Design Consultant - 12 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - 12 month FTC

Company: PwC

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Leeds, Watford, Belfast, Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary (Fixed-Term Contract)

Category: Talent Development & Coaching Operations / Learning Design Consulting

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: Manager (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement innovative learning programmes to support PwC's strategic priorities and individual professional growth within the Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE).

• Curate and author engaging learning content, collaborating closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) and external suppliers, adhering to established S&I (Solution & Implementation) processes.

• Facilitate design workshops, brief and train facilitators, and implement programme-level evaluation metrics to ensure effective delivery and measurable learning outcomes.

• Lead and mentor junior designers, manage key stakeholder relationships, and contribute to project management activities, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment.

• Leverage a strong understanding of PwC's service offerings, strategy, and business priorities to translate business goals into clear, actionable learning objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical function within PwC's Internal Firm Services (IFS), specifically focusing on the operational aspects of talent development and learning design. The "12 month FTC" indicates a contract position, which typically involves project-based work with defined deliverables. The "Manager" level suggests a need for leadership and significant experience in learning design and programme management. The hybrid work arrangement and multiple location options indicate a flexible but collaborative operational environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate business objectives and learner needs into effective learning objectives and comprehensive learning interventions, ensuring alignment with PwC's strategic priorities.

• Design, curate, and develop high-quality, innovative learning solutions across various formats, including face-to-face, digital, and blended learning experiences.

• Collaborate with Learning Implementation & Reporting and Event Delivery teams to ensure seamless program execution and to gather feedback for continuous improvement.

• Conduct thorough reviews of content created by peers and junior designers, ensuring quality, consistency, and alignment with learning objectives and accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental considerations.

• Actively participate in project management activities, including planning, execution, and monitoring, to ensure timely and successful delivery of learning design projects.

• Coach and supervise junior designers, providing guidance on learning design methodologies, content development, and stakeholder engagement best practices.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, subject matter experts (SMEs), and external suppliers to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of learning solutions.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing, innovation adoption, and the continuous improvement of learning design processes within the TD&C CoE.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution, typical for operational roles in learning and development. Emphasis on "S&I processes" and "programme-level evaluation metrics" points to a structured, data-driven approach to learning delivery, crucial for demonstrating ROI in an operations context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Not explicitly specified, but a degree in a relevant field such as Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline is highly probable given the "Manager" level and nature of the role.

• Preferred: Advanced degrees or specialized certifications in learning design, adult education, or organizational development would be advantageous.

Experience:

• Required: 5-10 years of proven experience in designing, developing, and delivering high-quality, innovative learning solutions. Experience in a consulting or internal firm services environment is highly desirable.

• Preferred: Experience managing learning projects from conception to completion, including budget oversight and resource allocation.

Required Skills:

• Learning Design Methodologies: Proven capability in applying sound learning design principles (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) and adult learning theories to create effective and engaging learning experiences.

• Content Curation & Authoring: Ability to effectively curate existing content and author new materials that are aligned with learning objectives and business needs.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, influence, and collaborate confidently with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, SMEs, and external partners.

• Project Management: Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and deliver outcomes under pressure.

• Digital Learning Technologies: Solid knowledge of digital learning solutions and learning technologies, with the ability to leverage them to enhance and transform learning experiences.

• Facilitation & Training: Experience in facilitating design workshops and briefing/training facilitators for effective program delivery.

• Coaching & Mentoring: Ability to coach and develop junior team members, fostering their growth and skill development.

• Analytical Thinking: Capacity to assimilate complex information, analyze data (including programme evaluation metrics), and make informed decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Instructional Design Software: Proficiency with authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar.

• LMS Administration/Integration: Understanding of Learning Management System (LMS) functionalities and how to integrate learning solutions.

• Accessibility & Inclusion Design: Expertise in incorporating accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability principles into learning design.

• Change Management: Experience in managing the change associated with introducing new learning programs and methodologies.

• PwC Business Context: A strong understanding of PwC's service offerings, strategy, business priorities, and global operating context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Optional Skills" list from the raw data (e.g., Accepting Feedback, Active Listening, Adult Learning Theories, Analytical Thinking, Career Training, Coaching and Feedback, Communication, Content Curation, Content Strategy, Contract Management, Creativity, Curriculum Development, Data Reporting, Design Thinking, Developing Presentations, Developing Training Materials, E-Learning Development, Embracing Change, Emotional Regulation, Empathy, Event Set Up, Executive Education, Facilitated Discussions, Facilitate Training Sessions) are all highly relevant and should be considered as core competencies for this role, rather than optional. The "Manager" level and the nature of consulting within PwC necessitate these skills for effective operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Learning Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 robust case studies detailing the end-to-end process of designing and developing learning programs, from initial needs analysis to outcome evaluation.

• Demonstrated Impact: Quantify the impact of learning solutions through metrics related to learner engagement, knowledge retention, skill application, and business results (e.g., efficiency gains, improved performance, ROI).

• Content Samples: Include examples of learning materials developed, such as facilitator guides, participant workbooks, e-learning modules, job aids, or assessment tools, highlighting innovative approaches and user-centric design.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Illustrate how you have successfully managed complex stakeholder relationships and translated their input into effective learning designs.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Analysis & Objective Setting: Document your approach to conducting learning needs analyses and translating business requirements into measurable learning objectives.

• Design & Development Workflow: Outline your typical workflow for designing and developing learning interventions, including any specific methodologies or tools used.

• Evaluation & Iteration: Provide examples of how you have designed and implemented programme-level evaluation metrics and used feedback to iterate and improve learning solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, a portfolio is crucial. It serves as tangible evidence of their ability to execute the core responsibilities. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured, repeatable process for learning design that yields measurable results, aligning with operational efficiency and effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the "Manager" level experience (estimated 5-10 years) and the location in Manchester, UK, a competitive salary range for a Design Consultant in a professional services firm like PwC would likely fall between £55,000 to £75,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major UK cities, considering the fixed-term nature of the contract and the specialized skills required.

• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for "Learning Design Manager," "Instructional Design Consultant," and "Training Manager" roles in the UK professional services sector, cross-referenced with cost-of-living data for Manchester. PwC's reputation and the specific demands of the role justify a position within the mid-to-upper range for this level.

Benefits:

• Empowered Flexibility: A hybrid working model allowing for a mix of office, home, and client site work, promoting work-life balance.

• Private Medical Cover: Comprehensive private medical insurance for employees.

• 24/7 Virtual GP Access: Immediate access to qualified virtual general practitioners for convenient healthcare consultations.

• Six Volunteering Days: Paid time off for engaging in volunteer activities, supporting community involvement.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution towards a pension plan to support long-term financial security.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and skill enhancement relevant to the role and career progression.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, as indicated. The role's hybrid nature and the nature of consulting may involve some flexibility, but core working hours will be expected, aligning with team collaboration needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for similar roles in the UK professional services sector. The specified benefits are directly sourced from the job description and are highly attractive for operations professionals seeking a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting (specifically within Internal Firm Services)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (PwC is a global leader with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This scale means robust processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse project involvement.

Founded: PwC traces its origins back to 1849, signifying a long-standing history of expertise and market presence.

Team Structure:

• TD&C CoE: This Design Consultant role sits within the Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE). This implies a specialized, dedicated team focused on optimizing the firm's human capital through development and coaching.

• Reporting: The role is at a "Manager" level, suggesting it likely reports to a senior leader within the TD&C CoE, such as a Portfolio Strategy Leader or Head of Learning Design.

• Collaboration: Expect close collaboration with other learning design professionals, learning implementation teams, event delivery teams, subject matter experts (SMEs) across various PwC service lines, and potentially external vendors. The culture emphasizes cross-functional teamwork to achieve business objectives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on "programme-level evaluation metrics" and "measurable learning outcomes" indicates a strong reliance on data analysis to inform design decisions and demonstrate effectiveness.

• Agile/Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of consulting and the need to adapt to evolving business needs suggests an agile or iterative approach to learning design, incorporating feedback loops.

• Best Practice Integration: The role requires staying abreast of and applying "best practice" in learning design, digital learning technologies, and adult learning principles.

Company Website: https://www.pwc.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PwC's position as a Big Four professional services firm is key. The "Internal Firm Services" function is critical for enabling the consulting arms. The TD&C CoE operates like a specialized internal consultancy, providing learning solutions to the business. The hybrid model and multiple office locations underscore a national operational footprint.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Manager (Design Consultant)

This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the operations of talent development. It requires a blend of technical expertise in learning design, strategic thinking to align solutions with business goals, and leadership capabilities to guide junior team members and manage stakeholders. The scope involves end-to-end responsibility for designing learning interventions that have a tangible impact on individual and organizational performance.

Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a senior leader within the TD&C CoE, such as a Portfolio Strategy Leader.

• Will be responsible for guiding and potentially supervising junior designers, creating a leadership dynamic within the team.

Operations Impact:

• The Design Consultant directly impacts the firm's ability to upskill its workforce, adapt to market changes, and maintain a competitive edge through talent development.

• Effective learning solutions contribute to employee retention, performance improvement, and the successful delivery of client services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of learning design, such as digital learning, gamification, AI in learning, or specific industry learning needs.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress to Senior Design Consultant, Portfolio Strategy Leader, or Head of Learning Design roles within the TD&C CoE or other IFS functions.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into broader HR, talent management, or organizational development roles within PwC.

• Project Leadership: Lead larger, more complex learning design projects and initiatives, potentially involving international teams.

• External Recognition: Contribute to industry best practices through publications, conference presentations, or awards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" level and the "12 month FTC" nature suggest this role is ideal for experienced professionals looking to make a significant impact on a defined project or to gain specific experience within a leading professional services firm. The growth opportunities are substantial within a large organization like PwC.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (mix of office, home, and client site)

This indicates a modern, flexible work environment designed to balance individual productivity with collaborative needs. The office locations (Manchester, Leeds, Watford, Belfast, Newcastle-upon-Tyne) suggest a national presence, allowing for regional team hubs.

Office Location(s):

• Primary: Manchester - 1 Hardman Square.

• Flexible: Leeds, Watford, Belfast, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: PwC offices typically feature a range of collaboration zones, meeting rooms, and quiet areas to support diverse working styles and project needs.

• Technology-Enabled: Expect access to modern IT infrastructure, high-speed internet, video conferencing facilities, and relevant software for design and communication.

• Professional Services Atmosphere: The environment will be professional, dynamic, and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on client service and internal collaboration. Interaction with colleagues will be frequent, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with a focus on output and results rather than strict adherence to hours. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how and where work is performed, provided business needs and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. For operations roles, this implies a need for strong self-management, digital collaboration tools proficiency, and the ability to adapt work location based on project demands and team needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, motivation, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Portfolio Strategy Leader) to delve deeper into experience, skills, and suitability for the role and team. This will focus on operational experience and leadership capabilities.

• Design/Technical Assessment: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from their portfolio. This is a critical stage to evaluate practical skills in learning design and problem-solving.

• Panel Interview/Final Round: A session with a panel that could include senior team members, peers, or stakeholders from other departments. This assesses broader collaboration, strategic thinking, and alignment with PwC's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful learning design projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to the job description (e.g., digital learning, complex stakeholder management, business-aligned outcomes).

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The business challenge or learning need.
  • Your role and responsibilities.
  • The design process and methodologies used.
  • Key decisions and challenges faced.
  • The learning solution developed (show examples if possible).
  • Measurable outcomes and impact (quantify wherever possible).
  • Lessons learned.

• Highlight Innovation & Efficiency: Emphasize any innovative approaches used, technologies leveraged, or elements that contributed to efficiency in the design or delivery process.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, articulate your design philosophy, and answer questions about your process, decisions, and the results achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Tasks: Be prepared for a scenario-based task requiring you to outline a learning solution for a given business problem. Focus on your methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, and how you'd measure success.

• Understand PwC's Context: Research PwC's service lines, strategic priorities, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate an understanding of their business environment.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare for questions assessing your leadership, collaboration, resilience, and problem-solving skills, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a consultancy role within a firm like PwC will be rigorous. The portfolio review is paramount, requiring candidates to not just present their work but to articulate the strategic thinking and operational execution behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Authoring Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Rise 360, or similar is highly expected for creating digital learning content.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating engaging presentations and training materials.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication, file sharing, and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Familiarity with LMS platforms (e.g., Cornerstone OnDemand, Workday Learning, Moodle) for deploying and tracking learning.

• Evaluation Tools: Experience with survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics) for collecting learner feedback and programme evaluation data.

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic skills in Excel for data analysis and reporting on learning metrics. More advanced analytics tools may be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning integrates with broader HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems) or talent management platforms is advantageous.

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira) could be beneficial for managing design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for a learning design consultant is focused on content creation, delivery, and evaluation. While direct CRM or sales operations tools are not primary, an understanding of how learning data integrates with broader business systems is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful learning solutions that meet rigorous professional standards.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance learning experiences.

• Client Focus: Understanding and prioritizing the needs of internal clients (PwC service lines and individuals) to deliver relevant and effective development.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding PwC's core values of acting with integrity and building trust in all interactions.

• Inclusion & Diversity: Embedding principles of accessibility, inclusion, and diversity into all learning designs.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Works closely with business leaders and SMEs to co-create solutions.

• Open Communication: Encourages candid feedback and open dialogue to refine designs and improve processes.

• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeks out opportunities to collaborate and contribute to broader talent development initiatives.

• Mentorship Driven: Senior members actively mentor and support junior colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture is deeply rooted in its professional services ethos. For operations roles within IFS, this translates to a high-performance, collaborative, and client-centric environment where continuous improvement and ethical conduct are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Designing learning solutions that cater to the varied needs and learning preferences of a large, diverse workforce across different service lines.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the ROI and business impact of learning interventions can be complex and requires robust evaluation strategies.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Rapid advancements in learning technologies and methodologies require continuous learning and adaptation.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing expectations and securing buy-in from multiple stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.

• Fixed-Term Contract Constraints: Delivering significant value and impact within a 12-month timeframe requires efficient planning and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to training and resources to master cutting-edge learning design methodologies, including AI-driven learning, immersive technologies (VR/AR), and advanced instructional design principles.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone leadership, project management, and stakeholder management skills through PwC's internal development programs.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications in learning design, instructional technology, or project management.

• Networking: Extensive opportunities to network with professionals across PwC's global network, fostering knowledge exchange and potential future career paths.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of learning initiatives for different PwC business units, providing broad exposure to various business challenges and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in large, dynamic organizations. The growth opportunities are a significant draw, offering structured pathways for professional development within a leading global firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex learning design project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure learning solutions are aligned with business strategy and deliver measurable outcomes?" (Discuss your needs analysis, objective setting, and evaluation methodologies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PwC's approach to talent development and learning?" (Research their corporate responsibility, internal initiatives, and any public statements on learning).

• "How do you foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment?" (Highlight your experience with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative, highlighting the journey from problem to solution and impact.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work. Instead of "improved engagement," say "increased learner engagement by 25%."

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices and how they addressed specific business needs or learner challenges.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making for each project.

• Showcase Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you adapted designs based on feedback or changing circumstances.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and the ability to thrive in a professional services environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the PwC careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV prominently features keywords related to learning design, instructional design, curriculum development, stakeholder management, project management, and digital learning. Highlight achievements with quantifiable results.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 2-3 learning design projects that align with the responsibilities outlined. Prepare a clear, structured presentation for each, focusing on process, impact, and your role.

• Research PwC: Understand PwC's business, values, and current strategic priorities. Familiarize yourself with their approach to talent development and learning.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse walking through your portfolio and answering common interview questions, particularly behavioral and scenario-based ones, using the STAR method.

⚠️ 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.

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