Learning Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Learning Design Manager

Company: Kelda Group Limited (Yorkshire Water)

Location: Bradford, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: Learning & Development Operations / HR Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and development of high-impact learning solutions to foster a learning organization culture and enhance colleague performance.

• Drive performance-focused learning initiatives that measure improvements in capability, confidence, compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Manage and mentor a team of Learning Design Specialists, ensuring adherence to brand standards, accessibility, and strategic alignment.

• Champion innovation in learning design, exploring digital, AI-enabled, microlearning, and immersive learning approaches to elevate the learning offer.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a critical juncture for Yorkshire Water, aiming to transform into a "learning organization." The focus is on practical, performance-driven learning integrated into the flow of work, moving beyond traditional training. This implies a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes and strategic alignment with business goals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for learning design standards, content development, learning innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensure all learning content is professionally designed, aligned with Yorkshire Water's brand, values, and strategic priorities, and optimized for real-world working environments.

• Drive a performance-focused approach to learning design, ensuring solutions are built around measurable improvements in capability, confidence, compliance, customer service, safety, leadership, productivity, or operational performance.

• Keep abreast of emerging trends in learning design, digital learning, AI-enabled learning, microlearning, immersive learning, social learning, and evidence-based practices to continuously enhance Yorkshire Water's learning offerings.

• Lead, coach, and manage a team of Learning Design Specialists, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, continuous improvement, and delivery discipline.

• Translate complex business, technical, or operational information into clear, engaging, and accessible learning content and pathways.

• Collaborate effectively with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to transform technical knowledge into practical, actionable learning resources.

• Oversee content governance, version control, brand standards, and quality assurance processes for all learning materials.

• Utilize data, learner feedback, and performance insights to drive content quality improvements and accurately assess learning impact.

• Champion inclusive and accessible learning design principles to support a diverse workforce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a shift from traditional course creation to outcome-based learning solutions. The emphasis on "performance-focused learning design" and "measurable improvements" suggests the need for strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to learning development and evaluation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A relevant professional certificate in learning, instructional design, digital learning, CIPD, coaching, OD, or leadership is beneficial. Experience:

• Proven experience in leading, coaching, or managing learning professionals, designers, or specialist teams.

• Demonstrated experience in designing learning content, pathways, or blended interventions that demonstrably improve capability, confidence, and performance.

• Experience in translating complex business, technical, or operational information into clear, engaging, and accessible learning content.

• Experience using digital learning tools, authoring platforms, or learning technologies to create effective learning experiences.

• Experience of working with subject matter experts to turn technical knowledge into practical learning resources.

• Experience in content governance, version control, brand standards, or learning quality assurance.

• Experience of working in a regulated, operational, utilities, or safety-critical environment is beneficial.

• Experience in designing microlearning, digital learning, performance support tools, learning pathways, or just-in-time resources is beneficial. Required Skills:

• Strong learning design expertise and a deep understanding of learning design principles, adult learning theory, learning needs analysis, and evaluation methodologies.

• Excellent people leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge briefs and shape design decisions.

• Proficient in using digital learning tools, authoring platforms, or learning technologies.

• Exceptional written communication, storytelling, and content development skills.

• Ability to analyze data, learner feedback, and performance insight to improve content quality and assess impact.

• Commitment to inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning design.

• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Project management skills to oversee multiple learning initiatives. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a regulated, operational, utilities, or safety-critical environment.

• Experience with microlearning, digital learning, performance support tools, learning pathways, or just-in-time resources.

• Knowledge of content governance, version control, brand standards, or learning quality assurance.

• Experience working with subject matter experts to translate technical knowledge into practical learning resources.

• Relevant learning, instructional design, digital learning, CIPD, coaching, OD, or leadership qualification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on translating complex information and using data for improvement suggests that candidates with strong analytical and communication skills, alongside core instructional design expertise, will be highly valued. The "beneficial" skills point towards a preference for candidates with experience in specific, challenging environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of learning design projects, highlighting the entire development lifecycle from needs analysis to evaluation.

• Include examples of blended learning solutions, digital learning modules, performance support tools, and learning pathways.

• Demonstrate a clear focus on measurable performance outcomes and how learning interventions impacted business results (e.g., improved safety, productivity, customer satisfaction).

• Provide evidence of translating complex technical or operational information into accessible and engaging learning content.

• Highlight experience in managing learning content, including version control, brand alignment, and quality assurance processes. Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for conducting learning needs analysis and translating requirements into effective learning objectives.

• Outline your methodology for designing and developing engaging learning content, including your approach to instructional design, multimedia integration, and user experience.

• Describe your process for evaluating learning effectiveness and using feedback and data to iterate and improve learning solutions.

• Showcase your approach to managing learning projects, including timelines, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a data-driven, performance-oriented approach to learning design is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, the rationale behind their choices, and the measurable impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Benefits:

• Company car allowance scheme: £7,200 per annum.

• Annual incentive related bonus: Up to 20% of annual salary.

• Private health care: For employee and dependants.

• Attractive pension scheme: Up to 12% company contribution.

• Life assurance cover: 4 times pensionable salary.

• Generous annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays and an additional wellness day.

• Comprehensive benefits package: Options include health cash plan, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex, and partner cover.

• Retail savings scheme.

• Online GP service.

• Cycle to work scheme.

• Gym membership discounts.

• Other flexible benefits and discounts.

Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week. Working Monday – Friday within a working window of 8:00 am - 6:00 pm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a management role in this field in the UK. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and financial security, with specific perks like a company car allowance and a significant bonus potential. The working hours offer some flexibility within a defined window.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Utilities (Water and Wastewater Services). This is a regulated industry with a strong focus on public service, environmental responsibility, and operational safety.

Company Size: Large organization (Yorkshire Water is part of Kelda Group, serving over 5.4 million people). This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: Yorkshire Water has a long history, with its current iteration formed through privatization and consolidation in the UK water sector. This suggests a company with deep operational experience and a commitment to long-term infrastructure and service provision.

Team Structure:

• The Learning Design Manager will lead a team of four Learning Design Specialists.

• The team likely operates within a broader HR, Learning & Development, or Organizational Development function.

• Close collaboration with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across various operational departments (e.g., engineering, customer service, field operations) is essential.

• Cross-functional collaboration with IT, Communications, and potentially Health & Safety departments is expected. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making for learning design and impact assessment.

• Focus on agile and iterative design processes to respond to evolving business needs.

• Commitment to continuous improvement in learning methodologies and content delivery.

• Integration of learning into the "flow of work" through digital solutions and performance support.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values reliability, safety, and community impact, given its role in providing essential services. The shift towards a "learning organization" suggests an openness to innovation and employee development. The size of the organization means that successful implementation of learning strategies can have a widespread, positive effect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a management-level position, requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership. It sits at the intersection of learning design, people management, and business strategy. The role is pivotal in shaping the organization's approach to employee development and capability building.

Reporting Structure: The Learning Design Manager will report to a senior leader within the Learning & Development, HR, or OD function. They will, in turn, manage a team of Learning Design Specialists.

Operations Impact: The Learning Design Manager's work directly impacts operational efficiency, safety compliance, customer service quality, and the overall strategic execution of Yorkshire Water. By ensuring colleagues are confident, safe, and effective, the role contributes significantly to the company's mission and its ability to meet regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific learning technologies (e.g., AI in learning, immersive simulations) or learning methodologies.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to senior L&D management roles, potentially overseeing broader learning strategy or organizational development initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into related HR roles, strategic planning, or operational improvement roles, leveraging a strong understanding of business needs and employee capabilities.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to industry best practices in learning design and development, particularly within the utilities or safety-critical sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, stable organization. The focus on strategic learning design and team leadership provides a strong foundation for advancement into broader HR or operational leadership positions. The opportunity to shape a "learning organization" is a significant career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Yorkshire Water's offices in Leeds Valley Park, with a hybrid working model requiring 3 days per week in the office. This suggests a professional office environment conducive to collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Leeds Valley Park, Bradford, BD6 2SZ. This location offers accessibility and likely modern office facilities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment will support collaborative work sessions for team meetings, project planning, and stakeholder engagement.

• Access to necessary technology, software, and potentially dedicated learning design resources will be available.

• Opportunities to interact with colleagues from various departments, fostering a connected and informed work experience.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home, balanced with in-person collaboration and team building.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of 37 hours per week, with a flexible working window between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. This flexibility allows for better work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should consider how they best thrive in such an environment and how they can maintain team cohesion and productivity across different locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, potentially followed by a brief HR screening call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager and potentially a senior L&D leader. This stage will focus on your experience in learning design, leadership, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building a learning organization and managing a team.

• Assessment/Presentation: A practical assessment or case study may be required. This could involve designing a learning solution for a given business challenge or presenting a portfolio piece and explaining your process and impact.

• Final Interview: May involve a panel interview with key stakeholders from different departments to assess cultural fit, cross-functional collaboration skills, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or impact area. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process followed, the solution implemented, and the measurable results.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify the success of your learning interventions whenever possible (e.g., "reduced errors by X%", "improved completion rates by Y%", "increased knowledge retention by Z%").

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your learning design methodology, including needs analysis, instructional design principles, technology choices, and evaluation strategies.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If possible, include examples of how you've mentored or led design teams, or how you've influenced stakeholders.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Yorkshire Water's focus on performance, safety, operational excellence, and digital learning.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would address specific learning challenges in a regulated utility environment, how you'd manage a team with diverse skill sets, or how you'd measure the ROI of learning initiatives.

• Understand Yorkshire Water: Research the company's strategic priorities, values, and operational context. Understand the challenges and opportunities within the utilities sector.

• Articulate Your Vision: Be ready to discuss your vision for transforming Yorkshire Water into a learning organization and how you would implement your strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only technical learning design skills but also leadership potential and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Authoring Tools: Experience with industry-standard tools such as Articulate Storyline/Rise, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms for creating interactive e-learning content.

• Learning Management System (LMS): Familiarity with LMS functionalities for content deployment, tracking, and reporting (specific LMS not mentioned, but common in large organizations).

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Potential use for hosting digital learning resources or performance support tools.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar for team collaboration and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Tools: Ability to interpret data from LMS and other sources to track learner progress, engagement, and effectiveness.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Power BI or Tableau for creating reports and dashboards to communicate learning impact to stakeholders.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Excel for data analysis and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how learning integrates with employee performance management systems or HRIS could be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles within learning development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in modern learning design tools and a strong understanding of how to leverage technology to deliver effective and measurable learning experiences. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific authoring tools and their approach to data-driven learning evaluation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance & Efficiency: A strong drive to improve colleague performance and operational efficiency through effective learning.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with colleagues across all levels and departments, fostering a team-oriented environment.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: An openness to new ideas, technologies, and methodologies to constantly enhance the learning offer.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that effective learning ultimately supports better service delivery to Yorkshire Water's customers.

• Safety & Compliance: A deep respect for the importance of safety and regulatory compliance in all learning solutions, particularly in a utilities context.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking out stakeholders and SMEs to understand needs and co-create solutions.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed and constructive dialogue is encouraged within the team and with partners.

• Team-Oriented: Supporting and empowering Learning Design Specialists, encouraging knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

• Data-Informed: Basing design decisions and improvements on evidence and feedback, rather than solely on assumptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "learning organization" suggests a culture that values growth, development, and continuous learning. The role will likely thrive in an environment that encourages experimentation, data-driven insights, and strong cross-functional partnerships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Cultural Shift: Driving the organizational shift from traditional training to a more integrated, performance-focused learning model can be met with resistance.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible ROI of learning initiatives, especially in a complex operational environment, requires robust data collection and analysis.

• Balancing Needs: Juggling immediate content development demands with the long-term strategic goal of embedding learning into the flow of work.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously evaluating and adopting new learning technologies and methodologies to maintain relevance and effectiveness.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic L&D Leadership: Develop advanced skills in learning strategy formulation, organizational development, and talent management.

• Emerging Technologies: Gain expertise in AI-powered learning, virtual/augmented reality for training, and advanced digital learning platforms.

• Industry Best Practices: Stay at the forefront of learning design innovation through conferences, professional development, and networking.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Develop leadership coaching skills to further empower and guide the learning design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to tackle significant challenges in organizational learning transformation. Successfully navigating these challenges will provide substantial growth and development, positioning the candidate as a leader in the field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach transforming Yorkshire Water into a true learning organization, moving beyond traditional training models?" (Prepare to discuss a phased approach, key enablers, and stakeholder engagement strategies.)

• "Describe your process for ensuring learning solutions are performance-focused and demonstrably improve business outcomes. Provide a specific example." (Focus on your methodology for defining KPIs, measuring impact, and using data for iteration.)

• "How would you lead and motivate a team of Learning Design Specialists to foster creativity and ensure high-quality output aligned with business priorities?" (Discuss your leadership style, feedback mechanisms, and team development strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about the challenges and opportunities within the utilities sector, particularly regarding workforce development and safety?" (Research Yorkshire Water's strategic goals, regulatory environment, and operational challenges.)

• "How do you ensure learning content is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with an organization's values?" (Prepare to discuss your commitment to DEI in learning design and how you'd embed company values.)

• "How do you stay current with the latest trends in learning design and technology, and how would you introduce relevant innovations at Yorkshire Water?" (Be ready to discuss specific trends like AI in learning, microlearning, and your approach to piloting new technologies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, articulate the "why" (business need), the "how" (your design process and tools), and the "what" (the solution and its impact).

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work. If direct metrics are unavailable, discuss how you would measure them.

• Focus on Process: Be prepared to walk through your design methodology step-by-step, explaining the rationale behind your decisions.

• Showcase Leadership: If applicable, highlight instances where you've led a project, mentored a team member, or influenced stakeholders to adopt your design recommendations.

• Address Challenges: Be open about any challenges faced during projects and how you overcame them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their vision for learning design and leadership, backed by concrete examples from their portfolio. Understanding Yorkshire Water's specific context and challenges will be key to tailoring responses effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Learning Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application process through the provided link.

• Prepare a Compelling CV: Tailor your CV to highlight experience in learning design, people leadership, stakeholder management, and driving performance improvements. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Strategic Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your suitability for the role, emphasizing your vision for transforming learning at Yorkshire Water and how your skills align with the company's objectives.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest learning design projects that best demonstrate your expertise in performance-focused design, digital learning, and leadership. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research Yorkshire Water: Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, strategic priorities, and the specific challenges and opportunities within the utilities sector. Understand their commitment to becoming a "learning organization."

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio pieces and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clarity, impact, and strategic alignment.

⚠️ 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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