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.