Instructional Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Instructional Design Manager

Company: GoTo Foods

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning & Development / Operations Enablement

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of comprehensive, high-impact training programs and learning solutions to empower GoTo Foods' team members across all levels.

• Establish and champion innovative learning experiences that foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and brand growth within a dynamic franchise environment.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, and product development, to ensure training content is aligned with strategic business objectives and enhances overall performance.

• Translate complex instructional design principles and technical requirements into easily digestible formats for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and effective implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Instructional Design Manager," the context of GoTo Foods (a food/restaurant company) and the emphasis on "operational performance," "team member development," and "franchise environment" strongly suggest this role operates within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational enablement functions. The focus is on training that directly impacts business results, rather than purely academic or corporate L&D.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end instructional design process for all GoTo Foods training initiatives, from needs assessment and curriculum development to content creation, delivery, and evaluation.

• Develop and implement blended learning strategies, integrating various modalities such as eLearning modules, instructor-led sessions, job aids, and performance support tools to drive measurable performance improvement.

• Manage multiple overlapping projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks for self and potentially a team, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality training materials within budget.

• Champion adult learning theory and best practices in all instructional design efforts, ensuring content is engaging, effective, and tailored to the diverse needs of restaurant team members and management.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) across departments to gather accurate information, validate content, and ensure training programs reflect current operational standards, product knowledge, and franchise requirements.

• Oversee the creation and maintenance of training documentation, including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and assessment tools, ensuring consistency in style, grammar, and brand messaging.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs through appropriate metrics and feedback mechanisms, providing insights for continuous improvement and demonstrating ROI.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in instructional design, learning technologies, and the food service/franchise industry to continuously innovate and enhance GoTo Foods' learning offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities infer a need for strong leadership in curriculum development and program management, with a direct link to operational execution. The mention of "franchise environment" and "restaurant industry" points to a need for understanding specific operational challenges and compliance requirements within these sectors.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Instructional Design, Education, Communications, Business, or a related field (Required).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in instructional design, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful program development (Required).

• 2-4 years of experience in a management or leadership role within instructional design, guiding project execution and potentially team members (Preferred).

• Demonstrated experience in the restaurant or food service industry, understanding operational workflows and team member challenges (Preferred).

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) and adult learning theories (e.g., andragogy, Bloom's Taxonomy), with the ability to articulate these concepts clearly to non-experts.

• Proven ability to develop engaging and effective blended learning solutions that demonstrably drive performance improvement and achieve learning objectives.

• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for content development and data analysis.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including superior editing capabilities for ensuring content accuracy, clarity, and grammatical correctness.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, manage, and track multiple complex tasks and projects for self and others.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in eLearning design and development tools, specifically Articulate Storyline (highly preferred).

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite software, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, for creating high-quality visual assets and graphics.

• Experience developing comprehensive team member and/or management curriculums for operational roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on translating "ID jargon" suggests the need for strong communication and stakeholder management skills, crucial for aligning training initiatives with business goals in a fast-paced operational environment. The preference for Storyline and Adobe Suite indicates a hands-on role in content creation, not just strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a successful track record in instructional design, featuring a range of completed training programs and learning solutions.

• Case studies that clearly outline the problem, the designed solution, the development process, and the measurable impact on performance, efficiency, or business outcomes.

• Examples of blended learning initiatives, showcasing the integration of various delivery methods and technologies tailored for operational execution.

Process Documentation:

• Exhibit a structured approach to instructional design, including needs analysis, learning objectives definition, content development, pilot testing, and evaluation phases.

• Showcase experience in creating and optimizing learning workflows that are scalable and adaptable to different operational contexts within GoTo Foods.

• Provide examples of how you have measured the effectiveness of training programs, including the use of data and analytics to inform iterative improvements and demonstrate ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "Instructional Design Manager," a portfolio is critical. It needs to showcase not just design skills but also project management, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to link training to tangible business results (operational performance, efficiency). Examples relevant to the food service/franchise industry will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Instructional Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta, GA, and considering the full-time, on-site nature of the role, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $110,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs for individuals and families.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Including a 401(k) with potential company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual for vacation, sick days, and personal time.

• Paid Holidays: Recognizing major national holidays.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on GoTo Foods products and services.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for continued learning, certifications, and conference attendance relevant to instructional design and the industry.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is on-site, requiring presence in the Atlanta office. Flexibility may be available for occasional remote work, subject to management approval and operational needs, but the primary expectation is office-based collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Atlanta, GA, factoring in the specified experience level and industry. The benefits listed are common for full-time positions at companies of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Restaurant / QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) / Franchise. GoTo Foods operates within a highly competitive and fast-paced sector, where efficiency, customer experience, and brand consistency are paramount. The franchise model adds complexity, requiring strong partnership and communication strategies.

Company Size: Likely mid-sized to large, given the need for a dedicated Instructional Design Manager and the presence of multiple brands/franchises. This size typically offers structured processes while retaining some agility.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the mention of "franchise environment" suggests a company with established operations and potentially a history of growth through partnerships.

Team Structure:

• The Instructional Design Manager will likely be part of a broader Learning & Development (L&D) or Human Resources department, potentially overseeing a small team of instructional designers, eLearning developers, or training coordinators.

• The reporting structure would typically be to a Director of L&D, VP of HR, or potentially a VP of Operations, depending on how training is prioritized within the organization.

Methodology:

• GoTo Foods likely employs data-driven approaches to understand operational performance gaps and identify training needs. This could involve analyzing sales data, customer feedback, operational audits, and employee performance metrics.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be critical, ensuring training development and deployment processes are efficient, consistent, and scalable across a franchise network.

• Expect a focus on practical, hands-on training solutions that can be implemented quickly and effectively in a restaurant setting, with an emphasis on automation and efficiency where possible.

Company Website: https://myjobs.adp.com/gotofoodsjobs/cx/job-listing (Note: This is the ADP job portal link, not the direct company website, which is inferred as gotofoods.com.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights the operational significance of this role. Training isn't just about skill development; it's a direct lever for driving business outcomes like operational consistency, customer satisfaction, and franchisee success. The franchise model implies a need for adaptability and strong communication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a management position within the Learning & Development function, directly supporting operational teams. It sits at a mid-to-senior level, requiring strategic thinking, project leadership, and the ability to influence others. The scope includes managing the creation and deployment of critical training programs that impact day-to-day operations and long-term business strategy.

Reporting Structure: The manager will report to a senior L&D or HR leader, with potential to manage junior instructional designers or trainers. They will work closely with operational leaders and franchise partners, requiring strong cross-functional influence.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on enhancing operational performance through effective team member training. This includes improving service quality, ensuring adherence to brand standards, increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and driving sales. By empowering employees and franchisees with the knowledge and skills they need, the manager directly contributes to the company's revenue, profitability, and brand reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership in L&D: Advancement to Director of Learning & Development, VP of Talent Management, or similar roles, overseeing broader learning strategies and organizational development initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like digital learning strategy, performance consulting, or franchise training, becoming a go-to expert.

• Operational Leadership: Transitioning into operational roles, leveraging a deep understanding of team member needs and training effectiveness to manage specific business units or franchise territories.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into areas like Marketing, Product Development, or Strategy, applying their understanding of audience needs and communication to broader business challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within L&D or into operational leadership, given its direct impact on business performance. The emphasis on transferable skills like project management, stakeholder management, and strategic planning opens doors to various career trajectories.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires an on-site presence in Atlanta, GA. This suggests a corporate office environment, likely with dedicated workspaces for the L&D team. The office will be designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring meeting rooms, project areas, and standard office amenities.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia (Postal Code: 30342, likely Sandy Springs area based on derived locations). This location offers access to a major metropolitan hub with transportation links, amenities, and a strong talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an open or semi-open office layout designed to encourage interaction with colleagues from L&D, HR, and potentially other departments. Regular meetings and brainstorming sessions with cross-functional teams will be common.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, including high-speed internet, computers, projectors, and potentially specialized audiovisual equipment for training development. The company will likely provide access to necessary software licenses for Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, and eLearning authoring tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to collaborate with instructional designers, subject matter experts, and operational leaders. The manager will facilitate discussions, workshops, and feedback sessions to ensure training effectiveness.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours, depending on project demands and company policy, but the primary expectation is consistent office attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement is key. This role is not remote and benefits from in-person collaboration, which is often crucial for dynamic content creation and stakeholder alignment in operational sectors like food service.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of instructional design principles and your management experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely a Director of L&D or similar) to delve deeper into your experience, management style, and approach to instructional design challenges. Focus on your experience with adult learning, blended learning, and your ability to lead projects.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where you will present your portfolio, highlighting 2-3 key projects. Be ready to discuss the instructional design process, your role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable impact on performance. Prepare for questions about how you would approach specific GoTo Foods training needs.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Operations, Marketing, or Franchise Management to assess your ability to collaborate, influence, and communicate effectively across different departments and with external partners.

• Final Interview/Offer: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your management capabilities, your experience with blended learning, your proficiency in Storyline/Adobe Suite, and your ability to drive operational results. Include examples relevant to the restaurant or franchise industry if possible.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your design process (ADDIE, SAM, etc.), your specific contributions (especially as a manager), the technologies used, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., reduced errors, improved speed of service, higher customer satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Management: Emphasize your ability to lead projects, manage timelines, collaborate with SMEs, and potentially guide junior designers.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle difficult stakeholders, how you measure training effectiveness, and how you would adapt your approach to GoTo Foods' specific challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios, such as "How would you design a training program for new kitchen staff on food safety protocols?" or "How would you address a recurring customer complaint stemming from inconsistent service?"

• Process Design Outline: You might be asked to quickly outline a high-level instructional design plan for a specific business need. Focus on your methodology, key learning objectives, and proposed delivery methods.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would gain buy-in from franchise owners or senior operational leaders for new training initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for an instructional design role, especially at a management level. Candidates should prepare meticulously to showcase their strategic thinking, practical skills, and impact on business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• eLearning Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline (highly preferred), Adobe Captivate, or similar.

• Graphics & Multimedia Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for creating visual assets, graphics, and potentially video editing.

• Learning Management System (LMS): Experience with deploying and managing content on an LMS is likely required. Specific platform knowledge may be a plus.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is essential for content creation, project management, and data analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Reporting: Ability to pull and interpret data from the LMS on course completion, learner engagement, and assessment scores.

• Performance Metrics: Familiarity with tracking operational KPIs (e.g., speed of service, order accuracy, customer satisfaction, food safety compliance) that training aims to influence.

• Survey Tools: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey or internal platforms for gathering feedback on training effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how training impacts customer interaction (often managed via CRM data) could be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with how automated workflows can support training deployment and communication within an LMS or other systems.

• Integration Concepts: Understanding how different systems (LMS, HRIS, POS) might integrate to provide a holistic view of employee performance and training needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Storyline and Adobe Suite indicates a hands-on role requiring strong technical skills in content creation. Proficiency with an LMS is also a standard expectation for managing and delivering training programs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences through well-trained and knowledgeable team members.

• Operational Excellence: A drive for efficiency, consistency, and adherence to high standards in all aspects of food preparation and service.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together effectively to achieve common goals, including shared learning objectives.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing performance data and feedback to inform training strategies and measure impact.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing processes, skills, and overall business performance through ongoing learning and development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with operations, marketing, product development, and franchise partners. This involves active listening, clear communication, and a willingness to understand diverse perspectives to create unified training solutions.

• Process Review Culture: A willingness to regularly review and refine training materials and methodologies based on feedback and performance data, encouraging constructive criticism and adaptation.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that promotes sharing best practices, insights, and lessons learned across the L&D team and with operational stakeholders to elevate collective knowledge and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely performance-oriented, with a strong emphasis on execution and customer satisfaction, characteristic of the QSR industry. The Instructional Design Manager must embody these values while translating them into effective learning experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Franchise Consistency: Ensuring consistent training delivery and adherence to brand standards across a diverse network of independent franchise owners, each potentially having unique operational nuances.

• Scalability: Developing training programs that can be effectively scaled to onboard new team members and franchisees rapidly as the company grows, without compromising quality.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct ROI of training programs on key operational metrics like sales, efficiency, and customer satisfaction in a complex business environment.

• Keeping Pace with Innovation: Continuously updating training content to reflect evolving menu items, operational procedures, technology, and customer expectations in the dynamic food service industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design Techniques: Opportunities to master new methodologies, technologies, and learning strategies, potentially through industry conferences, workshops, or certifications.

• Leadership Development: Access to management training programs, mentorship, and opportunities to lead larger initiatives or teams, preparing for senior leadership roles.

• Industry Expertise: Deeper immersion into the QSR and franchise business models, understanding the strategic drivers and operational challenges that shape training needs.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining insights into other business functions like marketing, operations, and finance, broadening your strategic business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are highly specific to the franchise and restaurant industry, requiring practical, adaptable, and measurable solutions. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding leadership scope and strategic business impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a comprehensive training curriculum for a new operational role, from needs assessment to evaluation, specifically for a franchise environment." (Focus on your systematic approach, stakeholder engagement, and how you'd ensure franchise buy-in.)

• "How would you leverage adult learning principles to design an engaging blended learning program for restaurant managers to improve team member retention?" (Highlight your understanding of motivation, self-direction, and practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about GoTo Foods and the QSR industry, what do you see as the biggest training opportunities or challenges we face?" (Demonstrate your research and industry insight.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative learning environment and ensure buy-in from operational leaders who may have competing priorities?" (Showcase your influencing and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative with a clear beginning (the problem), middle (your solution and process), and end (the results and impact).

• Quantify Everything: Wherever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate the success of your projects – e.g., "reduced training time by 15%," "increased customer satisfaction scores by 10 points," "decreased onboarding errors by 20%."

• Focus on Management: Clearly articulate your leadership role in the project, your decision-making process, and how you managed resources or influenced stakeholders.

• Tailor to GoTo Foods: During your presentation, try to draw parallels to GoTo Foods' business and challenges, showing how your experience is directly applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of instructional design principles, leadership capabilities, and a clear understanding of how training drives business results in the operational and franchise context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Instructional Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the ADP job portal link provided.

• Curate Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable achievements in instructional design, project management, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., blended learning, adult learning theory, Storyline, Adobe Suite, franchise, operational performance).

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase your skills in curriculum development, blended learning, eLearning design, and demonstrable impact. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a PDF or a professional website).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the ability to articulate your process and results. Practice answering potential interview questions, especially those related to operational impact and franchise environments.

• Research GoTo Foods: Understand their brands, market position, and any publicly available information about their training initiatives or company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and preparedness.

⚠️ 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.

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