Associate Director, Instructional Design & Learning Strategy

UniFirst • MA

87d

About The Position

At UniFirst, our people are the reason we succeed. Helping them learn, grow, and deliver their best every day is how we strengthen our culture and serve our customers. We’re seeking a Senior Manager of Instructional Design & Strategy to join our Talent Management team and lead the development of innovative, business-driven learning experiences. This is a critical leadership role where you’ll combine strategy, consulting, and design to reimagine how learning happens across UniFirst. From field training to compliance programs and new business launches, you’ll ensure our people are equipped with the skills they need—delivered through modern, engaging methods that drive measurable results.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in instructional design, learning strategy, and program management, with at least 5 years leading a team.
• Proven ability to consult with business leaders and build enterprise-wide learning strategies.
• Expertise in adult learning, instructional design, and on-the-job learning methods.
• Advanced proficiency in modern design tools: Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, Vyond, Workday Learning (or other LMS platforms), and emerging AI-enabled tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, project management, and change leadership skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Education, Organizational Development, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide the vision and roadmap for on-the-job/functional training, ensuring consistent effectiveness through systematic program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Build, lead, and coach a team of high-caliber instructional designers, training facilitators, and program managers (including vendor partners and contractors).
• Partner with business leaders to provide consultation on adult learning theory, instructional design best practices, and emerging learning technologies, and to understand their goals, identify skill gaps, and design tailored learning solutions that deliver impact across diverse business units.
• Develop and deliver toolkits, templates, and playbooks to enable leaders across the business to provide effective training and learning.
• Ensure best practices in training facilitation and equip business leaders with effective facilitation skills.
• Leverage the latest tools and methods—Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, Vyond, virtual classroom platforms, microlearning, and AI-enabled solutions—to build high-quality instructor-led, e-learning, and blended learning programs.
• Build programs that extend learning into the flow of work through coaching, mentoring, and real-world application.
• Work closely with HRBPs, Leadership Development, and HR Technology teams to ensure alignment with broader talent initiatives.
• Define and track program outcomes, ensuring learning solutions are aligned with compliance requirements and deliver measurable business results.

Benefits

• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Health Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 30% Employee Discount
• Employee Referral Bonuses

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees