E-Learning Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: E-Learning Content Designer
Company: Ackermans
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Training & Development / Instructional Design
Date Posted: October 07, 2025
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and maintain engaging digital learning content and experiences to support employee development and business objectives.
• Utilize modern e-learning authoring tools and adult learning methodologies to create instructionally sound, visually appealing, and technologically effective learning solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and internal teams to gather content, ensure accuracy, and maintain brand consistency.
• Integrate and manage e-learning modules within the Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring SCORM compliance and effective tracking.
• Conduct quality assurance checks and continuously update content based on feedback, business changes, and technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Training and Development team, focusing on the creation of digital learning assets. The emphasis on "cutting-edge" content and modern tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to learning and development within Ackermans. The on-site requirement at their Support Centre in Kuils River is a critical detail for candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Instructional Design and Development:
  • Design and develop e-learning modules, microlearning content, and blended learning experiences using established instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM).
  • Translate learning objectives into learner-centric digital content that is engaging and effective.
  • Build interactive learning modules using e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, and Adobe Captivate.
  • Collaborate with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to gather accurate and relevant content, ensuring technical and business accuracy.
  • Partner with internal teams to understand content requirements and ensure adherence to brand guidelines and visual identity.
• Learning Management System (LMS) Integration:
  • Upload, configure, and manage e-learning content within the company's LMS (e.g., Moodle).
  • Ensure proper tracking and reporting of learner progress and completion rates for SCORM-compliant packages.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Conduct comprehensive quality assurance testing on all developed content, verifying functionality, usability, and technical compatibility across different platforms.
  • Proactively review and update existing e-learning content based on learner feedback, evolving business needs, or technological advancements.
• Visual and Multimedia Development:
  • Design and create essential multimedia elements, including graphics, animations, audio narration, and video, utilizing tools like Canva or the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Engage with HR, business leaders, and SMEs to ensure e-learning initiatives align with overall organizational goals and strategic priorities.
  • Provide expert guidance and support to other members of the L&D team regarding instructional design principles and digital learning best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate the end-to-end process of e-learning content creation, from initial design and SME consultation to development, LMS integration, and ongoing quality assurance. The emphasis on collaboration with various internal stakeholders highlights the need for strong interpersonal and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Essential: Diploma in HR, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Multimedia Design, or a closely related field.
• Preferred: Certification in instructional design or e-learning development (e.g., CPLP, ATD).

Experience:

• Essential: Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in e-learning content design and development.
• Essential: Demonstrated proficiency in core e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, Adobe Captivate).
• Preferred: Experience working with graphic design and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
• Preferred: Experience in retail or corporate learning environments.
• Preferred: Experience in User Experience (UX) design specifically for learning applications.

Required Skills:

• E-Learning Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, Adobe Captivate.
• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Familiarity with LMS platforms (e.g., Moodle) and SCORM package integration.
• Multimedia Development: Proficiency in graphic editing (e.g., Canva, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator) and video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects).
• Standard Office Software: Strong MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and/or Google Workspace (Docs, Slides, Sheets) skills.
• Instructional Design Methodologies: Deep understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM).
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication for clear articulation of ideas and effective collaboration with SMEs and stakeholders.
• Creative Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to generate innovative learning solutions and overcome design challenges.
• Project Coordination: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to content creation, quality assurance, and adherence to standards.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Ability to build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across various departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Gamification & Advanced Learning Strategies: Knowledge of gamification, adaptive learning, and mobile learning strategies to enhance engagement.
• User Experience (UX) Design: Experience in designing learning experiences with a focus on user-friendliness and intuitive navigation.
• Visual Design Acumen: A strong eye for visual design principles, aesthetics, and brand consistency.
• Agile Development/Project Management: Familiarity with agile methodologies for faster content development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are a strong mix of technical proficiency in authoring tools and software, alongside crucial soft skills like communication, creativity, and project management. The emphasis on both "essential" and "preferred" qualifications helps candidates understand where to focus their application. The mention of "retail or corporate learning environments" and "UX design for learning" adds specific context to the ideal candidate profile.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2 years of e-learning design and development work, demonstrating a range of projects.
• Include examples of interactive modules created with Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, or similar authoring tools.
• Provide case studies or explanations of the instructional design process (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) used for specific projects, highlighting challenges and solutions.
• Demonstrate the ability to translate complex information into engaging, learner-friendly digital formats.
• Highlight projects that involved collaboration with SMEs or stakeholders, outlining your role and contributions.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your systematic approach to instructional design, from needs analysis and objective setting to content development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrate your understanding of quality assurance processes for e-learning content, including testing for functionality, usability, and accessibility.
• Explain your workflow for managing multiple e-learning projects concurrently, including planning, scheduling, and feedback integration.
• Showcase how you incorporate adult learning principles and modern learning technologies into your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an E-Learning Content Designer role, a robust portfolio is paramount. This section emphasizes not just the final output but also the underlying process and methodology. Candidates should curate their portfolio to showcase their ability to apply instructional design principles, utilize authoring tools effectively, and manage projects from inception to completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: R 30,000 - R 45,000 per month (ZAR)
• Justification: Based on industry benchmarks for E-Learning Content Designers with 2-5 years of experience in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape region. This range accounts for the essential diploma qualification and the specified experience level. Ackermans, as a large retail group, typically offers competitive compensation for specialized roles.

Benefits:

• Medical Aid: Comprehensive medical aid coverage options.
• Retirement Fund: Contributions to a company pension or provident fund.
• Employee Discount: Potential for staff discounts on Ackermans products.
• Training & Development: Access to internal training programs, workshops, and opportunities for professional development in e-learning and instructional design.
• Leave Entitlement: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and family responsibility leave as per South African labor law.
• Wellness Programs: Access to employee wellness initiatives and support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday to Friday.
• Specific working hours will be confirmed during the interview process, with adherence to the on-site requirement at the Kuils River Support Centre.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for this role in South Africa typically ranges between R30,000 and R45,000 per month for someone with 2-5 years of experience and a relevant diploma. This is an estimate based on general market data for instructional designers and e-learning specialists in major South African cities. Benefits are standard for a large corporate employer in South Africa.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Fashion and Homeware) Company Size: Large Enterprise (Ackermans is part of the Pepkor group, which employs tens of thousands of people globally). Founded: 1916 (Ackermans has a long-standing history in the South African retail landscape).

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Training and Development department, which is a key function within Human Resources.
• This team likely comprises Learning & Development Specialists, other Instructional Designers, Trainers, and L&D Administrators.
• Collaboration is expected with HR Business Partners, operational managers, and departmental heads across the organization.

Methodology:

• The Training and Development team likely employs a blend of traditional and modern learning methodologies, with a growing emphasis on digital and e-learning solutions.
• Data-driven insights from the LMS and employee performance metrics are likely used to inform curriculum development and measure training effectiveness.
• A focus on continuous improvement and adapting to evolving retail industry needs is probably a core operational principle.

Company Website: https://www.ackermans.co.za/

📝 Enhancement Note: Ackermans, being a well-established retail brand, likely fosters a culture that values efficiency, customer focus, and employee development. The Training and Development team plays a crucial role in equipping the large workforce with the necessary skills, with e-learning being a scalable solution. Understanding the retail context and the challenges of training a diverse, dispersed workforce will be beneficial for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Specialist. This role is for an individual contributor with specialized skills in instructional design and e-learning development. It requires a foundational understanding of adult learning principles and proficiency in relevant tools.

Reporting Structure:

• The E-Learning Content Designer will likely report to the Training and Development Manager or a Senior Instructional Designer.
• Close collaboration with HR Business Partners and various business unit leaders is expected for content alignment and needs assessment.

Operations Impact:

• This role directly impacts employee skill development, onboarding efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of training programs.
• High-quality e-learning content contributes to consistent service delivery, improved product knowledge, and reduced training costs, thereby supporting business objectives and potentially influencing customer satisfaction and sales performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced instructional design techniques, gamification, or learning analytics.
• Seniority: Progress to a Senior E-Learning Content Designer or Lead Instructional Designer role, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior staff.
• Management: Move into a Learning and Development Management position, overseeing strategy, team performance, and budget.
• Cross-functional: Transition into broader HR roles, such as HR Development Specialist or Talent Management.
• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and pursue further certifications in learning technologies and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an E-Learning Content Designer is typically through increased complexity of projects, leadership of smaller initiatives, or specialization in niche areas of learning technology. The retail environment also offers opportunities to specialize in sector-specific training needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Support Centre. The role is based at the Ackermans Head Office in Kuils River, Cape Town, indicating a structured office environment. Office Location(s): Ackermans Head Office, Kuils River, Cape Town.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be within a dedicated office setting at the Support Centre, conducive to focused work on content design and development.
• Access to standard office equipment, IT support, and potentially specialized software licenses for design tools will be provided.
• Opportunities for collaboration with the L&D team and other departments will be available through in-person meetings and team sessions.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, typically a 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday.
• While the environment is on-site, a degree of flexibility might be offered within core hours, depending on team needs and project deadlines, but the primary expectation is office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. Candidates should be comfortable working within a traditional office structure and collaborating face-to-face with colleagues. The Kuils River location is specific and should be considered for commute planning.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Review of CV and portfolio against essential qualifications and experience.
2. Initial Interview (HR/Recruitment): Assessment of cultural fit, communication skills, career aspirations, and basic understanding of the role.
3. Technical Interview / Skills Assessment:
   • Discussion of past projects, instructional design methodologies, and tool proficiency.
   • Potentially a practical exercise or case study involving designing a short learning module or solving an instructional design challenge.
   • Portfolio review with a focus on design choices, rationale, and outcomes.
4. Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into role-specific responsibilities, team integration, and strategic alignment.
5. Final Interview (Optional): May involve a senior leader or panel for final evaluation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your best work, focusing on projects that demonstrate a range of skills (interactive modules, explainer videos, microlearning).
• Contextualize Each Project: For each portfolio piece, briefly explain the learning objectives, target audience, design rationale, tools used, and the impact or outcome.
• Highlight Process: Include examples of storyboards, wireframes, or design documents to show your systematic approach.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your examples clearly indicate the authoring tools used (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Rise 360).
• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Scenario: Be ready to analyze a business problem and propose a blended learning solution, outlining the rationale for e-learning components.
• Tool-Specific Task: You might be asked to demonstrate a specific feature in Articulate Storyline or explain how you would create a particular interaction.
• Content Transformation: Prepare to discuss how you would transform existing text-based documentation into an engaging e-learning module.
• LMS Integration Knowledge: Understand the basics of SCORM and how e-learning content interacts with an LMS.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is non-negotiable for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also articulate the "why" behind their design decisions and demonstrate their understanding of the complete e-learning development lifecycle.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary E-Learning Authoring Tools:

• Articulate Storyline: Essential for creating complex, highly interactive e-learning modules. Proficiency in triggers, states, variables, and advanced interactions is key.
• Articulate Rise 360: Crucial for developing responsive, modern-looking e-learning courses quickly, ideal for microlearning and mobile delivery.
• Adobe Captivate: Another powerful authoring tool, often used for software simulations and more complex interactions.

Multimedia & Graphic Design Tools:

• Canva: For quick creation of visually appealing graphics and presentations.
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects): Essential for professional graphic design, video editing, and animation.

Learning Management System (LMS):

• Moodle (or similar): Familiarity with uploading, managing, and reporting on SCORM packages within an LMS environment. Understanding of course structure, user roles, and reporting features.

Standard Office Software:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Word (for documentation), PowerPoint (for storyboarding and presentations), Excel (for tracking/data).
• Google Workspace: Docs, Slides, Sheets as alternatives for collaboration and content creation.

Other Potential Tools:

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack for team communication.
• Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, Jira for task and project tracking.
• UX/UI Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD (for advanced UX design if applicable).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Articulate Storyline and Rise 360 is highly desirable, as these are industry-standard tools. Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite for multimedia assets is also a significant advantage. Familiarity with Moodle is specified, which is common in corporate and educational settings.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Learning Agility: A commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends in e-learning and instructional design.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with SMEs, stakeholders, and team members to achieve shared learning goals.
• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to producing high-quality, engaging, and effective learning content that meets rigorous standards.
• Innovation: A willingness to explore new technologies and methodologies to create cutting-edge learning experiences.
• Impact-Driven: Focusing on how learning solutions contribute to employee development and overall business success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Actively partners with various departments to understand training needs and develop relevant content.
• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback on content and design to foster continuous improvement.
• Proactive Communication: Maintains clear and consistent communication with stakeholders regarding project status, challenges, and deliverables.
• Team-Oriented: Contributes to a supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and mutual assistance are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values likely revolve around continuous improvement, quality, and a collaborative approach to developing impactful learning solutions. The mention of "cutting-edge" and "modern tools" suggests an environment that embraces innovation in the L&D space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Developing engaging content while adhering to brand guidelines, technical limitations, and tight deadlines.
• SME Engagement: Effectively collaborating with busy SMEs to extract necessary information and ensure content accuracy without overwhelming them.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new e-learning tools, platforms, and pedagogical approaches.
• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible business impact and ROI of e-learning initiatives beyond simple completion rates.
• Diverse Audience Needs: Designing content that caters to a wide range of learner backgrounds, skill levels, and learning preferences within a large retail organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design Courses: Pursuing certifications or specialized training in areas like gamification, learning experience design (LXD), or accessibility standards.
• Tool Proficiency Workshops: Deepening skills in Articulate Storyline, Rise 360, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Industry Conferences: Attending events like ATD International Conference, Learning Technologies, or DevLearn to gain insights and network.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced L&D professionals within Ackermans or the wider Pepkor group.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining a broader understanding of business operations by working on training projects for different departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an instructional designer in a large organization, emphasizing the need for strong project management, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to professional development within the e-learning and L&D field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing an e-learning module from scratch, from needs analysis to deployment."
• "How do you approach collaborating with Subject Matter Experts who may have limited time or technical knowledge?"
• "Walk us through a challenging e-learning project you completed. What were the objectives, your role, the challenges, and the outcome?"
• "How do you ensure your e-learning content is engaging and effective for diverse audiences?"
• "What are your preferred e-learning authoring tools, and why?"
• "How do you stay current with trends and best practices in instructional design and e-learning?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ackermans and this specific role?"
• "How do you think your skills can contribute to our Training and Development team and Ackermans' overall business objectives?"
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment. How do you manage multiple priorities?"
• "How do you approach receiving and providing feedback?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• STAR Method: For discussing project outcomes, use the Situation, Task, Action, Result framework.
• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices (e.g., why a particular interaction was used, why a specific visual style was chosen).
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your learning solutions.
• Tool Demonstration: If a practical exercise is involved, clearly articulate your process and highlight your proficiency with the tools.
• Conciseness: Present your portfolio highlights efficiently, focusing on the most relevant examples for the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical skill, pedagogical knowledge, and strong soft skills. Candidates should be ready to present their portfolio with confidence and articulate their design thinking process clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this E-Learning Content Designer position:

• Visit the Ackermans Careers website (https://careers.ackermans.co.za) and search for the E-Learning Content Designer role.
• Submit a tailored CV: Highlight your experience with e-learning authoring tools, instructional design methodologies, and multimedia development. Quantify your achievements where possible.
• Prepare your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and showcases a variety of your best e-learning design work. Be ready to discuss specific projects during the interview.
• Research Ackermans: Familiarize yourself with the company's brand, values, and retail operations to better understand their training needs and culture.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your skills, experience, and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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