Design Function Lead

Job Description About NIIT Ltd: NIIT is a leading Skills and Talent Development Corporation that is building a manpower pool for global industry requirements. The company, which was set up in 1981 to help the nascent IT industry overcome its human resource challenges, today ranks among the world's leading training companies owing to its vast and comprehensive array of talent development programs. With a footprint across 40 nations, NIIT offers training and development solutions to Individuals, Enterprises, and Institutions About the Role: We are creating a new learning ecosystem that blends proven teaching methods with the power of AI to deliver high-quality, engaging, and scalable learning experiences. The Design Function Lead will head the Design Team and work closely with the Development Team to ensure programs are built on strong pedagogical foundations and delivered with impact. This role balances research-driven pedagogy with practical design decisions, ensuring every course is both academically sound and workplace-ready. Key Responsibilities - Learning Design Leadership - Lead the Design Team in defining the pedagogical models, learning outcomes, and overall approach for programs delivered through ILT (Instructor-Led Training), VILT (Virtual Instructor-Led Training), and blended formats. - Translate organizational and learner needs into clear requirements for the Development Team (Instructional Designers, Writers, Media Experts, SMEs). - Ensure all programs are consistent, research-based, and focused on skill transfer and workplace readiness. Pedagogical Excellence - Apply proven methodologies such as Experiential Learning, Scenario-Based Learning, Adaptive Learning, and Socratic Questioning to shape engaging and effective courses. - Create templates, guidelines, and frameworks that enable the Development Team to construct high-quality learning materials efficiently. - Champion questioning, reflection, and critical thinking as core design principles. Collaboration with Development Team - Partner with the Development Team to turn designs into courses providing clarity on pedagogy, content flow, learner experience, and outcomes. - Work with SMEs and domain experts to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance of learning content. - Support the development of instructor resources and learner support materials. Team Leadership & Mentorship - Build, guide, and mentor the Design Team to think creatively, apply research, and maintain quality standards. - Foster close collaboration between Design and Development teams, ensuring smooth handover and alignment. Impact & Measurement - Define success metrics for learning programs (learner engagement, mastery, confidence, application on the job). - Use feedback and evidence from learners, instructors, and clients to refine future designs. Qualifications and Experience - 10+ years of experience in learning design or related roles, with experience leading teams. - Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional strategies, and classroom/vILT/online facilitation methods. - Experience in creating scalable learning solutions across multiple industries. - Proven ability to lead design decisions and translate them into actionable development requirements. Preferred Skills - Familiarity with new learning technologies and openness to using AI in design and delivery. - Strong collaboration skills to work with content creators, instructors, SMEs, and business stakeholders. - Excellent communication skills to explain pedagogy and design choices in clear, practical terms. - Track record of creating engaging, outcomes-driven learning programs.