Instructional Designer

About Us Sophos is a cybersecurity leader defending 600,000 organizations globally with an AI-driven platform and expert-led services. Sophos meets organizations wherever they are in their security maturity and grows with them to defeat cyberattacks. Its solutions combine machine learning, automation, and real-time threat intelligence with frontline human expertise from Sophos X-Ops to deliver advanced, 24/7 threat monitoring, detection, and response.   Sophos offers industry-leading managed detection and response (MDR) alongside a comprehensive portfolio of cybersecurity technologies — including endpoint, network, email, and cloud security, extended detection and response (XDR), identity threat detection and response (ITDR), and next-gen SIEM. Together with expert advisory services, these capabilities help organizations proactively reduce risk and respond faster, with the visibility and scalability needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.   Sophos goes to market with a global partner ecosystem, including Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs), resellers and distributors, marketplace integrations, and cyber risk partners, giving organizations the flexibility to choose trusted relationships when securing their business. Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at www.sophos.com.

Role Summary 

We’re seeking a Lead Instructional Designer with deep experience in tech sector enablement, someone who can connect learning to business results, move fast, and think creatively. In this role, you’ll own the design and development of high-impact learning experiences that drive sales productivity, channel partner performance, and revenue growth. 

You'll be part of a global enablement team that supports Sophos sellers, partners, and customer success teams across regions. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally with product, sales, and go-to-market stakeholders to create scalable, modern learning solutions that meet real-world needs. This role blends strong instructional design craft with practical AI fluency, using generative AI and modern design methodologies to accelerate content production, personalize learning at scale, and lead projects from concept through launch while maintaining human judgment over instructional quality and accuracy.

What you will do

• Design strategic enablement programs for Sophos sellers, channel partners, and customer-facing roles that align to GTM priorities. 

• Rapidly develop content using AI-powered tools and modern design methodologies (e.g., simulations, adaptive learning, microlearning, scenario-based learning). 

• Partner with global stakeholders across Sales, Channel, and Product to translate complex solutions into relevant, learner-centered experiences. 

• Manage instructional design projects from intake through launch, driving timelines, deliverables, and quality across workstreams. 

• Serve as a subject matter expert on instructional design best practices, adult learning theory, and technology-enhanced learning. 

• Contribute to the configuration and use of our LMS/LXP, ensuring global learners can access the right content at the right time. 

• Apply data, feedback, and performance metrics to continuously improve learning experiences. 

• Develop and enhance existing AI-enabled operating model for instructional design, including approved workflows for content intake, storyboarding, drafting, content transformation, quality review, and publication readiness. 

• Use generative AI and prompt-driven workflows to accelerate the build of courses, simulations, scenario-based practice, assessments, job aids, and facilitator guides, while maintaining human review for instructional quality and technical accuracy. 

• Design and build AI-supported practice and coaching experiences (e.g., AI role-play, conversational simulations) that give learners realistic, scenario-based reps tied to readiness frameworks and scorecards. 

• Create a repeatable process for sourcing and transforming source content (SME input, product documentation, recordings) into learner-ready material using AI agents to source materials and AI-assisted authoring tools to develop content. 

What you will bring

• 7+ years of experience in instructional design in the technical & sales enablement spaces. 

• Deep experience in B2B tech or cybersecurity environments, ideally with complex product portfolios. 

• Comfortable with AI-powered authoring tools & development of AI supported practice & coaching experiences. 

• Practical AI fluency, including the ability to use generative AI tools, prompt design, and content transformation workflows to accelerate instructional design production and scale curriculum development. 

• Demonstrated ability to design AI-assisted learning content and workflows that balance speed, personalization, accuracy, governance, and human judgment. 

• Proven ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects across global teams. 

• Experience working with LMS and LXP platforms. 

• Demonstrated understanding of enablement metrics such as time to productivity, deal velocity, & content engagement. 

• Applied knowledge of adult learning theory, performance consulting, and instructional design frameworks such as ADDIE or SAM. 

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and project leadership skills. 

• A flexible, critical-thinking mindset with a bias toward action and innovation. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with channel enablement programs in the cybersecurity space. 

• Experience designing for diverse global audiences, including localization workflows. 

• Experience applying AI-assisted learning, content operations, or authoring tools to improve development speed, personalization, and content quality at scale. 

• Familiarity with governance practices for AI-assisted content, including source traceability, review standards, and brand fidelity. 

• Project Management: Asana, Monday.com, or Smartsheet, Jira (or equivalent). 

• LMS Platforms: Docebo, Mindtickle, Seismic, Hubspot (or equivalent). 

#LI-Remote #B2
Ready to Join Us? At Sophos, we believe in the power of diverse perspectives to fuel innovation. Research shows that candidates sometimes hesitate to apply if they don't check every box in a job description. We challenge that notion. Your unique experiences and skills might be exactly what we need to enhance our team. Don't let a checklist hold you back – we encourage you to apply.   What's Great About Sophos? ·   Sophos operates a remote-first working model, making remote work the primary option for most employees. However, some roles may necessitate a hybrid approach. While we are a remote first organization, applicants must have legal authorization to work in the jurisdiction where the position is posted, without requiring employer sponsorship. ·   Our people – we innovate and create, all of which are accompanied by a great sense of fun and team spirit ·   Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks that build community and provide education and advocacy ·   Annual charity and fundraising initiatives and volunteer days for employees to support local communities ·   Global employee sustainability initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint ·   Global fitness and trivia competitions to keep our bodies and minds sharp ·   Global wellbeing days for employees to relax and recharge  ·   Monthly wellbeing webinars and training to support employee health and wellbeing   Our Commitment To You We’re proud of the diverse and inclusive environment we have at Sophos, and we’re committed to ensuring equality of opportunity.   We believe that diversity, combined with excellence, builds a better Sophos, so we encourage applicants who can contribute to the diversity of our team.  All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, race, religion or belief, color, age, military veteran status, disability, pregnancy, maternity or sexual orientation.  We want to give you every opportunity to show us your best self, so if there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.    Data Protection If you choose to explore an opportunity, and subsequently share your CV or other personal details with Sophos, these details will be held by Sophos for 12 months in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Sophos.  If you would like Sophos to delete or update your details at any time, please follow the steps set out in the Privacy Policy describing your individual rights.  For more information on Sophos’ data protection practices, please consult our Privacy Policy Cybersecurity as a Service Delivered | Sophos