Instructional Designer - Retail

The Instructional Designer - Retail is the learning architecture and design lead within the L&D team for our RaceTrac Stores. This role is accountable for translating business needs and performance gaps into structured, evidence-based learning solutions ââ¬â determining what to teach, in what sequence, to whom, and why. The Instructional Designer owns the instructional strategy from needs analysis through final design sign-off, partnering closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), business stakeholders, and Content Developers to ensure every learning solution is grounded in adult learning principles and aligned to measurable outcomes.

This is a consultative, methodology-forward role. The Instructional Designer brings a point of view to every project ââ¬â challenging scope when needed, advocating for the learner, and ensuring that learning solutions are practical and durable in a fast-paced, frontline retail environment.

What You'll Do:

Needs Analysis & Learning Strategy

• Partner with business leaders, operations, HR, and SMEs to conduct thorough needs analyses ââ¬â distinguishing training problems from performance or process problems before design begins.

• Translate identified performance gaps and business objectives into clear, measurable learning objectives that drive instructional design decisions.

• Define the appropriate learning modality, format, and delivery approach (eLearning, ILT, blended, microlearning, job aids) for each initiative based on audience, context, and complexity.

• Develop and maintain a learning design framework and standards that guide the work of the full L&D team.

Instructional Design & Content Architecture

• Design learning experiences using established ID models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, backward design) and adult learning principles ââ¬â not just content delivery.

• Write detailed storyboards, scripts, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, and assessment frameworks that provide clear, production-ready direction to Content Developers.

• Design assessments, knowledge checks, and evaluation strategies aligned to Kirkpatrick levels that measure actual behavior change and business impact ââ¬â not just completion.

• Create and maintain RaceTrac's instructional design standards, templates, and content maturity frameworks to ensure quality and consistency across all programs.

SME Partnership & Stakeholder Consultation

• Serve as the primary instructional consultant for business stakeholders and SMEs ââ¬â managing scope, setting expectations, and guiding the content development process from kickoff through final review.

• Lead design review sessions with SMEs, synthesizing complex operational and technical information into clear learning content without losing accuracy.

• Manage review cycles, feedback integration, and revision processes with professionalism and a bias for action.

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Establish and track learning effectiveness metrics, using data and learner feedback to continuously improve program design and instructional quality.

• Conduct periodic reviews of existing training portfolios to identify gaps, outdated content, and opportunities for redesign or consolidation.

• Contribute to RaceTrac's content maturity matrix, ensuring programs are appropriately classified and maintained throughout their lifecycle.

Collaboration & Team Contribution

• Partner closely with Content Developers to hand off design work clearly, answer production questions, and review final content for instructional fidelity.

• Contribute to the L&D t