Senior Learning & Design Manager (9 month fix contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Learning & Design Manager (9-month fixed-term contract)

Company: The LEGO Group

Location: Billund, Denmark (Billund LEGO Campus)

Job Type: Full-Time (Contractor)

Category: Learning & Development / Design Strategy Operations

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days office/2 days home weekly)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing the interactive play design skills of LEGO Group designers, driving a continuous evolution of play experiences through innovative learning programs.

• It involves leading the strategic direction and tactical execution of skill development initiatives within the People & Leadership Development organization.

• The position requires ownership of the entire learning lifecycle for interactive play design, from needs assessment and curriculum design to delivery and impact measurement.

• Success in this role will contribute to building a future-ready, skills-based organization by empowering the design community with critical capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title indicates "Learning & Design Manager," the core responsibilities and context strongly align with a specialized role within Operations, specifically focused on the operational aspects of talent development and skill enablement for a critical creative function (design). The focus on curriculum development, learning lifecycle management, and strategic alignment places it within the broader scope of GTM/Operations enablement, ensuring internal capabilities support external product innovation. The "9-month fixed-term contract" is a crucial detail for potential candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and update tactical learning and skill development plans, aligning with broader L&D and business/design strategies.

• Own the end-to-end learning lifecycle for interactive play design learning experiences, including discovery, scoping, communication, delivery, and measurement.

• Lead collaborative efforts between skill development specialists, play designers, and design team leaders to create and implement high-quality learning solutions.

• Champion a "learning through play" methodology, ensuring its suitability for a diverse audience of academically and non-academically educated colleagues.

• Inspire a learning culture by contributing to learning delivery and facilitation, and by sharing design thought leadership.

• Drive the expansion of the existing design skills-building program to boost future design and creative skills within the LEGO Group.

• Partner with design leaders to identify critical capabilities and ensure colleagues have the necessary skills to adapt and succeed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic planning (setting directions, aligning strategies) and tactical execution (owning the lifecycle, leading collaborations, facilitating delivery). This operational approach to learning development is common in organizations focused on continuous innovation and talent optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific degree requirements are not listed but a strong foundation in instructional design, adult learning principles, or a related field is implied.

Experience: Proven experience in leading skill development for design disciplines, either in-house or via an external agency/consultancy.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in designing interactive play.

• Strong business understanding coupled with strategic thinking capabilities.

• Proficiency in project development leadership, encompassing creation, execution, and delivery of learning development projects.

• Excellent co-creation and networking skills, with the ability to foster collaborative relationships across diverse functions and teams.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, adaptable to various organizational levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing and implementing L&D strategies.

• Familiarity with adult learning methodologies and learning experience design (LXD).

• Knowledge of LEGO's product development lifecycle and design principles.

• Experience in facilitating workshops and delivering training sessions.

• Understanding of change management principles within large organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "extensive experience in designing interactive play" alongside "skill development" and "project leadership" suggests a need for a candidate who understands the creative process deeply and can translate that into structured learning programs. This dual expertise is critical for operationalizing creative talent development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful learning design projects, with a focus on interactive play or similar creative/design fields.

• Provide examples of learning curriculum development, illustrating the end-to-end lifecycle management from needs analysis to impact measurement.

• Include case studies detailing collaborative projects, highlighting how you partnered with stakeholders to achieve learning objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and implementing structured learning plans and skill development frameworks.

• Documentation of learning impact assessment methodologies and resulting insights used for continuous improvement.

• Examples of process optimization within learning delivery or curriculum design to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For roles like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that highlight their ability to operationalize learning strategies and drive tangible skill growth within a creative context. The emphasis is on outcome-driven design and process management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Manager title, fixed-term contract nature, location in Denmark, and the employer (The LEGO Group), a competitive salary range for a 9-month contract can be estimated between DKK 600,000 - DKK 800,000 annually (pro-rated for 9 months). This is an estimate and will depend on the candidate's specific experience and negotiation.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is based on average salaries for Senior Learning & Development Managers and Design Leads in Denmark, adjusted for the contract duration and the specific industry (toys/consumer goods) and company prestige. Data sources considered include Glassdoor, SalaryExpert, and local Danish recruitment benchmarks for contract roles.

Benefits:

• Family Care Leave: Enhanced paid leave options for significant life events.

• Insurances: Comprehensive life and disability insurance coverage.

• Wellbeing: Resources and benefits focused on nurturing physical and mental wellbeing, community building, and fostering creativity.

• Colleague Discount: Generous discount on LEGO products, available from day one.

• Bonus Scheme: Eligibility for a bonus based on achieved goals, reflecting the company's success.

• Hybrid Work Model: Structured hybrid arrangement with 2 days remote work per week.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, reflecting The LEGO Group's commitment to employee wellbeing and engagement. The colleague discount is a notable perk for this specific employer. The salary estimate is crucial given the contract nature of the role, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their expectations based on this.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Toy Manufacturing / Consumer Goods / Entertainment. The LEGO Group is a global leader in the toy industry, renowned for its innovative approach to play and learning.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees globally). This scale implies established processes, cross-functional complexities, and significant resources for talent development.

Founded: 1932. With a long history, The LEGO Group has a strong brand identity and a deep-rooted culture of creativity, quality, and play.

Team Structure:

• This role sits within the People & Leadership Development organization, specifically supporting the Design & Innovation Skill Development function.

• The team likely comprises L&D specialists, instructional designers, and potentially HR business partners who collaborate closely with design leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Learning: Emphasis on measuring the impact of learning initiatives and using data to refine strategies and curriculum.

• Agile Development: Likely employs iterative approaches to learning design, incorporating feedback and adapting quickly.

• Collaborative Design: Strong focus on co-creation and partnership with subject matter experts and stakeholders across the organization.

• Learning Through Play: A core philosophy that influences the design and delivery of learning experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The LEGO Group's culture is deeply tied to its brand mission of inspiring children through play. This translates into a workplace that values creativity, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach, even within operational functions like L&D. Understanding this culture is key for operational alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Managerial role within the L&D Operations function, acting as a subject matter expert and strategic leader for a specific skill domain (interactive play design). It implies significant autonomy and responsibility for program direction and execution.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Head of Design & Innovation Skill Development, indicating a clear hierarchy within the People & Leadership Development department.

Operations Impact: The role's primary impact is on enhancing the capabilities of the design workforce, directly influencing the quality, innovation, and future direction of LEGO play experiences. This operational enablement of creative output is critical for the company's competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunity to deepen expertise in interactive play design learning and potentially lead larger skill development initiatives or teams in the future.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Extensive collaboration across design, innovation, and HR functions provides broad organizational insight.

• Program Expansion: Potential to influence and expand the "learning through play" methodology to other areas of the business.

• Contract-to-Permanent: While a fixed-term contract, successful performance could lead to opportunities for permanent roles within The LEGO Group, depending on business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, understanding the potential for extension or conversion to permanent employment is a key growth consideration. The role offers significant scope for impact and professional development within a highly reputable organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the Billund LEGO Campus, a modern and collaborative work environment designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Billund, Denmark. This is the global headquarters, offering a rich ecosystem of design and innovation talent.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model (3 days in office) emphasizes a balance between focused remote work and collaborative in-office engagement.

• Expect access to modern office facilities, collaborative spaces, and potentially design labs or studios that foster creativity.

• Interaction with a diverse group of designers, L&D professionals, and leadership is integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week, with the hybrid model providing flexibility. The nature of project-based learning development might require occasional adjustments to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Billund LEGO Campus environment is designed to embody the company's values. Candidates should expect a workplace that encourages innovation, collaboration, and a passion for play, integrated into the operational structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: Typically involves multiple stages:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, contract expectations, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Head of Design & Innovation Skill Development to evaluate experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of the role's operational demands.

• Panel Interview/Presentation: May involve presenting a case study or portfolio review to a panel of stakeholders (e.g., design leaders, L&D peers) to assess practical skills, communication, and collaborative approach.

• Final Interview: Possibly with a more senior leader to confirm fit and discuss final terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 key projects demonstrating expertise in interactive play design learning, curriculum lifecycle management, and collaborative design.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the methodologies used (e.g., "learning through play"), and the tangible outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you partnered with designers and leaders to define needs and implement solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your learning programs (e.g., skill uplift, adoption rates, participant feedback).

• Tailor to LEGO: Frame your experience in the context of LEGO's mission and values, especially regarding play and creativity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions about designing learning for complex creative roles.

• Practice articulating your strategic approach to skill development and how you measure its success.

• Be ready to discuss your philosophy on "learning through play" and how to operationalize it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component. Candidates must demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but practical, operational experience in creating impactful learning programs for creative professionals, with a specific focus on interactive play.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Experience with platforms for delivering and tracking learning (e.g., Workday Learning, Cornerstone, Docebo) is likely beneficial.

• Authoring Tools: Proficiency in tools for creating digital learning content (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia) may be required for curriculum development.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Miro, or Mural for remote collaboration, co-creation, and idea-sharing.

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing learning development projects and timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools that track learner progress, engagement, and effectiveness of learning programs.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and present data using tools like Power BI, Tableau, or Excel for reporting on learning impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning data integrates with HRIS or talent management systems is valuable.

• Familiarity with workflow automation for administrative aspects of learning delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard L&D technology, with an emphasis on collaborative and creative tools that support the design process. Candidates should highlight experience with systems that enable efficient learning lifecycle management and impact measurement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Playful Creativity: Embracing creativity, imagination, and a playful approach in all aspects of work, including learning design.

• Purpose-Driven: A strong commitment to the LEGO Group's mission of inspiring children and fostering development.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, co-creation, and open communication across diverse teams and functions.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive for excellence, efficiency, and ongoing learning and development.

• Impact-Oriented: Focusing on delivering tangible results and measurable impact through learning initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with design leaders, subject matter experts, and fellow L&D professionals.

• Emphasis on co-creation and building strong, productive relationships to achieve shared goals.

• Open to feedback and iterative development processes to refine learning solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The LEGO Group's culture is unique, blending a professional corporate environment with a deep commitment to play and creativity. This means operations roles require adaptability, a creative mindset, and strong interpersonal skills to navigate this dynamic culture effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Contract Duration: Working within a 9-month fixed-term contract requires rapid integration, efficient project delivery, and clear focus on immediate impact.

• Balancing Strategy & Tactics: Effectively translating high-level L&D strategy into actionable learning plans and delivering them within a defined timeframe.

• Diverse Audience Needs: Catering to a broad range of learning styles and experience levels within the design community.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of creative learning programs, especially those focused on less tangible skills like design thinking and innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Play Design: Gaining unparalleled insight into the operational aspects of interactive play design at a leading company.

• Strategic L&D Influence: Opportunity to shape and refine learning strategies for a critical creative function.

• Networking: Building a valuable network within The LEGO Group's global design and HR communities.

• Methodology Application: Practicing and refining the "learning through play" methodology in a high-stakes environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands a high level of performance and quick adaptation, while also offering a focused period to make a significant impact and gain specialized experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a learning curriculum for interactive play design, considering our 'learning through play' philosophy?" (Focus on process, methodology, and stakeholder engagement).

• "Describe a time you led a significant skill development initiative for a creative team. What were the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes?" (Highlight project leadership, collaboration, and impact measurement).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The LEGO Group's approach to innovation and play, and how would you leverage that in this role?" (Show research and understanding of brand values).

• "How would you foster a collaborative learning environment among designers with diverse backgrounds and experience levels?" (Focus on communication, co-creation, and inclusivity).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the LEGO Group's context. Then, present 2-3 key projects, detailing the problem statement, your design process, the learning solutions implemented, and quantifiable results.

• Focus on Operations: Emphasize your role in managing the learning lifecycle, stakeholder management, and driving the operational delivery of learning.

• Highlight "Learning Through Play": If possible, showcase how you’ve incorporated experiential or play-based learning methods.

• Be ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about challenges, scalability, and how you would adapt your approach to The LEGO Group's specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating not just theoretical knowledge of L&D but a practical, operational ability to design, deliver, and measure impact for a highly creative and specific function, all within the unique context of The LEGO Group and a contract timeframe.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Learning & Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio (PDF or online link) that highlights 2-3 relevant projects showcasing your experience in learning design, interactive play design, and managing the learning lifecycle. Tailor your project selection to align with LEGO's focus on play and creativity.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in skill development leadership, curriculum management, project leadership, and collaboration within creative or design-focused environments. Use keywords such as "Interactive Play Design," "L&D Strategy," "Learning Lifecycle Management," and "Co-creation."

• Company Research: Deeply understand The LEGO Group's mission, values, and approach to innovation and play. Research their existing L&D initiatives if possible.

• Contractual Clarity: Be prepared to discuss your understanding and expectations regarding the 9-month fixed-term contract nature of the role.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The LEGO Group during the application and interview process. The contract duration and hybrid work model are critical factors to consider.