Manager - Instructional Design

Who We Are: 

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

The Instructional Design Manager is a working manager responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining high-quality learning experiences for the Global Retail Training team while leading and coaching a team of instructional developers. This role partners closely with business stakeholders  and regional partners to translate performance and capability needs into effective learning solutions and ensures consistent instructional design standards, on‑time delivery, and measurable impact.

This position combines strategic thinking, hands‑on content creation, and people leadership, making it ideal for an experienced instructional designer ready to expand their leadership scope without stepping away from design work.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Instructional Design & Content Development

• Design and develop learner‑centered training programs, courses, and performance support assets using sound instructional design methodology (e.g., adult learning principles, blended learning, microlearning).
• Create and/or oversee the creation of digital learning content, facilitator guides, job aids, assessments, and learning pathways.
• Ensure learning solutions align with business goals, performance outcomes, and learner needs.
• Apply quality standards for instructional design, accessibility, branding, and user experience.
• Evaluate learning effectiveness using agreed measures (e.g., learner feedback, performance indicators) and iterate as needed.

Team Leadership & People Management

• Directly manage and coach two instructional developers, including goal setting, workload prioritization, performance feedback, and development planning.
• Review team deliverables to ensure accuracy, instructional quality, and adherence to timelines.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and continuous‑improvement team culture.
• Support skill development in instructional design, tools, project management, and stakeholder communication.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Partner with business leaders, subject matter experts, and cross‑functional teams to scope learning needs and define success criteria.
• Translate complex business requirements into clear learning strategies and design plans.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing personal design work with team oversight.
• Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes effectively to stakeholders.

Process, Standards, & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain instructional design processes, templates, and best practices.
• Contribute to the evolution of the learning ecosystem, tools, and development workflows.
• Stay current on learning trends, technologies, and practices; apply relevant innovations where appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Learning Sciences, Human Performance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in instructional design or learning experience design roles.
• 1–3 years of experience leading or mentoring instructional designers or developers (formal or informal people leadership).
• 1-3 years of experience in retail or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing end‑to‑end learning solutions.
• Proficiency with common instructional design tools and authoring platforms (e.g., LMSs, rapid authoring tools, collaboration tools).
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.

• Experience managing a mix of self‑produced work and team‑delivered projects.
• Background in performance‑based learning, business‑aligned training, or large‑scale learning programs.
• Experience working with global or geographically distributed teams and learners.
• Familiarity with learning measurement and evaluation approaches.

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $100,200.00 - $129,300.00 - $158,400.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits 

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.