Learning Experience Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Learning Experience Design Manager

Company: Salesforce

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Learning & Development / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-18

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of transformative, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences and content strategies for Salesforce teams and customers.

• Act as a strategic partner and performance consultant, diagnosing root causes of business challenges and shaping learning solutions to drive measurable business outcomes.

• Champion accessibility and inclusion in all learning experiences, ensuring equity for diverse learners through advanced instructional design principles.

• Integrate emerging technologies, including AI agents, to enhance learning design, operational efficiency, and overall innovation within the learning function.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Learning Experience Design Manager," the responsibilities and requirements strongly align with a senior-level role focused on operationalizing learning programs and consulting on performance, making it relevant for individuals with a background in operational excellence within L&D or a GTM strategy context. The emphasis on "measurable impact," "performance consulting," and "AI integration" points to a strategic operations function within the learning domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation of engaging, accessible, and effective training content and comprehensive learning programs by applying advanced instructional design methodologies and performance consulting frameworks.

• Drive the strategic direction of training content, ensuring robust alignment with overarching business objectives, evolving learner needs, and specific program requirements across the organization.

• Serve as a key performance consultant, meticulously analyzing business problems, identifying underlying root causes, and architecting learning solutions directly tied to demonstrable, measurable business outcomes.

• Champion the principles of accessibility and inclusion, rigorously ensuring that all developed learning experiences adhere to established accessibility standards and actively foster equity for a diverse global learner base.

• Leverage data analytics and learner feedback to interpret performance metrics, refine existing learning solutions, and effectively demonstrate the tangible impact and ROI of learning initiatives to stakeholders.

• Proactively explore, experiment with, and integrate new technologies, including cutting-edge AI agents and automation tools, to significantly enhance the design process, improve operational efficiency, and foster continuous innovation in learning delivery.

• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior team members, modeling best practices in instructional design, content development, and collaborative problem-solving, thereby elevating the overall capabilities of the learning team.

• Facilitate strong, trust-based collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), adeptly navigating objections, synthesizing diverse perspectives, and integrating them into cohesive, high-impact training solutions.

• Communicate with exceptional impact, crafting compelling narratives, facilitating productive meetings, and clearly presenting complex findings, strategic recommendations, and project updates to a wide array of audiences, including senior leadership.

• Manage complex, large-scale learning initiatives with a disciplined project management approach, ensuring strict adherence to scope, critical timelines, and defined deliverables, thereby guaranteeing successful program execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design, and operational execution, typical of a senior role within a GTM or operational support function. The focus on "performance consulting," "measurable outcomes," and "stakeholder management" highlights the operational impact expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Instructional Design, Education, Human Resources, Business, or a related field. A professional certificate in Instructional Design, Learning Technologies, or Project Management is highly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in instructional design, learning experience design, training content development, or a closely related field within a corporate or enterprise-level environment. Proven track record of leading end-to-end learning design and content development projects, from initial needs analysis and performance gap identification through to delivery, evaluation, and iterative refinement.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in instructional design methodologies such as ADDIE, SAM, or Agile Learning approaches, coupled with a strong understanding of performance consulting principles and their application in business contexts.

• Demonstrated expertise in leading and managing the complete lifecycle of learning design and content development projects, from comprehensive needs assessment and root cause analysis to successful delivery and rigorous evaluation.

• Strong stakeholder management capabilities, including the ability to effectively synthesize diverse perspectives, adeptly navigate and resolve objections, and build consensus among various internal and external stakeholders.

• Proven ability to design and develop learning experiences that are inherently accessible, inclusive, and fully aligned with established accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

• Proficiency with industry-standard authoring tools, including but not limited to Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or equivalent e-learning development software.

• Demonstrated experience in data-driven design, with a strong aptitude for interpreting learner data, feedback, and performance metrics to iteratively refine learning solutions and enhance their effectiveness.

• Exceptional communication skills, encompassing the ability to facilitate productive meetings, provide effective mentorship to peers and junior colleagues, and deliver polished, compelling presentations to diverse audiences.

• High degree of adaptability, robust problem-solving skills, and strong critical thinking capabilities, essential for navigating complex, dynamic, and fast-changing business environments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience actively applying AI and agent-based tools to learning design processes, workflow optimization, and content creation initiatives.

• Familiarity with Salesforce products, services, customer-facing roles, and the broader Salesforce ecosystem.

• Exceptional storytelling ability, with a proven talent for articulating the connection between learning initiatives and tangible business impact to influence decision-making and inspire action.

• Expertise in developing advanced learning solutions such as complex simulations, performance support tools, and sophisticated assessment strategies.

• Exposure to impact mapping, advanced root cause analysis techniques, or rigorous evaluation methodologies for measuring learning effectiveness and ROI.

• Proven experience in mentoring or coaching other instructional designers, learning specialists, or analysts within a team setting.

• Professional certifications in instructional design, learning technologies, or project management, such as CPLP/ATD, PMP, or CPTD.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Have" section includes many skills that are highly valued in operations roles, such as AI integration, impact mapping, root cause analysis, and project management certifications, suggesting the company is looking for candidates who can bring a strategic, data-driven, and results-oriented approach to learning operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of end-to-end learning design projects, demonstrating a clear progression from needs analysis to performance impact. Emphasis should be placed on projects that highlight strategic thinking and measurable results.

• Detailed case studies of at least two significant learning initiatives. Each case study should clearly outline the business problem, the performance consulting approach taken, the design and development process, the learning solutions implemented, and robust evidence of measurable impact and ROI.

• Examples of accessible and inclusive learning design, illustrating adherence to accessibility standards and strategies for accommodating diverse learner needs.

• Documentation or examples of how data and learner feedback were used to iterate and improve learning solutions, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Process Documentation:

• Showcase documentation of your process for conducting thorough needs analyses and performance gap assessments, including tools and methodologies used for root cause identification.

• Provide examples of your workflow for designing and developing engaging, multi-modal learning content (e.g., e-learning modules, facilitator guides, job aids), detailing the authoring tools and techniques employed.

• Illustrate your process for measuring learning effectiveness and business impact, including the types of data collected, analysis methods used, and how findings were reported to stakeholders to drive further action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "measurable impact," "ROI," "data-driven decision-making," and "process documentation" indicates that this role requires a strong operational mindset and the ability to demonstrate concrete business value through learning initiatives. Candidates should prepare to articulate their processes clearly and showcase quantifiable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For this role in Indianapolis, Indiana, a competitive salary range for a Learning Experience Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience is estimated to be between $95,000 - $135,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the US Midwest, considering the seniority level, required expertise in instructional design and performance consulting, and the reputation of Salesforce as a leading technology company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive time off programs designed to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to cover healthcare needs.

• Dedicated mental health support resources and programs.

• Generous paid parental leave policies to support new parents.

• Life and disability insurance coverage for financial security.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Employee Stock Purchasing Program (ESPP) for opportunities to invest in Salesforce.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. Given the hybrid work arrangement, flexibility may be available, but consistent availability for collaboration, meetings, and project deadlines is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general US market data for a Managerial role in Learning Experience Design in a major metropolitan area like Indianapolis, considering the specified experience level. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The benefits listed are directly from the provided information and are standard for large tech companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software & Cloud Computing (AI CRM). Salesforce is a global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance customer engagement and drive business success. The company's focus on AI, customer success, and innovation shapes its operational priorities and culture.

Company Size: Salesforce is a large enterprise, employing tens of thousands of people globally. This scale means established processes, opportunities for specialization, and a need for robust operational frameworks to manage complexity. For operations professionals, this size offers stability, extensive resources, and potential for significant impact.

Founded: Salesforce was founded in 1999. With over two decades of growth and innovation, the company has a mature organizational structure and a well-defined culture rooted in its core values.

Team Structure:

• The Learning Experience Design Manager likely sits within the Employee Success organization, specifically within a team focused on learning and development (L&D) operations or enablement for internal employees or customers. The team is likely comprised of instructional designers, content developers, learning technologists, and potentially program managers.

• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Director or VP of Learning & Development or Employee Success, with the Manager overseeing a team of individual contributors.

• Cross-functional collaboration is critical, involving partnerships with product teams, sales enablement, customer success, marketing, HR, and potentially AI/technology development teams to ensure learning content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with business goals. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using learner data, performance metrics, and business outcomes to inform learning strategy, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on building efficient, scalable processes for content creation, delivery, and evaluation, with an eye toward automation and streamlining.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploration and implementation of new technologies, including AI agents, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of learning operations and content development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size suggest a highly structured operational environment where process, data, and scalability are paramount. The role's placement within "Employee Success" and emphasis on "AI CRM" and "Agentforce" indicates a strong focus on leveraging technology and data to optimize human performance and customer outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor or early management level, often referred to as a "Manager" or "Senior Specialist" in operations-focused L&D. It involves leading complex projects, mentoring peers, and acting as a strategic consultant, requiring a blend of deep functional expertise and leadership capability. The scope extends beyond mere content creation to strategic program design and performance improvement.

Reporting Structure: The Learning Experience Design Manager will report to a Director or VP of Learning & Development or a related Employee Success function. This reporting line offers exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making within the L&D and broader HR/operations domains.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts operational efficiency and effectiveness by ensuring that Salesforce employees and customers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed with Salesforce products and platforms. By driving measurable improvements in performance and adoption, this role contributes to revenue generation, customer retention, and employee productivity – key operational objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like AI in learning, advanced instructional design methodologies, performance consulting for complex enterprise solutions, or accessibility standards within learning.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with broader team management responsibilities, such as Director of Learning Experience or Head of L&D Operations, overseeing larger teams and more strategic initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Transition into related operational roles within GTM enablement, customer success operations, or product management, leveraging a strong understanding of learning strategies and performance consulting.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications (e.g., CPTD, PMP) or specialized training in emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced data analytics relevant to learning operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth paths outlined are typical for senior operational roles within large organizations, emphasizing both deepening functional expertise and expanding leadership scope. The connection to "performance consulting" and "measurable impact" suggests a clear trajectory toward roles that drive business outcomes through operational excellence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Salesforce operates on a hybrid work model. This typically means employees are expected to work from a designated Salesforce office location for a portion of the week (e.g., 2-3 days per week), with the flexibility to work remotely for the remainder. This model aims to balance in-person collaboration and team cohesion with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Indianapolis, Indiana. Salesforce has a significant presence in many major cities globally, but this specific position is tied to the Indianapolis office.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and productivity. Expect modern office environments with open collaborative spaces, meeting rooms equipped with advanced technology for hybrid meetings, and quiet zones for focused work.

• Operations professionals will have access to the full suite of Salesforce tools and technologies, including their internal CRM, collaboration platforms (like Slack or Teams), and specialized learning development software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the L&D team, cross-functional partners, and potentially leadership will be frequent, encouraging knowledge sharing and a cohesive team dynamic.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, aligning with business hours. While a hybrid model offers some flexibility, adherence to project deadlines, meeting schedules, and critical operational windows is paramount. The emphasis on performance consulting and driving outcomes means availability during peak business periods is often expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and collaborative workspace are standard for large tech companies. For an operations role, this environment supports both focused analytical work and essential team collaboration, crucial for effective stakeholder management and project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience in instructional design, performance consulting, and any relevant operational responsibilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: This will be a deeper dive into your experience, focusing on your approach to designing impactful learning, your performance consulting skills, and your ability to manage complex projects. Expect behavioral questions related to stakeholder management, problem-solving, and leadership.

• Panel Interview / Team Interview: You will likely meet with other members of the L&D team or cross-functional partners. This stage assesses your ability to collaborate, mentor, and integrate into the team. Prepare to discuss your approach to accessibility and inclusion.

• Portfolio Review / Presentation: A critical part of the process will involve presenting your portfolio, likely focusing on 1-2 key case studies. Be ready to walk through your process, highlight your contributions, and articulate the measurable impact of your work. This is where you demonstrate your operations and results-driven approach.

• Final Interview: This may involve senior leadership to assess strategic alignment and overall fit within the organization's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in strategic learning design, performance consulting, and measurable impact. Ensure they align with the job description's requirements, particularly concerning AI integration and data-driven outcomes.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the business problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the methodologies and tools you employed, the challenges you overcame, and most importantly, the quantifiable results and business impact achieved. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

• Highlight Operations & Data: Emphasize how your work drove operational efficiency, improved performance metrics, or delivered a clear ROI. Be prepared to discuss the data you used, how you analyzed it, and how it informed your design decisions.

• Showcase AI & Accessibility: If applicable, highlight any experience using AI tools in your design process or projects that specifically focused on accessibility and inclusion.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and within the allotted time. Be prepared for in-depth questions about your process and decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions that present a hypothetical business problem or learning need, asking how you would approach it from a performance consulting and design perspective. Focus on your process for needs analysis, solution design, and impact measurement.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicting stakeholder requirements or objections, demonstrating your ability to build consensus and drive toward an effective solution.

• AI Integration Discussion: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on leveraging AI in learning design, potential applications, and how you would approach experimentation and integration responsibly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application, portfolio demonstration, and strategic thinking, indicative of a role that requires strong operational execution and measurable results. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell" their capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Authoring Tools: Proficiency in e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Rise, Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms is essential for content creation.

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Familiarity with enterprise-level LMS platforms (e.g., Salesforce's own Learning Management solutions, Workday Learning, Cornerstone OnDemand) for content deployment, tracking, and reporting.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, or Trello for team communication, project tracking, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools or dashboards that track learner progress, engagement, completion rates, and performance metrics.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Salesforce Einstein Analytics) for analyzing learning data in conjunction with broader business metrics to demonstrate impact.

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Proficiency in using tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or internal feedback mechanisms to gather learner input.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a CRM management role, understanding how learning impacts CRM adoption and usage is beneficial. Familiarity with Salesforce CRM is a strong plus.

• Automation Tools: Experience with automation within learning workflows (e.g., automated notifications, reporting triggers) and an aptitude for exploring AI-driven automation for content generation, personalization, or administrative tasks.

• Integration Knowledge: Basic understanding of how learning platforms integrate with other enterprise systems (HRIS, CRM) to ensure seamless data flow and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack highlights the operational nature of the role, requiring proficiency in content creation tools, learning management systems, and data analytics to measure and report on learning effectiveness. The mention of AI and Salesforce CRM indicates a forward-looking and integrated approach to learning operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Success Driven: A core Salesforce value that translates to ensuring learning programs directly contribute to the success of both internal users and external customers. This means focusing on outcomes and demonstrable value.

• Innovation & AI-Centric: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to enhance learning experiences, improve efficiency, and drive forward-thinking solutions. This requires a proactive and experimental mindset.

• Inclusivity & Equity: A commitment to designing learning experiences that are accessible and equitable for all learners, reflecting Salesforce's broader dedication to diversity and inclusion.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on data, analytics, and learner feedback to inform strategy, measure impact, and continuously optimize learning programs for maximum effectiveness.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Building learning solutions and operational processes that are not only effective but also efficient, scalable, and sustainable for a large global organization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where learning professionals work closely with various departments (Sales, Customer Success, Product, Marketing, HR) to ensure learning aligns with business needs and strategic objectives.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: A culture that encourages open feedback exchange, constructive criticism, and continuous improvement of both learning content and operational processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, insights, and learnings, fostering a collective growth mindset and shared expertise in learning design and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a results-oriented, innovative, and inclusive approach, which are critical for operations roles. The collaboration style highlights the need for strong communication and partnership skills, essential for driving GTM and employee success through learning initiatives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Measuring ROI: Quantifying the direct business impact and ROI of learning initiatives can be challenging. Candidates will need strong analytical skills and the ability to connect learning outcomes to business metrics.

• Pace of Change: The rapid evolution of technology, particularly AI, and Salesforce's product suite requires continuous learning and adaptation of training content and delivery methods.

• Global Scale & Diversity: Designing learning experiences that are effective and inclusive for a diverse global audience with varying needs, roles, and cultural contexts presents a significant operational challenge.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating the needs and priorities of multiple diverse stakeholders across different departments requires strong diplomacy, communication, and negotiation skills to ensure alignment and buy-in.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Learning Specialization: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in leveraging AI for content creation, personalization, and learning analytics.

• Performance Consulting Mastery: Deepen expertise in advanced performance consulting methodologies, impact mapping, and ROI analysis for learning programs.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to Salesforce's internal leadership training and development programs to hone management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Certifications & Conferences: Support for attending industry conferences (e.g., ATD, DevLearn) and obtaining advanced professional certifications in learning design, project management, or related operational fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior operations roles in dynamic environments. The growth opportunities clearly map out a path for career advancement within specialized learning operations or broader leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you acted as a performance consultant to solve a business problem. What was the problem, your approach, and the measurable outcome?" (Focus on your process for diagnosis, solution design, and impact measurement.)

• "How would you design and implement a comprehensive onboarding program for a new AI-powered sales tool, ensuring both user adoption and measurable sales impact?" (Emphasize your strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and focus on business results.)

• "Walk me through your process for ensuring learning content is accessible and inclusive for a global audience. What specific steps do you take?" (Highlight your commitment to equity and practical application of standards.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you see AI agents transforming the future of corporate learning and enablement?" (Prepare to discuss your vision, potential applications, and how you'd approach integrating AI responsibly.)

• "Salesforce values 'Customer Success.' How would your role as a Learning Experience Design Manager contribute directly to customer success?" (Connect your responsibilities to driving value for Salesforce's customers, directly or indirectly.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities or feedback from multiple stakeholders. How did you navigate it, and what was the resolution?" (Showcase your collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Everything: For your chosen case studies, ensure you have clear, quantifiable metrics for impact. This could include improvements in adoption rates, sales performance, efficiency gains, error reduction, or customer satisfaction scores.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions and responsibilities within team projects. Be ready to discuss your decision-making process and how you influenced the outcome.

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Explain the "why" behind your design choices, linking them back to performance consulting principles, data analysis, and identified root causes.

• Storytelling with Data: Weave a compelling narrative that blends the human element of learning with the objective data that proves its effectiveness. Make it clear how your work drives business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating a strategic, data-driven, and results-oriented approach, aligning with the operational demands of the role. The focus on AI, customer success, and stakeholder management are key areas to prepare for.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Learning Experience Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Salesforce Careers portal (salesforce.wd12.myworkdayjobs.com).

• Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 key projects that showcase your strategic learning design, performance consulting, and measurable impact. Ensure these examples align with the job description's emphasis on AI, accessibility, and data-driven outcomes.

• Tailor your resume to prominently feature keywords and achievements related to instructional design, learning experience design, performance consulting, stakeholder management, project management, and any experience with AI tools or learning analytics. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation thoroughly. Practice articulating your process, explaining your data analysis, and demonstrating the ROI of your past projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to accessibility and inclusion.

• Research Salesforce's culture and values, particularly regarding AI, customer success, and innovation. Understand how the "Employee Success" organization contributes to the company's overall mission and how your role fits into that broader operational strategy.

⚠️ 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.