Course Developer & Skills Coach – Service Designer Apprenticeship (Level 6)

KnowledgeBrief
Full-time£38k-40k/year (GBP)Birmingham, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Course Developer & Skills Coach – Service Designer Apprenticeship (Level 6)

Company: KnowledgeBrief

Location: Remote (UK) with occasional in-person meetings and workshops in London

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations / Learning & Development / Curriculum Development

Date Posted: May 18, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Primarily Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Develop and refine curriculum content for the Level 6 Service Designer Apprenticeship program, ensuring alignment with the ST0894 Service Designer standard and End-Point Assessment (EPA) requirements.

  • Deliver engaging workshops, coaching sessions, and group learning experiences to foster practical application of service design principles in real-world workplace contexts.

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with the Curriculum Innovation Manager and Digital Learning Team to create high-quality, innovative learning materials and digital assets.

  • Manage learner progress, conduct tripartite reviews, and provide dedicated support to guide apprentices towards successful completion and EPA readiness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title and description lean heavily into "Course Developer" and "Skills Coach," the core responsibilities and required experience in Service Design, User Research, and Systems Thinking indicate a strong need for operational efficiency in program delivery and learner progression. This role bridges educational program development with the operational execution of training programs within a structured apprenticeship framework. The "Operations team" mention further solidifies its place within the operational function of KnowledgeBrief.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and update curriculum content, learning modules, and assessment materials specifically for the Level 6 Service Designer Apprenticeship standard (ST0894), ensuring comprehensive coverage of all required competencies.

  • Deliver dynamic and interactive workshops, coaching sessions, and group learning activities, both virtually and in-person, to facilitate deep understanding and practical application of service design methodologies.

  • Provide individualized coaching and mentorship to apprentices, supporting them in applying service design principles and techniques to solve real workplace challenges and improve services.

  • Collaborate closely with the Curriculum Innovation Manager and Digital Learning Team to co-create, review, and enhance learning materials, digital assets, and the overall learner experience.

  • Monitor apprentice progress through regular check-ins, tripartite reviews, and performance assessments, identifying areas for development and providing targeted support to ensure successful progression and EPA readiness.

  • Contribute actively to the standardization, quality assurance, and continuous improvement processes for all apprenticeship programs, ensuring high-quality delivery and learner outcomes.

  • Cultivate and maintain positive, professional relationships with learners, employers, and colleagues across the organization to foster a supportive and collaborative learning ecosystem.

  • Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of learner records, progress reports, and compliance documentation in line with apprenticeship framework requirements and organizational policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of curriculum design and active coaching, requiring a structured approach to learner management and program oversight. This includes detailed progress tracking, compliance maintenance, and collaborative content creation, all crucial operational elements for a successful apprenticeship program.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) are essential.

  • A Degree in Service Design, UX, Design, or a related discipline is desirable.

  • Possession of a teaching qualification such as Award in Education and Training (AET), Diploma in Education and Training (DET), or PGCE is preferred.

Experience:

  • Significant occupational experience in service design, UX, or a closely related field is a core requirement.

  • Demonstrated experience in designing learning content, curricula, or structured training programs.

  • Proven experience in coaching, mentoring, or actively supporting professionals through their development journey.

  • A solid understanding of adult learning principles and how to apply them effectively in a learning environment.

  • Experience in delivering apprenticeship standards, particularly at Level 6, is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

  • Service Design Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of user research, journey mapping, service blueprinting, prototyping, and systems thinking methodologies.

  • Curriculum Development: Ability to design, develop, and refine engaging and effective learning content aligned with specific occupational standards (ST0894).

  • Coaching & Mentoring: Proven ability to guide, support, and develop learners, fostering their professional growth and practical skill application.

  • Adult Learning Principles: Strong grasp of and ability to apply principles of adult education to create impactful learning experiences.

  • Assessment & Feedback: Skill in monitoring learner progress, providing constructive feedback, and preparing individuals for formal assessments (EPA).

  • Communication & Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills for building rapport with learners, employers, and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

  • Digital Learning Tools: Proficiency with various digital learning platforms and tools for content delivery and learner management.

  • Apprenticeship Delivery Experience: Direct experience navigating and delivering against national apprenticeship standards.

  • Quality Assurance: Familiarity with quality assurance processes within educational or training environments.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with curriculum, digital learning, and operational teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly emphasize practical, occupational experience in service design as foundational, alongside pedagogical skills. This dual requirement suggests a need for individuals who can translate industry best practices into structured learning outcomes and operationalize the delivery of these programs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Curriculum Design Examples: Showcase examples of learning materials, modules, or lesson plans developed for professional development or apprenticeship programs, demonstrating alignment with specific standards or learning objectives.

  • Coaching Case Studies: Provide anonymized case studies illustrating your approach to coaching and mentoring professionals, highlighting methods used to support skill development, overcome challenges, and achieve learning milestones.

  • Service Design Project Demonstrations: Present examples of service design projects you have led or contributed to, detailing the process from user research and journey mapping to prototyping and implementation, emphasizing problem-solving and impact.

  • Learner Progress Tracking: If possible, demonstrate your approach to monitoring learner progress, including examples of feedback mechanisms, review processes, or progress reports you have utilized.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design: Examples of how you have mapped out or designed learning workflows, from initial onboarding to final assessment, to ensure a logical and effective learner journey.

  • Content Development Lifecycle: Documentation illustrating your process for creating, reviewing, and iterating on learning content, including quality assurance checkpoints and stakeholder input integration.

  • Performance Analysis: Evidence of how you have analyzed learner performance data to identify trends, inform curriculum improvements, and enhance program effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the nature of the role—developing curriculum and coaching—implies that candidates will need to demonstrate their capabilities through examples of their work. This section outlines what a strong "portfolio" might entail for this specific role, focusing on the operational aspects of program design and delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £37,500 – £40,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Benefits:

  • Dedicated Monthly CPD Time: Allocated time each month for Continuous Professional Development, supporting ongoing learning and skill enhancement relevant to service design and coaching.

  • Generous Annual Leave: 5.6 weeks of annual leave, plus bank holidays, ensuring ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

  • Company-Wide Closure: A two-week company closure over Christmas and New Year, providing a significant break and extended holiday period.

  • Company Sick Pay: Provision of company sick pay to support employees during periods of illness.

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access to a confidential EAP offering support for personal and professional challenges.

  • Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives and resources to promote a healthy work-life balance and mental wellness.

  • Remote-First Environment: A primary remote working setup that offers flexibility and autonomy, with opportunities for in-person connection.

  • Growth Opportunities: Chances to contribute to cross-team projects and organizational growth initiatives.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility due to the remote nature of the role, balanced with the need for scheduled workshops and tripartite reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development (CPD) and work-life balance, which are key considerations for professionals in the learning and development sector. The "remote-first" approach aligns with modern operational work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology / Professional Development / Apprenticeship Providers. KnowledgeBrief operates within the professional development sector, focusing on evidence-based leadership, management, and professional growth programmes, leveraging academic insight and practical application.

Company Size: The specific size isn't detailed, but the mention of a "growing and evolving curriculum team" and an "Operations team" suggests a medium-sized organization with established operational functions and plans for expansion.

Founded: Over 20 years ago. This indicates a stable, experienced organization with a long-standing reputation in the professional development market.

Team Structure:

  • Operations Team: This role is part of the wider Operations function, suggesting a focus on the efficient delivery and management of learning programs.

  • Curriculum Team: Works closely with the Curriculum Innovation Manager and Digital Learning Team, indicating a collaborative structure for program development and enhancement.

  • Reporting: Reports likely to the Curriculum Innovation Manager or a similar leadership role within the curriculum or operations division.

Methodology:

  • Evidence-Based Learning: Combines academic insight with practical application.

  • Innovative Platform: Utilizes a proprietary platform for delivery.

  • Expert-Led Programmes: Relies on experienced professionals to deliver content.

  • Values-Driven: Emphasizes authenticity, high-quality learning, and meaningful impact.

Company Website: https://knowledgebrief.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as values-driven, focusing on learning, impact, and authenticity. This suggests an environment that prioritizes quality outcomes and professional integrity, which is crucial for roles involving curriculum development and coaching. The "Operations team" context means that efficiency and process adherence are likely highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an experienced professional level, bridging subject matter expertise in Service Design with the operational execution of delivering an apprenticeship program. It requires a blend of instructional design, coaching, and program management skills.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Curriculum Innovation Manager, indicating a clear line of management within the curriculum development and delivery function, which is part of the broader Operations team.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the operational success of KnowledgeBrief's apprenticeship programs by ensuring high-quality curriculum delivery, effective learner support, and successful apprentice progression. This operational efficiency contributes to learner satisfaction, employer retention, and the organization's reputation for delivering impactful development programs.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in Service Design curriculum development and apprenticeship delivery, potentially leading to senior developer or program lead roles.

  • Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on more responsibility within the curriculum team, mentor junior coaches, or contribute to strategic program development initiatives.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across different operational functions, such as digital learning, sales support for apprenticeships, and quality assurance.

  • Continuous Professional Development (CPD): Dedicated time and resources to pursue further qualifications, attend industry events, or develop new skills relevant to service design and education technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the operations and curriculum development sphere, emphasizing specialization and potential leadership. The dedicated CPD time is a significant factor for career progression in this field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily a remote-first environment. This means the core work is conducted from home, offering significant flexibility. However, the role requires occasional in-person meetings and workshops to be held in London.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote nationwide (UK), mandatory in-person activities will take place in London. Candidates should be prepared for travel to London for these specific events.

Workspace Context:

  • Flexibility: The remote-first nature allows for a high degree of autonomy in managing one's work schedule and environment, crucial for deep work and focused curriculum development.

  • Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize digital collaboration tools (e.g., video conferencing, project management software, shared document platforms) for team communication and project work.

  • In-Person Interaction: Occasional workshops and meetings in London provide opportunities for face-to-face collaboration, networking, and team building with colleagues and potentially learners.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, there will be scheduled requirements for delivering workshops, conducting tripartite reviews, and attending team meetings, which will need to be managed within the overall work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature, with a strong remote emphasis and occasional London-based requirements, defines the operational logistics of this role. Candidates must be comfortable with independent work and occasional travel.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your CV by the People & Culture Team to assess initial fit against the role requirements.

  • Interview Stage(s): Typically involves one or more interviews with the hiring team (likely including the Curriculum Innovation Manager and potentially other members of the Operations or Curriculum teams) during the week commencing May 25th, 2026. Expect questions focusing on service design expertise, curriculum development experience, coaching philosophy, and alignment with company values.

  • Final Decision & Feedback: Notification of the outcome and feedback provided.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curriculum Showcase: Prepare examples of learning materials you've developed. Focus on how they are structured, their learning objectives, and how they align with specific standards or competencies. Highlight any innovative or engaging elements you incorporated.

  • Coaching Methodology: Be ready to discuss your coaching approach. Use anonymized examples to illustrate how you assess learner needs, set goals, provide feedback, and support development. Quantify outcomes where possible.

  • Service Design Process: Walk through a service design project, emphasizing your role, the methodologies used (user research, journey mapping, prototyping), and the tangible improvements or insights generated. Clearly articulate the "why" and the "impact."

  • Alignment with Values: Be prepared to discuss how your professional approach aligns with KnowledgeBrief's stated values (authenticity, high-quality learning, meaningful impact, curiosity, ownership, collaboration).

Challenge Preparation:

  • While no specific "challenge" is mentioned, be prepared for scenario-based questions during the interview. For example, "How would you support a learner struggling with X service design concept?" or "How would you adapt a workshop for remote delivery?"

  • Practice articulating your service design process and your coaching philosophy concisely.

  • Research KnowledgeBrief's current offerings and their approach to apprenticeships to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is standard but requires candidates to be ready to demonstrate their practical skills and alignment with company values, particularly through portfolio examples and scenario-based questions relevant to both service design and educational delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Learning Management System (LMS): Likely a proprietary platform or a standard LMS (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, TalentLMS) for content hosting, learner tracking, and communication. Proficiency in navigating and utilizing such systems for content delivery and administration is crucial.

  • Digital Collaboration Suites: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet) for communication, document sharing, and virtual meetings.

  • Service Design Tools: Experience with industry-standard tools for user research, journey mapping, service blueprinting, and prototyping (e.g., Miro, Mural, Figma, Adobe XD, Optimal Workshop, specialized survey tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

  • LMS Analytics: Ability to interpret data from the LMS regarding learner engagement, progress, and completion rates.

  • Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, tracking learner progress, and generating reports.

  • Presentation Software: Skills in tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating engaging workshop materials and internal reports.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not a direct sales role, understanding how learner/employer data is managed within a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) might be beneficial for tracking apprentice lifecycles and employer engagement.

  • Automation Tools: Familiarity with any tools used for automating administrative tasks within the learning program (e.g., scheduling, reminders) could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for digital learning delivery, collaboration, and core service design activities. A candidate's ability to leverage these tools efficiently will be key to their operational success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Authenticity: Upholding genuine interactions and providing honest feedback to learners and colleagues.

  • High-Quality Learning: Commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences that lead to demonstrable skill development and impact.

  • Meaningful Impact: Focusing on how learning initiatives contribute to the growth of individuals, organizations, and the wider community.

  • Curiosity: Encouraging a continuous learning mindset, both personally and within the learner base, and exploring new approaches to service design and education.

  • Ownership: Taking responsibility for learner outcomes, program quality, and personal contribution to the team's success.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across different teams (curriculum, digital learning, operations) to achieve shared goals and enhance program delivery.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires active collaboration with curriculum developers and digital learning specialists to ensure seamless integration of content and delivery methods.

  • Learner-Centric Feedback: A culture of seeking and acting on feedback from learners and employers to continuously improve program design and coaching effectiveness.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices in service design, coaching techniques, and digital learning strategies among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values strongly influence the operational approach, emphasizing quality, impact, and continuous improvement. This cultural alignment is critical for individuals operating within their Operations and Curriculum teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Content Development and Coaching: Effectively managing time to develop high-quality curriculum materials while simultaneously delivering impactful coaching sessions and managing learner progress.

  • Remote Engagement: Maintaining high levels of learner engagement and motivation in a remote-first environment, requiring innovative digital facilitation and coaching techniques.

  • Adapting to Evolving Standards: Staying current with the ST0894 Service Designer standard, EPA requirements, and best practices in service design and adult education.

  • Stakeholder Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with apprentices, employers, and internal teams, often with competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Service Design Specialization: Opportunity to become a leading expert in service design curriculum for apprenticeships, potentially influencing future program development.

  • Pedagogical Advancement: Developing advanced skills in adult education, online facilitation, and coaching methodologies.

  • Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences (service design, L&D, apprenticeships) and network with peers.

  • Leadership Potential: Grow into roles with greater responsibility for program oversight, team leadership, or strategic curriculum planning within KnowledgeBrief.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational demands of balancing diverse responsibilities within a remote setting. The growth opportunities are tied to specialization and leadership within the L&D and operations sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Curriculum Design Philosophy: "Describe your process for designing curriculum content for an apprenticeship standard. How do you ensure it aligns with both the standard and practical application?" Prepare to discuss your methodology for breaking down complex standards into digestible learning modules.

  • Coaching Approach: "How do you approach coaching professionals who may have varying levels of experience and learning styles? Can you provide a specific example of how you helped a learner overcome a significant challenge?" Focus on your methods for assessment, feedback, and motivation.

  • Service Design Application: "Imagine an apprentice is struggling to apply journey mapping in their workplace. What steps would you take to coach them through this challenge?" Be ready to articulate a problem-solving framework and demonstrate your in-depth understanding of service design tools.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • Values Alignment: "How do your personal values align with KnowledgeBrief's values of authenticity, high-quality learning, and meaningful impact?" Prepare specific examples of how you've embodied these values in previous roles.

  • Remote Collaboration: "What strategies do you employ to foster strong working relationships and collaboration within a remote team?" Discuss your experience with digital communication tools and building rapport virtually.

  • Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your coaching and curriculum development efforts?" Be ready to discuss metrics related to learner progress, EPA pass rates, and skill application in the workplace.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your portfolio by key areas: Curriculum Development, Coaching, and Service Design Projects.

  • Storytelling: For each example, clearly articulate the problem, your approach/methodology, the actions you took, and the results/impact achieved (quantify where possible).

  • Focus on Process: Emphasize your systematic approach to design, development, and coaching. Explain why you chose certain methods.

  • Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio highlights effectively within interview time constraints. Focus on the most relevant and impactful examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep subject matter expertise in Service Design and a robust, process-oriented approach to curriculum development and coaching, aligning with the operational nature of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your CV via BambooHR through the provided link.

  • Customize Your CV: Tailor your CV to highlight your direct experience in service design, UX, curriculum development, and professional coaching. Use keywords from the job description, such as "ST0894 Service Designer standard," "EPA preparation," "user research," "journey mapping," and "adult learning principles."

  • Prepare Portfolio Examples: Gather specific examples of learning materials you've developed, case studies of your coaching successes, and demonstrations of your service design project work. Be ready to discuss your process and the impact of your contributions.

  • Research KnowledgeBrief: Understand their mission, values, and approach to professional development. Familiarize yourself with the ST0894 Service Designer apprenticeship standard.

  • Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer questions about your service design expertise, coaching philosophy, curriculum development process, and how you align with KnowledgeBrief's culture. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Requires occupational experience in service design or UX and a strong understanding of adult learning principles. A degree in a related field and teaching qualifications like AET or PGCE are desirable.