Manager, Learning & Development

About Indigo

Indigo is a place where books, ideas, and thoughtfully designed lifestyle items come together, both in stores and online. The company is guided by a belief in real books, generosity, kindness, environmental responsibility, and the power of stories to connect people.

Its mission is to inspire reading and enrich the lives of book lovers. Indigo focuses on attracting strong talent, supporting employee growth, and creating an environment where people can do their best work. The organization’s guiding principles emphasize customer focus, entrepreneurship, care for people and communities, shared value, and a data-driven, AI-enabled mindset.

Role Summary

The Manager, Learning & Development is accountable for creating, delivering, and improving learning strategies and programs that strengthen individual, team, and organizational capability. The role aligns learning solutions with business objectives, encourages continuous development, uses modern tools and methods, and supports employee growth to help drive performance and readiness across the organization.

Key Performance Metrics

• Training course evaluation outcomes
• Employee survey feedback related to learning and training
• Delivery progress against the learning plan
• Business improvement results tied to each learning initiative

What You Will Do

• Create engaging and interactive learning experiences that address talent development needs across the organization.
• Own and improve the enterprise learning management system, including its functionality and content.
• Lead learning initiatives from design through delivery and assessment, working with HR partners and business leaders to plan rollout of new programs.
• Partner with HR managers and leaders to assess learning needs, identify capability gaps, and build programs that address priority business areas.
• Develop blended learning materials such as facilitator guides, visual supports, case studies, and evaluation tools that align with Indigo’s learning approach and standards.
• Track new trends, technologies, and innovations in learning and development and apply them to improve program quality and learner experience.
• Contribute to the training budget planning process.
• Maintain and refresh core curriculum content and compliance training resources.
• Work closely with business partners and subject matter experts through analysis, design, and development to ensure timely, high-quality learning solutions.
• Build learning and delivery assets such as leader guides, participant guides, job aids, reference materials, storyboards, video scripts, design documents, e-learning modules, pre-work, post-work, and train-the-trainer content.
• Create assessment approaches and tools to evaluate learning effectiveness.
• Ensure learning deliverables are completed on time and within budget where applicable.
• Adopt technology that delivers both digital efficiency and a strong human-centered learning experience.

Leadership and Team Contribution

• Keep the customer perspective at the center of design and decision-making.
• Set clear performance goals for workstream team members that support function and department objectives.
• Provide context, standards, and boundaries for team responsibilities.
• Build strong working relationships within the team and across functions.
• Support others to perform at their best and stretch their capabilities in constructive ways.
• Give clear, genuine feedback on performance and potential.
• Work collaboratively to develop flexible, iterative solutions.
• Share expertise while actively learning from others.
• Help colleagues understand the impact of their work and involve other teams when input is needed.
• Encourage open discussion and welcome feedback from others.

Culture and Ways of Working

• Demonstrate Indigo’s guiding principles and represent the company positively in everyday work.
• Respect different perspectives and maintain an open mindset.
• Help build a culture of continuous learning and thoughtful risk-taking.
• Support change efforts through the HR team and throughout the business.
• Question current practices, identify improvement opportunities, diagnose issues, and help resolve them.

Reporting and Relationships

This position reports to the Director, Talent Development.

Internal relationships include members of the Retail and Supply Chain teams, the HR team, corporate business groups, external consultants, and vendors. The role also works closely with internal and external subject matter experts to assess learning and performance needs. External relationships include vendors and other contacts.

Qualifications

The role requires at least 5 years of experience in instructional design and e-learning development and delivery, preferably in a retail setting. A university degree in Human Resources, Education, or Adult Training and Development is required. Candidates must also show a strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methods.

Additional capabilities include strong visual and instructional design sense, with attention to layout, typography, and color; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; strong use of multimedia tools to improve learning experiences; excellent writing, editing, and research ability; strong multitasking, prioritization, and project management skills; excellent organization and attention to detail; consistent delivery against goals and deadlines; quick learning agility; self-direction; and strategic thinking with strong communication and collaboration skills.

Technical experience should include tools such as Articulate 360 or similar content-authoring platforms, use of AI applications for personalized learning pathways, content development, learner engagement, and performance analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, learning management and content management systems, online learning platforms, and video editing software.

Additional Information

This posting is for an active opportunity within Indigo.

Indigo uses artificial intelligence tools to support parts of its hiring process, including screening and assessments. These tools assist the hiring team but do not replace human judgment. The company states that it applies AI responsibly, fairly, and in line with employment and anti-discrimination laws, with regular reviews to reduce the risk of bias or discrimination.

Indigo says diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are central to its values and are reflected in its training, policies, and hiring practices. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, including BIPOC individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and persons with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed during recruitment, applicants may contact Human Resources at talent@indigo.ca.