Senior Instructional Designer
Role summary
We’re hiring a Senior Instructional Designer to lead the design and production of high-quality learning experiences across two streams:
Commercial online courses that the company will sell, and
Custom learning solutions for clients.
This is a senior role with end-to-end ownership: translating needs into learning strategy, building engaging digital courses across multiple formats, and recruiting, managing, and quality-assuring subcontractors and our existing training panel to scale delivery.
This hire replaces a departing team member and represents a step up in capability and leadership — we need someone who can operate independently at a high standard and raise the bar across process, quality, and output.
Key responsibilities:
Learning strategy & design
Consult with directors, SMEs, and client stakeholders to define learning goals, audience needs, and success measures.
Design learning journeys (blended or fully digital) across formats such as eLearning, microlearning, video, VILT/ILT assets, job aids, assessments, and blended programs.
Apply sound instructional design practice (adult learning, assessment design, interactivity, accessibility) to create effective, engaging learning.
Build & production (hands-on)
Storyboard, script, and build online modules and supporting assets.
Create reusable templates and standards to ensure consistency across all products and client work.
Manage review cycles, version control, and releases; ensure content is accurate, polished, and on-brand.
Commercial course development
Develop scalable, market-ready courses with clear positioning, learning outcomes, and high production value.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders on packaging and updates (e.g., new versions, refresh cycles, enhancements from learner feedback).
Client custom delivery
Scope client requirements and propose solutions that meet the brief, timeline, and budget.
Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure work is delivered to spec with strong QA.
Vendor/subcontractor & panel management
Source, recruit, and onboard subcontractors (ID, eLearning dev, video, SMEs, facilitators as needed).
Allocate work, manage timelines, and uphold quality standards across external contributors.
Work closely with our existing training panel to support delivery and content alignment.
Measurement & continuous improvement
Define and track success measures (engagement, completion, assessment results, client feedback, learner outcomes).
Improve content based on data and feedback; maintain a roadmap for course updates.
What success looks like (first 90 days)
Get fully across our current catalogue and delivery approach (courses, templates, tools, stakeholders) and agree “what good looks like” for quality and turnaround.
Ship 2–3 online courses or course modules (mix of commercial and client), either built personally or delivered through subcontractors with your oversight.
Put in place lightweight production standards: templates, review checkpoints, QA checklist, and version control — so we can scale without quality slipping.
Build a reliable subcontractor pipeline: identify roles we need, onboard at least 1–2 key subcontractors, and establish a repeatable workflow with our existing training panel.
Requirements (must have)
Proven experience as an Instructional Designer delivering digital learning products end-to-end (including building modules, not just writing concepts).
Demonstrated ability to manage external contributors (subcontractors/vendors) and maintain quality across multiple workstreams.
Strong capability across a modern learning tech stack (LMS/LXP exposure + authoring tools + multimedia workflow). No single tool is mandatory, but you must be fluent and adaptable.
Evidence of high-quality work: portfolio/samples showing storyboards, modules, videos, assessments, job aids, or blended solutions.
Excellent stakeholder management: able to work with directors, SMEs, and clients confidently.
High and relevant education (e.g., degree/postgrad in instructional design, learning sciences, education, digital learning, or similar).
Nice to have
Experience building learning that is sold commercially (product mindset, scalability, refresh cycles).
Accessibility and inclusive design knowledge (e.g., WCAG principles, captioning, accessible interactions).
Experience with evaluation approaches and learning analytics (xAPI, dashboards, linking learning to outcomes).
Experience mentoring others or setting team-wide standards/templates.
Location & contract
Permanent role, based in Drogheda (working model can be stated as on-site / hybrid depending on your preference).
Salary: €70,000–€80,000 DOE + performance bonus
For more information, please apply through the link provided for the attention of Stephen Merrigan or email your CV to stephen.merrigan@osborne.ie
If you are interested in finding out more about the above role and would like to be considered other suitable roles that we may have available for your skill set – please attach your CV via the link provided
Please submit your updated CV in Word Format
If you are living in Ireland and hold a valid work permit, we would love to hear from you, if however, you do not hold a valid work permit unfortunately we will not be in a position to assist you with your job search.
Osborne are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please visit www.osborne.ie for more information on all of our roles.
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