Edtech.com's Summary

Portillo's is hiring an Instructional Designer to create and improve learning solutions that enhance team member skills and operational performance across its restaurants and support centers. The role involves collaborating with leadership and subject matter experts to design blended training programs, manage projects from needs analysis to implementation, and ensure continuous improvement aligned with company standards and values.

Highlights

Design and develop blended learning experiences including instructor-led, digital, and performance support tools.
Partner with operational leaders and SMEs to identify learning needs and translate them into scalable solutions.
Manage multiple learning initiatives ensuring quality, timelines, and business impact.
Apply adult learning theory and instructional design methodologies to create learner-focused programs.
Evaluate training effectiveness using feedback and data for continuous program improvement.
Proficiency with LMS platforms, e-learning authoring tools, and Adobe Creative Cloud (Captivate, Photoshop, InDesign).
Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design or related field and minimum two years of instructional design experience required.
Experience developing multimedia content such as video, eLearning, and microlearning preferred.
Strong collaboration, project management, and communication skills with ability to influence stakeholders.
Salary range of $60,000 - $75,000 plus discretionary bonuses, technology reimbursement, gift cards, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance, and 401(k) with company match.

Instructional Designer Full Description

Instructional Designer

Oak Brook, IL

Full time

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Instructional Designer is responsible for designing, developing, and continuously improving learning solutions that build Team Member capability and drive operational performance across restaurants, Restaurant Support Center, and Portillo’s Food Service.

This role partners with Learning & Development leadership, operational stakeholders, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to translate business and operational needs into engaging, practical, and scalable learning experiences. Using instructional design best practices and adult learning principles, the Instructional Designer creates blended learning solutions including instructor-led training, digital learning, performance support tools, and leadership development programs that reinforce Portillo’s purpose, values, and QSAC standards (Quality, Service, Attitude, Cleanliness).

This position owns the end-to-end instructional design process, including needs analysis, content design, development, implementation support, and continuous improvement to ensure learning programs deliver meaningful business impact.

This is a hybrid position based at the Portillo’s Restaurant Support Center in Oakbrook, Illinois with on-site presence required Tuesday through Thursday.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enable our Purpose to create lifelong memories by igniting the senses with unrivaled food and experiences:

Family: Work together to make everyone feel at home, and we step up when someone needs help:

Partner with operational leaders and stakeholders to identify learning needs, performance gaps, and development opportunities
Build strong relationships with SMEs to translate operational knowledge into scalable learning solutions
Design learning programs that support onboarding, role readiness, and ongoing development for Team Members

Greatness: We’re obsessed with being the best and work hard to continuously improve. Our greatness is rooted in Quality, Service, Attitude and Cleanliness:

Design, develop, and continuously enhance curriculum, instructional plans, and learning pathways aligned with operational goals and business strategy
Maintain accountability for project scope, timelines, deliverables, and quality standards across multiple concurrent learning initiatives
Ensure content reflects Portillo’s Leadership Traits and evolving business standards
Evaluate learning effectiveness and incorporate feedback and data to drive continuous improvement
Partner with operations to ensure learning solutions directly support restaurant execution, guest experience, and performance outcomes

Energy: We move with urgency and passion, while maintaining attention to detail:

Conduct needs analysis through interviews, observations, surveys, and operational data to inform design decisions
Develop blended learning solutions including eLearning, instructor-led courses, virtual learning, performance support tools, job aids, and reference guides
Apply instructional design methodology to ensure content is learner-focused, practical, and operationally relevant
Measure and evaluate training effectiveness to ensure learning solutions improve performance and operational execution

Fun: We entertain our guests, we connect authentically, and we make each other smile:

Create engaging learning experiences using interactive design elements, multimedia, simulations, and storytelling
Integrate technology and digital learning tools to enhance accessibility, learner engagement, and retention
Drive innovation in learning approaches to support a fast-paced and evolving restaurant environment
Other duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports to the Senior Field Training Manager and collaborates cross-functionally with restaurant operations, Restaurant Support Center departments, Portillo’s Food Service, and leadership at multiple levels.

The Instructional Designer serves as a trusted learning partner, providing consultative expertise to ensure training solutions align with operational and business needs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Educational Level/Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning & Development, Education, Organizational Development, Human Resources, or related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Minimum Work Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Minimum of 2 years of instructional design experience supporting instructor-led, digital, and blended learning environments
Experience designing learning solutions for frontline or operational environments strongly preferred (restaurant, retail, hospitality, or similar industries)
Strong knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design methodologies
Ability to translate operational processes into clear, practical, and engaging learning experiences
Demonstrated project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities from ideation through implementation
Experience developing multimedia learning content including video, eLearning, and microlearning
Proficiency with LMS platforms, e-learning authoring tools, and Adobe Creative Cloud applications (Captivate, Photoshop, InDesign)
Strong collaboration, presentation, and written communication skills
Ability to influence stakeholders and drive adoption of learning programs across multiple teams
Portfolio demonstrating instructional design work including digital and instructor-led examples

Travel Requirement:

Travel may be required approximately 10%-15%

RSC (all) & PFS Management

Hot dog! The pay range for this role is $60,000 - $75,000. Your actual compensation will depend on experience, location, and/or additional skills you bring to the table.

This position is also served with:

Participation in a discretionary bonus program based on company and individual performance, among other ingredients
A monthly technology reimbursement
Quarterly Portillo’s gift cards
A bun-believable benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance along with paid time off, life insurance, and our 401(k) plan with a company match
Learn more about our benefits here

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned. This job may be reviewed as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.

Original Job Description