Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager

Company: Stellantis

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning & Development Operations / GTM Enablement

Date Posted: 2026-08-07T17:38:33

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid to Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creative development and instructional design of learning and performance support materials for Stellantis dealership personnel, focusing on Sales and After Sales (non-technical) audiences.

• Manage the end-to-end instructional development lifecycle, from initial needs analysis and concept ideation through to implementation and performance measurement.

• Provide leadership, process support, and mentorship to internal teams, contract developers, and freelance personnel, ensuring high-quality output and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with project managers, subject matter experts (SMEs), instructional designers, vendors, and internal Performance Institute teams to deliver effective and engaging learning experiences that drive retail performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a managerial level, requiring not only strong instructional design and creative skills but also proven leadership and process management capabilities. The focus on "retail performance" and "dealership personnel" strongly indicates a GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement function, where learning directly impacts sales and customer service outcomes. The emphasis on "non-technical" audiences suggests a need for clear, compelling communication over deep technical detail.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Instructional Development Lifecycle Management: Lead and manage the entire process of creating learning solutions, including needs analysis, curriculum design, course development, content creation/editing, and performance measurement, while establishing and updating templates and processes.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Provide direct leadership, process guidance, and performance feedback to a team of instructional designers, contract developers, and freelance personnel, ensuring efficient workload distribution and skill development.

• Creative Content Production: Produce and edit high-quality, creative learning deliverables across various media (web, print, live, games, animations, mobile, video) with minimal supervision, ensuring alignment with brand standards and performance objectives.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with project managers, SMEs, internal Performance Institute staff, and external vendors to ensure learning solutions are relevant, accurate, and meet strategic business goals for retail performance improvement.

• Performance Improvement Strategy: Apply adult learning principles, performance improvement strategies, and learning models to design and develop interventions that directly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of dealership personnel.

• Benchmarking & Best Practices: Proactively research and benchmark training programs from other automotive manufacturers to identify and integrate best practices into Stellantis' learning strategies.

• Executive Communication & Support: Develop presentations and supporting materials for executives to optimize their messaging and strategic communications related to learning initiatives.

• Quality Assurance & Record Keeping: Maintain organized records and files of all work, including revisions, in accordance with departmental standards to ensure traceability and compliance.

• On-site Support: Attend relevant training events, video shoots, and voice-over recording sessions to ensure creative vision and performance objectives are met throughout the production process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight, hands-on creative/design work, and people management. The mention of "benchmarking" and "executive presentations" points to a strategic advisory role within the Performance Institute, influencing how learning contributes to overall business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum Undergraduate degree (BA or BS) in fields such as Behavioral Psychology, Technical Writing, Journalism, English, Instructional Design, Communications, or a closely related discipline. Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in designing and developing training and performance improvement materials, with a strong emphasis on the retail automotive sector (Sales/After Sales).

• Proven experience managing a small team of instructional designers, including performance oversight and workload management.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with project teams and various internal departments to deliver cohesive learning solutions and provide project status updates. Required Skills:

• Instructional Design Expertise: Deep understanding and application of adult learning principles, performance improvement strategies, and associated adult learning models and theories.

• Creative Direction: Proven ability to lead creative development for diverse media (web, print, animation, video, mobile), ensuring clear, relevant messaging.

• Curriculum & Course Design: Proficiency in designing comprehensive curricula and individual courses that meet specific learning objectives and performance goals.

• Project Management: Experience managing the full lifecycle of learning projects, from needs analysis to implementation and measurement, including process creation and template development.

• Technical Writing & Editing: Excellent writing skills across creative, journalistic, marketing/copy, and technical styles, with a strong ability to edit content for clarity and accuracy.

• Team Leadership: Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring, and providing oversight to instructional designers, contract developers, and freelance personnel.

• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency: Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint; minimum intermediate knowledge of Excel.

• Automotive Industry Acumen: Familiarity with general automotive knowledge, systems, components, and related technologies, particularly within the Sales and After Sales domains.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent and demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify and address issues.

• Executive Engagement: Proven experience presenting to and working effectively with senior leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience assisting training facilitators in preparing and delivering courseware.

• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning development tools.

• Experience with multimedia production tools or managing multimedia vendors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "retail automotive (Sales/After Sales)" and "general automotive knowledge" is crucial. Candidates must demonstrate a clear understanding of the dealership environment and the specific learning needs of sales and after-sales staff. The requirement for presenting work samples during the interview process underscores the need for a strong portfolio.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Instructional Design Process: Showcase a clear, repeatable process for developing learning solutions, from needs analysis and audience assessment to design, development, implementation, and evaluation (Kirkpatrick Levels 1-4).

• Creative & Multimedia Examples: Include diverse examples of learning materials developed, highlighting creative approaches across different media (e.g., e-learning modules, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, videos, job aids, interactive simulations).

• Performance Improvement Case Studies: Present specific case studies demonstrating how your developed learning interventions have led to measurable improvements in retail performance, sales metrics, or customer satisfaction. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Leadership & Management Artifacts: If possible, include examples of process documentation, templates, or project plans that illustrate your ability to manage development processes and team workloads effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of creating or refining instructional development workflows, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and templates to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality.

• Implementation & Automation Strategies: Examples of how you have managed the implementation of learning solutions and explored opportunities for automation to streamline delivery or enhance learner engagement.

• Measurement & Analysis: Demonstrate how you approach measuring the effectiveness of learning interventions, including data collection methods, analysis techniques, and reporting on ROI or performance impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this nature, a robust portfolio is non-negotiable. It should not only showcase the breadth and quality of creative and instructional design work but also clearly articulate the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business objectives. The ability to "provide, present and explain work samples" is a key requirement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on Stellantis's typical compensation for managerial roles with 7+ years of experience in the automotive industry and the specified location (Auburn Hills, Michigan), the estimated salary range for a Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager is approximately $95,000 - $140,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and performance during the interview process. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for vehicle purchase or lease discounts.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and certifications.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual performance-based bonuses.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard employer-provided coverage.

Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, generally requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The role is strictly on-site, necessitating a consistent presence at the Auburn Hills, Michigan office. While core business hours apply, some flexibility may be available for specific project deadlines, subject to management approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for managerial roles in the automotive sector in the Detroit metropolitan area, considering the stated experience level. Stellantis, as a major automotive manufacturer, typically offers competitive benefits packages. The "on-site 5 days a week" requirement is explicitly stated and is a critical factor for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

Company Size: Stellantis is a global automotive group with over 170,000 employees worldwide, ranking among the top automotive manufacturers globally. This large scale implies extensive resources, established processes, and a wide reach for its products and services.

Founded: Stellantis was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. Its legacy brands, however, extend back over a century (e.g., Chrysler founded in 1925). This blend of heritage and new corporate structure influences its culture.

Team Structure:

• Performance Institute: This role is part of the Stellantis Performance Institute, which is dedicated to enhancing performance across the company's retail network, particularly dealerships.

• Operations Focus: The team likely comprises instructional designers, curriculum developers, project managers, and potentially multimedia specialists, all working towards a common goal of improving dealership operations and customer experience through effective learning.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with various departments, including Sales, After Sales, Marketing, Product Development, and potentially IT, to gather insights and ensure learning solutions are aligned with business needs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Development: Learning solutions are expected to be grounded in data, starting with needs analysis and culminating in measurable performance outcomes.

• Agile & Iterative Approaches: While not explicitly stated, large organizations often adopt agile methodologies for content development to ensure flexibility and responsiveness to evolving market needs.

• Best Practice Integration: A commitment to benchmarking and incorporating industry best practices to maintain a competitive edge in training and development.

Company Website: https://www.stellantis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Stellantis's global presence and its formation from two major automotive groups suggest a culture that balances established corporate structures with a drive for innovation and efficiency. The Performance Institute's focus on retail operations implies a practical, results-oriented approach to learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Mid to Senior Managerial level within the Learning & Development or GTM Enablement function. It requires a blend of individual contribution (creative/design expertise) and leadership (team management, process oversight). The scope involves strategic input into learning solutions that directly impact front-line retail performance.

Reporting Structure: The Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager within the Stellantis Performance Institute, overseeing a team of instructional designers and contract personnel. Collaboration will extend across various business units and potentially with external vendor partners.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on driving dealership retail performance through effective learning and development. This includes improving sales conversion rates, enhancing customer satisfaction, increasing service efficiency, and ensuring brand consistency at the retail level. The work directly influences the effectiveness of the sales and after-sales workforce.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Management: Advancement to Director-level roles within the Performance Institute or broader L&D functions, potentially managing larger teams or broader strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as digital learning strategy, performance consulting, or leadership development.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into related GTM strategy, sales enablement, or operational management roles within Stellantis, leveraging a deep understanding of dealership operations.

• Continuous Learning: Access to company-sponsored training, industry conferences, and potential for certifications in instructional design, project management, or leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established automotive organization. The emphasis on performance improvement and direct impact on sales makes it a strategic position with visibility to senior leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at Stellantis's World Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The environment is likely a professional corporate office setting.

Office Location(s): 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326, United States. This is a major corporate campus, suggesting a well-equipped facility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project collaboration areas, and individual workspaces designed for focused work.

• Technology Infrastructure: Access to standard corporate IT resources, including necessary software (Microsoft Office Suite), potentially specialized design tools, and robust network capabilities.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with direct reports, peers, project stakeholders, and potentially senior executives, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 5-day work week, Monday through Friday, is expected for this on-site role. The specific hours may vary slightly depending on team needs and project deadlines, but the core requirement is consistent in-office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit "in office 5 days a week" requirement is a defining characteristic of this role's work environment. Candidates must be prepared for a fully on-site commitment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Hiring Manager to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, instructional design philosophy, and understanding of the automotive retail environment.

• Portfolio Presentation: A critical stage where candidates will be asked to present and discuss their work samples. This will likely involve showcasing specific projects, explaining their process, and detailing the impact of their work. Be prepared to discuss challenges and solutions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members, peers, or cross-functional stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and ability to contribute to team dynamics.

• Executive Interview (Potential): Depending on the level, a final interview with senior leadership may be required to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in instructional design, creative leadership, team management, and performance improvement within a relevant context (automotive, sales, after-sales if possible).

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem/need, your role and approach, the solutions developed, the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes/impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Processes: Be ready to explain your instructional design methodology, your process for managing projects and teams, and how you incorporate adult learning principles.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work (e.g., "improved sales close rates by X%", "reduced customer complaint calls by Y%", "increased technician certification pass rates by Z%").

• Address On-site Requirement: Be prepared to discuss your understanding and commitment to working on-site 5 days a week.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Scenario: You might be given a scenario and asked to outline a plan for developing a learning solution, including key considerations, potential media, and evaluation methods.

• Creative Concepting: Be ready to brainstorm creative approaches for delivering specific learning content to a dealership audience.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Prepare to discuss how you would approach improving an existing learning process or developing new ones within the Performance Institute.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most significant hurdle. Candidates should treat it as a strategic presentation, demonstrating not just their technical skills but their business acumen and ability to drive results through learning.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word (documentation, templates), PowerPoint (presentations, executive materials), and intermediate Excel (data tracking, basic analysis).

• Authoring Tools: Familiarity with industry-standard e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar is highly probable for creating interactive digital content.

• Design Software: Experience with or ability to manage vendors using tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) for visual design elements.

• Video/Animation Tools: Experience with or ability to manage vendors using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or other video/animation software for multimedia content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience with corporate LMS platforms (e.g., SAP SuccessFactors, Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning) for content deployment, tracking, and reporting on learner progress and completion.

• Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools that can help analyze learning effectiveness data, potentially including Excel, or more advanced BI tools if integrated with LMS reporting.

• Survey Tools: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or internal survey platforms for gathering learner feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Familiarity: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., sales figures, customer interactions) informs performance needs and how learning impacts CRM outcomes is beneficial. Stellantis uses various CRM systems across its brands.

• Workflow Automation: Understanding of how learning solutions can integrate with broader operational workflows, potentially involving basic automation principles for content delivery or learner engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific software, a Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager in a large automotive company would typically be expected to be proficient with common e-learning authoring tools and have a strong understanding of how learning integrates with corporate systems like LMS and potentially CRM for performance tracking.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance-Driven: A strong emphasis on achieving measurable results and driving improvements in dealership retail performance.

• Customer-Centricity: Focus on enhancing the customer experience through better sales and after-sales interactions.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and effective communication across diverse departments and with external partners.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and a proactive approach to enhancing learning strategies and processes.

• Excellence: Commitment to high-quality standards in all learning materials and development processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work closely with Sales, After Sales, Marketing, and Product teams to ensure learning content is relevant, accurate, and aligned with business objectives.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback among team members and with stakeholders to refine learning solutions.

• Process-Focused: Emphasis on clear processes, documentation, and efficient workflows to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects a blend of automotive industry pragmatism, a focus on tangible business outcomes, and the structured approach of a large, global corporation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Diverse Audience Needs: Catering to a wide range of dealership personnel with varying levels of technical expertise and learning preferences.

• Rapid Industry Changes: Keeping learning content current with evolving automotive technologies, sales strategies, and market demands.

• Measuring ROI: Effectively demonstrating the return on investment for learning initiatives, particularly in a complex retail environment.

• Managing Remote/Hybrid Teams (if applicable to vendors): Effectively leading and mentoring contract developers and freelancers who may not be on-site.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Corporate Standards: Ensuring innovative creative approaches align with Stellantis's brand guidelines and strategic objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design: Opportunities to explore cutting-edge learning methodologies and technologies.

• Leadership Development: Access to management training programs and executive coaching.

• Industry Exposure: Attending automotive industry conferences and learning events.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Engaging in projects that broaden understanding of different business functions within Stellantis.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within the Performance Institute or broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to make a significant impact on a large automotive network, facing the dynamic challenges of a fast-paced industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for conducting a needs analysis for a new sales training program targeting dealership personnel."

• "How do you ensure that learning solutions are not only engaging but also drive measurable improvements in retail performance metrics like sales conversion or customer satisfaction?"

• "Walk us through a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from multiple stakeholders on a learning project. How did you resolve it?"

• "How would you benchmark training programs from competitors like Ford, GM, or Toyota to identify best practices for our dealership network?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Stellantis's brand portfolio and its significance in the automotive market?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within a team of instructional designers and external contractors?"

• "Describe your experience working with or presenting to senior executives. What is your approach?"

• "How do you see learning and development contributing to Stellantis's overall business strategy in the current automotive landscape?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project presented, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific contributions, the solution, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Showcase Process: Be ready to discuss your instructional design methodology, how you manage projects, and how you ensure quality and efficiency.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you managed teams, mentored individuals, or oversaw vendor performance.

• Tailor to Stellantis: If possible, draw parallels between your past work and the challenges or opportunities at Stellantis, demonstrating an understanding of the automotive retail environment.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, problem-solving skills, and how you handle specific challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who is not just a skilled designer and manager but also a strategic thinker who understands how learning directly contributes to business success in the automotive retail sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative Lead/Instructional Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Stellantis careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in instructional design, creative leadership, team management, and the automotive industry, using keywords from the job description (e.g., "retail automotive," "performance improvement," "curriculum design," "adult learning principles").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing your best work, with a focus on projects demonstrating impact on sales or after-sales performance. Be ready to present and discuss it in detail.

• Research Stellantis: Familiarize yourself with Stellantis's brands, its position in the automotive market, and its commitment to performance and innovation. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the dealership network.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and responses to common interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.