Training Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Training Design Consultant

Company: TAL

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Learning & Development / Operations Enablement

Date Posted: March 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and develops high-quality, job-ready learning solutions to enable organizational change and performance improvement for Lifebroker teams.

• Translates complex business and project impacts into clear, targeted learning experiences that support employee confidence and capability.

• Collaborates closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure learning content is accurate, relevant, and fit for purpose.

• Applies sound instructional design principles to create engaging and effective learning across various delivery channels, meeting TAL's quality, risk, and due-diligence standards.

• Facilitates sustainable capability uplift through effective knowledge transfer and trainer readiness programs, supporting the company's digital transformation and evolving ways of working.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within TAL's broader organizational transformation efforts, specifically focusing on enabling employees through change, particularly in the context of evolving technology and work practices. The emphasis on "Lifebroker people" suggests a specific business unit or subsidiary focus, requiring the consultant to understand its unique operational context. The "Training Design Consultant" title, combined with responsibilities like "learning solutions," "instructional design principles," and "trainer readiness," firmly places this role within the Learning & Development (L&D) function, with a strong operational enablement component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop comprehensive, end-to-end learning solutions tailored to specific employee groups impacted by organizational changes, ensuring job readiness and performance confidence.

• Partner effectively with project teams, business stakeholders, and subject matter experts to gather requirements, validate content, and ensure learning solutions align with strategic objectives.

• Apply a range of instructional design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) to create engaging and effective learning materials, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, job aids, and assessments.

• Ensure all developed training adheres to TAL's established quality assurance frameworks, risk management protocols, and due-diligence requirements, minimizing potential operational disruptions.

• Support the effective transfer of knowledge to internal trainers or facilitators, ensuring they are equipped and ready to deliver training programs with confidence and consistency.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of learning design processes, tools, and methodologies within TAL to enhance efficiency and impact.

• Manage multiple learning design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks, managing timelines, and delivering high-quality outputs within project constraints.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of learning solutions, gathering feedback and performance data to inform future design iterations and demonstrate ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a full-cycle instructional design role with a strong emphasis on change management support and operational impact. The mention of "job-ready learning solutions" and "sustainable capability uplift" highlights the practical, performance-oriented nature of the role, moving beyond theoretical knowledge transfer to tangible skill enhancement that directly supports business operations and partner/customer delivery. The integration with project and change environments is a key differentiator, requiring the candidate to understand project lifecycles and their impact on workforce readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in learning and development, with a significant focus on instructional design and training development within a corporate environment.

Required Skills:

• Instructional Design Expertise: Proven ability to apply end-to-end instructional design principles (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) to create effective learning solutions.

• Learning Technology Proficiency: Experience with various e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) for content deployment and tracking.

• Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to build rapport, influence, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including SMEs, project managers, and senior leaders.

• Content Development: Skilled in creating engaging and clear learning materials across multiple formats (e-learning, instructor-led, blended learning, job aids).

• Change Management Acumen: Understanding of change management principles and how learning design can support employee adoption and performance during transitions.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze business needs, identify performance gaps, and design targeted learning interventions.

• Planning & Organization: Excellent project management and organizational skills to manage multiple deliverables, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical or business information for varied audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the financial services or insurance industry.

• Familiarity with adult learning theories and their practical application.

• Experience in facilitating training sessions or train-the-trainer programs.

• Knowledge of performance consulting methodologies.

• Experience with graphic design principles or tools to enhance learning materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "proven experience... typically gained over several years" and the complexity of responsibilities, suggesting a mid-to-senior level role. The "5-10 years" range is a common benchmark for such positions. The preference for financial services/insurance experience is a standard industry expectation for roles within this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a range of instructional design projects, showcasing the end-to-end design lifecycle from needs analysis to evaluation.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the business problem, the learning solution designed, the development process, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Examples of diverse learning materials created, such as e-learning modules, facilitator guides, participant materials, job aids, and assessment strategies.

• Documentation illustrating the application of instructional design models and theories in practice.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to document learning design processes, including needs analysis, design specifications, development standards, and evaluation methodologies.

• Proficiency in creating and maintaining project documentation related to learning development initiatives.

• Understanding of how to integrate learning design processes with broader project management and change management frameworks.

• Experience in defining and implementing quality assurance checks throughout the learning design and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations roles, especially those focused on enablement and process improvement, often require candidates to demonstrate their practical application of skills through a portfolio. This section emphasizes the need for concrete examples of learning solutions and the processes used to create them, aligning with the role's focus on practical performance enablement and adherence to quality and risk standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AUD $100,000 - $130,000 per annum (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Options: TAL supports work-life balance through various flexible working arrangements.

• Well-being Initiatives: Comprehensive programs and resources dedicated to employee health and well-being.

• Professional Development: Access to industry-leading training, mentoring, and resources to accelerate career growth.

• Global Connections: Opportunities to engage with a global network through Daiichi Life.

• Inclusive Culture: A supportive environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration.

• Superannuation: Competitive employer contribution to superannuation.

• Leave Entitlements: Generous annual leave, personal leave, and other paid time off.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 37.5-40 hours per week), with flexibility offered in line with TAL's hybrid work model and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for a Training Design Consultant with 5-10 years of experience in a major Australian city like Melbourne, within the financial services sector. This range reflects the specialized skills in instructional design, change management, and stakeholder engagement required for this role. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided company description and are highly relevant to professionals seeking a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Life Insurance)

Company Size: TAL is a large organization, part of the Daiichi Life Group, indicating a significant number of employees globally and within Australia.

Founded: TAL has been operating for over 150 years, signifying a long-standing history and established presence in the Australian market.

Team Structure:

• The Training Design Consultant will likely be part of a broader Learning & Development (L&D) or Human Resources function.

• This team will collaborate closely with Project Management Offices (PMOs), Change Management teams, and specific business units (like Lifebroker) to deliver training solutions.

• Reporting lines would typically be to an L&D Manager, Head of Capability, or a Senior Training Lead.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data to understand learning needs, measure impact, and refine training strategies.

• Agile & Iterative Design: Employing flexible approaches to learning design that can adapt to evolving project requirements and business feedback.

• User-Centric Design: Focusing on the learner experience to create engaging and effective training that directly supports performance.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages feedback and iteration to enhance learning solutions and processes.

Company Website: https://www.tal.com.au/

📝 Enhancement Note: TAL's description highlights a commitment to being a "progressive, digitally enabled leading insurer." This implies a culture that embraces innovation, technology, and continuous evolution. The emphasis on collaboration, inclusivity, and employee well-being suggests a supportive and dynamic work environment where operational roles like training design are valued for their contribution to business success and employee enablement. The specific mention of "Lifebroker" suggests a distinct operational arm or subsidiary within TAL whose specific needs the Training Design Consultant will address.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the L&D and Operations Enablement domain. It requires specialized expertise in instructional design and a strategic understanding of how learning supports business objectives, change management, and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Training Design Consultant will likely report to a Learning & Development Manager or a Senior Lead within the Capability or HR function. They will work collaboratively with project managers, change leads, and representatives from business units like Lifebroker.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on operational readiness and performance. By designing effective training, the consultant ensures that employees are equipped to handle new technologies, processes, and responsibilities, thereby minimizing disruption, improving efficiency, and supporting the delivery of high-quality services to partners and customers. This role is crucial in enabling TAL's digital transformation and strategic business initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of instructional design, learning technologies, or adult learning theory.

• Leadership Development: Transition into roles with greater team leadership or strategic oversight within L&D, such as Senior Instructional Designer, L&D Manager, or Head of Capability.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Leverage experience in change and project environments to move into Change Management, Project Management, or Business Analysis roles.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge within the life insurance or financial services sector, becoming a go-to expert for operational enablement within the industry.

• Global Opportunities: Potential to explore roles within the broader Daiichi Life Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Training Design Consultant is typically one of increasing specialization or moving into broader management and strategic roles. The emphasis on change and digital transformation at TAL suggests opportunities to gain experience in cutting-edge L&D practices and contribute to significant organizational initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work with in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This is a central business district location, likely offering modern office facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project spaces, and open-plan areas designed to foster collaboration among teams, including L&D, project teams, and business units.

• Technology Enabled: Access to modern office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized training development tools and software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with colleagues, SMEs, and stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and knowledge sharing essential for training design.

• Focus Zones: Dedicated areas for focused individual work, crucial for the deep concentration required for instructional design.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time, with standard working hours. Flexibility is offered, accommodating the hybrid work model and the need for focused design time, balanced with collaborative sessions and meetings. This allows for effective management of training design projects alongside personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role implies a need for strong self-management skills, effective virtual communication, and the ability to transition seamlessly between remote and in-office work. The Melbourne CBD location suggests access to professional amenities and a vibrant work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and resumes, looking for key skills and experience in instructional design and change management.

• Technical Interview: A hiring manager or senior L&D team member will conduct an interview focusing on instructional design methodologies, tool proficiency, and experience with similar projects. Candidates may be asked to walk through specific examples from their portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing 2-3 relevant projects. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical skills, design process, and impact.

• Stakeholder/Panel Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., project leads, business unit representatives) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of business needs.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your end-to-end instructional design capabilities, particularly those involving change management, complex information, or performance improvement.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the "Situation," "Task," "Action," and "Result" (STAR method). Explain the business challenge, your role, the design process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visual examples of your work (e.g., screenshots of e-learning modules, sample job aids, design documents).

• Highlight Process: Detail your approach to needs analysis, SME collaboration, iterative design, and evaluation.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your training solutions (e.g., improved performance scores, reduced errors, faster onboarding, positive feedback).

• Tailor to TAL: If possible, subtly align your portfolio presentation with TAL's industry, values, and the specific mention of "Lifebroker" or digital transformation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Instructional Design Challenge: Be prepared for a practical exercise where you might be asked to outline a design approach for a given scenario, critique an existing piece of training, or develop a brief learning objective for a specific business need.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as managing difficult SMEs, adapting to changing project requirements, or measuring training ROI.

• TAL/Industry Research: Understand TAL's business, its mission, and its position in the life insurance market. Research their recent initiatives, particularly around digital transformation and employee enablement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for an instructional design role heavily relies on a strong portfolio. This section provides actionable advice for candidates to effectively showcase their skills and prepare for the various stages, emphasizing the need to demonstrate not just design capability but also business acumen and collaborative skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• E-Learning Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Rise 360 (essential for creating interactive online learning modules).

• Learning Management System (LMS): Experience with platforms like Workday Learning, Cornerstone OnDemand, or similar for deploying and tracking training.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for virtual communication and team collaboration.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or MS Project for managing design projects and timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Reporting: Ability to extract and interpret data from LMS for training completion, assessment scores, and basic effectiveness metrics.

• Survey Tools: Tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or Microsoft Forms for gathering learner feedback.

• Performance Data Analysis: Basic ability to interpret performance metrics to understand the impact of training.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how training impacts CRM usage or sales processes might be beneficial. Familiarity with how CRM data can inform training needs analysis is a plus.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Potential exposure to systems used for housing and managing learning resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard e-learning authoring tools and LMS platforms is critical for this role. The ability to integrate learning into broader business systems and use data for continuous improvement is also highly valued in modern L&D functions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accountability: Taking ownership of actions and outcomes, ensuring high-quality and timely delivery of learning solutions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals, fostering a supportive and integrated work environment.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs of employees and partners, designing learning that genuinely supports their performance and contributes to customer satisfaction.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing a mindset of ongoing learning and refinement, seeking better ways to design, deliver, and evaluate training.

• Inclusivity: Championing diversity in learning design and delivery, ensuring all employees have equitable access to development opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, proactive relationships with business units, project teams, and SMEs to co-create effective learning solutions.

• Transparent Communication: Openly sharing progress, challenges, and insights to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Feedback-Driven: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to enhance learning designs and team processes.

• Solution-Focused: Approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset, working collaboratively to find the best path forward for employee enablement.

📝 Enhancement Note: TAL's stated values of accountability, not giving up, striving for best outcomes, and valuing teamwork directly translate into the expected collaborative and results-oriented approach for this role. The emphasis on inclusivity and diversity is also a key cultural tenet.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing competing priorities and deadlines across various change initiatives and learning projects.

• SME Engagement: Collaborating with busy subject matter experts who may have varying levels of availability and willingness to contribute to training development.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible ROI and business impact of training initiatives in a complex organizational setting.

• Rapid Technological Change: Keeping pace with evolving technologies and learning methodologies to ensure training remains relevant and effective.

• Adapting to Evolving Business Needs: Quickly understanding new business strategies, processes, or systems to design timely and relevant learning solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge design approaches, including gamification, microlearning, and AI-driven learning.

• Change Management Certification: Pursuing formal certifications or training in change management to enhance understanding and practice.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to TAL's internal leadership development programs for career advancement.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Participation in L&D and instructional design events to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior L&D professionals or leaders within TAL.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in operational and L&D roles within large, dynamic organizations. The growth opportunities highlight TAL's commitment to employee development, providing clear pathways for skill enhancement and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your end-to-end instructional design process. How do you ensure learning solutions are job-ready and meet business objectives?" (Focus on methodology, stakeholder engagement, and outcome measurement).

• "How do you approach collaborating with subject matter experts, especially when they have limited time or differing opinions?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills).

• "Walk me through a complex learning project you designed. What was the business challenge, your solution, and the measurable impact?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on STAR methodology and quantifiable results).

• "How do you stay current with trends in instructional design and adult learning theory?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional development).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in TAL and this specific role?" (Research TAL's mission, values, and recent initiatives, especially regarding digital transformation and their commitment to employees).

• "How do you see this role contributing to TAL's vision of being a progressive, digitally enabled insurer?" (Connect your skills in training design and change enablement to the company's strategic goals).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or flexible work environment." (Highlight your self-management, communication, and collaboration skills in such settings).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of your role and the project's context, then detail your design process, showcase key deliverables, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (screenshots, mock-ups) to illustrate your work.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive results.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices and methodologies. Treat it as a collaborative discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Effective preparation for this role involves not only showcasing technical instructional design skills but also demonstrating an understanding of the business context, strong collaboration abilities, and alignment with TAL's culture and strategic direction.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the SmartRecruiters portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience in instructional design, change management, and corporate training, specifically mentioning any experience in financial services or large-scale transformation projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key skills (instructional design, e-learning development, stakeholder management), and achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results where possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a digital portfolio that includes 2-3 diverse and relevant projects, showcasing your end-to-end instructional design process, various media types, and demonstrated impact. Prepare a concise presentation narrative for these projects.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research TAL, its mission, values, products, and recent news. Pay attention to their commitment to digital transformation and employee enablement, and try to understand the "Lifebroker" context if possible.

⚠️ 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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