency.
• Performs needs assessments and performance analyses.
• Creates scalable curriculum models for multiple sites.
• Collaborates to evaluate learning effectiveness using analytics.
• Manages projects and resources within budget and timelines.

Skills

Adult learning principles

Instructional design models

Learning technologies

Managing cross-functional teams

Needs assessments

Performance gap analyses

Project management

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communication, or related

Tools

Authoring tools

Job description

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Location: LAKE FOREST, IL, US, 60045-5201

Work Location Type: Hybrid

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 than4.6 million customersworldwide with maintenance, repair andoperating(MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customerexpertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported2025 revenue of$17.9 billion. For more information, visitwww.grainger.com.

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $88,000.00 – $146,600.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 15 % or $ , 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:

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.

The Instructional Design Lead oversees the design and development of innovative learning solutions that support organizational strategy and workforce capability. The role champions instructional design best practices and thrives in complex, fast-paced environments. The Lead collaborates with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to assess learning needs, improve processes, and deliver scalable, measurable programs. The role also drives continuous improvement by leveraging data, feedback, and emerging technologies to enhance learning outcomes.

You Will

• Leads the end-to-end design of functional, blended learning experiences using instructional design methodologies to ensure alignment with organizational goals and role expectations.
• Defines the learner journey from onboarding through proficiency, creating training pathways that support performance, safety, and operational excellence using a variety of learning and deployment strategies.
• Conducts needs assessments and performance gap analyses to translate business priorities into effective learning strategies and development roadmaps.
• Establishes scalable, modular curriculum models that provide consistent yet adaptable learning experiences across multiple sites or audiences.
• Collaborates with stakeholders to evaluate learning effectiveness, leveraging analytics and feedback to iterate and improve programs.
• Manages project teams and resources to deliver high-quality learning solutions on time and within budget, while mentoring others and promoting best practices.

You Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communication, or a related field required
• 5+ years in a related field required
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design models, and current learning technologies.
• Designs, develops, and manages scalable curricula using a variety of modalities and authoring tools to address diverse learner needs.
• Conducts thorough needs assessments and performance gap analyses to create targeted, effective learning strategies.
• Leads complex projects and collaborates productively with cross-functional teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders.
• Adapts quickly to changing business priorities, communicates clearly with all audiences, and provides mentorship to team members.
• Operates effectively in fast-paced environments, manages multiple priorities, and travels as required to support organizational goals.
• Continuing Education learning certifications preferred

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.