What is an XR Development Manager?

7 Apr 2025

In this blog:

An Extended Reality (XR) Development Manager, commonly referred to as an XR Lead or Consultant, is an individual who leads the implementation of extended reality technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). The sole objective of an XR Development Manager is to facilitate immersive, technically advanced experiences, that meet various learner needs. All while aligning with the organisation’s standards and strategic goals.

In the context of eLearning, an XR Lead can create innovative learning experiences that go beyond the ordinary. The XR will leverage simulation tools that replicate real-world scenarios, to enhance learner engagement and knowledge retention.

Role responsibilities

The role responsibilities of an XR Development Manager can vary depending on the sector and organisation.

Analysis – For organisations that don’t already have Extended Reality, the XR Manager will evaluate the possibilities of implementing XR technology to address the diverse learner needs. If the organisation already have XR tools in place, then the focus shifts to identifying opportunities for further enhancements. Drawing on prior experience, the manager should recommend the most suitable technical tools on the market, considering both budget constraints and the organisation’s specific needs.
Creation – XR Consultants are heavily involved in the eLearning course creation process. They work closely with subject matter experts, learning designers, and learning developers to synchronise the learning needs and frameworks with the technical solutions. This ensures the appropriate balance between pedagogical requirements, content needs, and projecting the learning in an immersive, engaging, and technically focused way.
Training – XR professionals will often be responsible for training others on the technologies, by knowledge sharing and offering technical support when required.
Data Analytics – Some consultants will drive data analytics to gather feedback on how well the tools are being received across the organisation.
Quality Assurance – Steps will be taken to review the health of the material and debug the technology, to ensure the XR is optimised to its full potential.

How to get into this role

Within XR Consultants can come from a multitude of backgrounds in eLearning before pursuing this kind of specialist role. Technically focused Learning Designers who have access to relevant tools in VR and AR can explore these areas further, maintaining their strong pedagogical experience with new technologies. Another option is to explore a university course, either in education or learning technology, though employers often prefer professionals to combine this degree with work experience rather than as a standalone qualification. Otherwise, consultants can start off in more junior/entry-level roles as an XR Developer or Designer, and simply work up to a more senior level either with the same organisation or beyond. When trying to get into a role in this space, it can be very beneficial to have a portfolio of relevant work examples ready to show, even if you don’t have many at the start.

Progression

Entry-level XR Developer/Designer can expect to work up to mid-level roles after 2-3 years, before elevating into a senior position within 5-10 years. Consultants with management or strategic responsibilities can then move into a ‘head of’ position where they lead a department before reaching the director level.

Alternatively, some XR managers start as learning designers /developers can progress their role into a more XR focus, and as such will follow a similar trajectory of growth with more of a learning-specific focus.

Salary

At the Consultant level, XR Leads can expect salaries ranging between 55,000 and 65,000 per annum. However, this depends on the level of seniority, people-management requirements, and the sector of work. Day-rate contractors can expect a particularly higher take-home in this kind of role.