Design Consultant - 12 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - 12 month FTC

Company: Pwc UK

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time, Temporary

Category: Learning & Development Operations / Talent Development Consulting

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement innovative learning and development (L&D) programs to align with strategic business priorities and individual growth needs within a large professional services firm.

• Curate and author high-quality learning content, leveraging subject matter experts (SMEs) and external suppliers to ensure program effectiveness and adherence to PwC's standards.

• Drive measurable learning outcomes by collaborating with implementation teams, facilitating workshops, and analyzing evaluation metrics to continuously improve program delivery.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and capability enhancement through coaching junior designers, managing stakeholder relationships, and promoting knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Design Consultant," falls squarely within the domain of Learning & Development Operations and Talent Development, focusing on the strategic design, development, and delivery of learning solutions. The "12 month FTC" (Fixed-Term Contract) indicates a project-based need, likely for a significant L&D initiative or a period of high demand. The emphasis on "TD&C CoE" (Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence) signifies a structured, professionalized approach to L&D within PwC, requiring operations-level rigor and process adherence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate overarching business goals and strategic priorities into clear, actionable learning objectives and design frameworks for new and existing development programs.

• Develop and curate engaging learning content across various modalities (face-to-face, digital, blended), ensuring accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental considerations are integrated.

• Collaborate closely with Learning Implementation & Reporting teams and Event Delivery teams to ensure seamless program execution and effective participant experiences.

• Facilitate design workshops with SMEs and business leaders to gather requirements, co-create solutions, and ensure alignment with business needs.

• Brief, train, and support facilitators to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery of learning interventions.

• Design and implement robust program-level evaluation strategies, including the analysis of key metrics to assess learning effectiveness, impact, and ROI.

• Conduct quality assurance reviews of learning content developed by peers and junior designers, providing constructive feedback to maintain consistency and alignment with learning objectives.

• Act as a coach and mentor for junior L&D designers, guiding them through design processes and fostering their professional development.

• Manage and nurture relationships with key internal stakeholders (e.g., business leaders, SMEs) and external suppliers to ensure successful program development and delivery.

• Support project management activities for L&D initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and effective resource allocation.

• Stay abreast of emerging learning technologies, methodologies, and industry best practices to drive innovation and enhance the effectiveness of PwC's development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design, operational execution, and people development, characteristic of a senior L&D role in a large, structured organization like PwC. The emphasis on "S&I processes" (likely "Strategy & Implementation" or similar internal PwC methodology) suggests a need for candidates familiar with structured project and program management frameworks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, with a significant focus on learning design, curriculum development, and program implementation within a corporate or consulting environment.

• Proven track record of designing and delivering impactful learning solutions across multiple formats (e.g., instructor-led, e-learning, virtual classrooms, blended learning).

Required Skills:

• Learning Design Methodologies: Deep understanding and practical application of adult learning principles (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, Bloom's Taxonomy) and modern instructional design techniques.

• Content Curation & Authoring: Ability to critically evaluate existing content and develop new, engaging materials (e.g., facilitator guides, participant workbooks, e-learning modules, job aids).

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills to effectively engage with senior leaders, SMEs, and cross-functional teams.

• Project Management: Proficiency in managing L&D projects, including scope definition, timeline management, resource allocation, risk assessment, and reporting.

• Digital Learning Technologies: Solid knowledge and practical experience with various digital learning tools, platforms (LMS/LXP), and authoring software (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia).

• Facilitation & Workshop Leadership: Ability to design and facilitate effective workshops, design sprints, and training sessions for both SMEs and facilitators.

• Evaluation & Analytics: Experience in designing and implementing evaluation strategies (e.g., Kirkpatrick Model) and analyzing learning metrics to demonstrate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

• Coaching & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to guide and develop junior team members.

Preferred Skills:

• PwC Service Offerings & Strategy: A strong understanding of PwC's business, service lines, strategic priorities, and global operating context.

• Accessibility & Inclusion Design: Expertise in designing learning solutions that are accessible to all learners, incorporating principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

• Sustainability & Environmental Considerations: Familiarity with integrating these themes into learning content and program design.

• Agile Learning Design: Experience with agile methodologies applied to L&D projects.

• Change Management Principles: Understanding of how to design learning to support organizational change initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level, combined with the responsibilities and the "CoE" context, suggests this is a senior-level consulting role within L&D, requiring not just execution but also strategic input and leadership. The emphasis on PwC's context implies that internal candidates or those with experience in similar large professional services firms will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Learning Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design and development process for impactful learning programs. Each case study should clearly articulate the business problem, learning objectives, target audience, design approach, methodologies used, content creation process, and delivery methods.

• Metrics & Impact Demonstration: For each case study, provide concrete examples of how learning outcomes were measured, including specific evaluation metrics, data analysis, and demonstrated impact on individual performance, team capabilities, or business results. Quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, skill improvement percentages, ROI) are highly valued.

• Technology & Tool Proficiency: Include examples of learning materials created using various authoring tools and digital platforms, showcasing versatility and technical skill. Briefly describe your role and contributions in projects involving learning technologies.

• Process Improvement Examples: Highlight instances where you identified inefficiencies in existing L&D processes or learning solutions and implemented improvements, detailing the problem, solution, and outcome.

Process Documentation:

• Design Frameworks: Provide examples of design frameworks, templates, or process maps you have developed or utilized for structuring learning design projects.

• Content Development Workflows: Illustrate your process for content creation, including SME engagement, review cycles, quality assurance, and version control.

• Evaluation Plan Samples: Include templates or examples of learning evaluation plans, outlining data collection methods, metrics, and reporting formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, a robust portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just showcasing finished products and demonstrate a deep understanding of the design process, strategic alignment, and the ability to measure and articulate impact. The focus should be on the how and why behind the design choices, not just the what.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Empowered Flexibility: Hybrid working model allowing for a balance between office, home, and client site.

• Private Medical Cover: Comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees.

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

• Volunteering Days: Six paid days per year dedicated to volunteering activities, supporting community engagement.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution towards retirement savings.

• Life Assurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning, aligning with career growth.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model, offering flexibility in scheduling and location, though specific days in the office or at client sites may be required based on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a 12-month FTC in Manchester. Actual compensation could vary based on the candidate's specific experience, negotiation, and the exact duration/scope of the contract. The benefits listed are directly from the provided text and are standard for large professional services firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting (specifically focused on Human Capital, Talent, and Business Transformation). PwC operates globally, providing assurance, tax, and advisory services. The Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE) is a specialized internal function supporting these core services.

Company Size: PwC UK is a large organization, part of the global PwC network, employing thousands of individuals across various service lines and functions. This scale means structured processes, significant resources, and a diverse employee base.

Founded: PwC was formed in 1998 through the merger of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse. The firm has a long history and established reputation in professional services.

Team Structure:

• The TD&C CoE is a "Centre of Excellence" (CoE), suggesting a centralized, expert function that supports business units across the firm.

• The Design Teams within the CoE likely consist of specialized roles such as Design Consultants, Instructional Designers, Content Developers, and potentially L&D Project Managers.

• Reporting lines would typically be within the TD&C CoE structure, potentially reporting to a Portfolio Strategy Leader or Head of Design.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating business goals into clear learning objectives and using evaluation metrics to measure impact and drive continuous improvement.

• Agile & Iterative Design: While not explicitly stated, modern L&D often employs agile principles for faster development cycles and adaptability.

• Collaborative Approach: Heavy reliance on SME input, workshop facilitation, and cross-functional teamwork to ensure relevance and buy-in.

• Quality Assurance: Structured processes for reviewing content and ensuring consistency across programs.

• Holistic Program Design: Integration of key themes like accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability into all learning solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PwC's structure as a large, matrixed professional services firm is crucial. The TD&C CoE functions as an internal consultancy for L&D, requiring consultants to be adept at navigating complex organizational dynamics, managing diverse stakeholders, and delivering professional-grade solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level Design Consultant role within the L&D operations domain. It requires significant experience in learning design and program management, with responsibilities extending to coaching junior staff and influencing stakeholders. It sits above junior designer roles but may report into more senior L&D leadership positions.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a Portfolio Strategy Leader team within the TD&C CoE. This indicates a structured hierarchy where strategic direction is provided from above, and execution and design expertise are delivered at this level.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to enhancing the capabilities and performance of PwC's employees. Effective learning programs contribute to business objectives, client service delivery, employee retention, and the firm's overall competitiveness. This role operationalizes the firm's talent development strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in specific areas of learning design, such as digital learning, leadership development, or technical training design.

• Leadership: Progression to roles such as Senior Design Consultant, Lead L&D Designer, Portfolio Strategy Leader, or Head of Design within the TD&C CoE.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into broader HR roles, business transformation consulting, or project management within PwC, leveraging the transferable skills gained.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in emerging L&D technologies, methodologies, and business acumen through PwC's internal development programs and external training.

• Project Leadership: Taking on leadership of larger, more complex L&D projects or initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a 12-month FTC, the "growth" aspect is more about skill acquisition and project experience gained during the contract rather than a guaranteed long-term career path within PwC, unless the contract is extended or converted. However, the experience gained in such a reputable organization is highly valuable for future career opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role involves a blend of working from a PwC office location (Manchester), remotely from home, and potentially at client sites. The office environment is designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, hot-desking facilities, and shared workspaces.

Office Location(s): Manchester, United Kingdom (specific office address: M1 3ED). This location is a major business hub, offering good connectivity and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are equipped with modern meeting rooms and informal collaboration areas to foster teamwork and idea-sharing among design teams and business stakeholders.

• Technology & Tools: Access to PwC's internal IT infrastructure, including standard office software, collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams), and potentially specialized L&D design software and hardware.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with L&D colleagues, SMEs, and business leaders through scheduled meetings, workshops, and informal discussions, both in-person and virtually.

Work Schedule: The standard working week is approximately 40 hours. The hybrid model offers flexibility, but core working hours and attendance at key meetings or workshops will be expected. The nature of consulting may require adaptability to project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work is a key feature. While providing flexibility, it also requires strong self-management, proactive communication, and the ability to effectively collaborate across different locations and working modes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and potentially a brief call with an HR or recruitment specialist to assess basic qualifications and suitability.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Portfolio Strategy Leader or Head of Design) focusing on your experience, skills, and fit for the role and team. This may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage will involve presenting a selection of your work from your portfolio. You may be asked to walk through a specific case study, explaining your design process, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the impact achieved.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: You might meet with other members of the TD&C CoE or key stakeholders you would be collaborating with. This assesses team fit, collaboration style, and ability to engage with different audiences.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion, potentially with a more senior leader, before an offer is extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best showcase your skills in learning design, content development, stakeholder management, and impact measurement. Tailor the selection to the requirements of this specific role.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the business problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes. Use a consistent structure (e.g., STAR method for behavioral aspects, problem-solution-result for projects).

• Showcase Impact: Quantify results wherever possible. Use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your learning solutions. Focus on how your work contributed to business objectives.

• Highlight Process: Explain your design thinking, the methodologies you employed, and why you made specific choices. This demonstrates your strategic approach and understanding of learning theory.

• Be Concise and Clear: Prepare concise talking points for each project. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your contributions and decision-making.

• Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss the tools and technologies you used and how they enhanced the learning experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions asking how you would approach specific design challenges, handle difficult stakeholders, or improve a struggling learning program.

• PwC Context: Research PwC's current strategic priorities, service offerings, and any publicly available information on their talent development initiatives. Frame your answers to align with their business context.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your ability to articulate your design process and demonstrate tangible results. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is essential for success in this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Authoring Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard e-learning authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar platforms for creating interactive digital learning content.

• Design & Collaboration Software: Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), video editing software (e.g., Camtasia, Premiere Pro), and general collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Miro).

• Learning Management Systems (LMS) / Learning Experience Platforms (LXP): Familiarity with platforms like Workday Learning, Cornerstone OnDemand, Degreed, or similar systems for content deployment, tracking, and reporting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to use Excel for data analysis and potentially BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for creating dashboards and visualizing learning metrics.

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or internal survey platforms to gather learner feedback and evaluation data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning data integrates with HRIS or talent management systems (like Workday) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles within L&D processes (e.g., automated enrollment, notification systems) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for expertise in common L&D technologies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with a range of authoring tools, LMS/LXP platforms, and data analysis methods relevant to learning evaluation.

👥 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, cross-functional partnerships, and leveraging collective expertise to achieve shared goals.

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

• Impact: A focus on driving measurable business results and demonstrating the value of L&D initiatives.

• Inclusion & Diversity: Commitment to creating learning environments and content that are accessible, equitable, and respectful of all individuals.

• Professionalism: Upholding PwC's values of integrity, quality, and client focus in all aspects of work.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Working closely with business leaders and SMEs as strategic partners to understand needs and co-create solutions.

• Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication regarding project status, challenges, and outcomes.

• Feedback-Driven: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement within the team and for the learning solutions themselves.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture generally emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to quality. Within the TD&C CoE, this translates to a highly professional, results-oriented, and collaborative environment focused on enabling the firm's talent strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Managing a diverse portfolio of L&D projects simultaneously with competing deadlines and stakeholder priorities.

• Translating Complex Business Needs: Effectively translating intricate business strategies and technical information into clear, accessible learning content.

• Driving Adoption of New Technologies: Encouraging the use and integration of new learning technologies and methodologies within a large, established organization.

• Measuring Impact in a Consulting Environment: Demonstrating the ROI and tangible business impact of L&D initiatives in a complex, service-based industry.

• Adapting to Evolving Business Needs: Staying agile and responsive to the rapidly changing strategic priorities and skill requirements within PwC and its client base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications in specialized areas of instructional design, learning technologies, or L&D project management.

• Exposure to Diverse Business Areas: Working across different service lines within PwC provides broad exposure to various business challenges and learning needs.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to PwC's internal leadership training and development pathways, preparing individuals for future management roles.

• Industry Conferences & Networks: Potential to attend L&D industry conferences and join professional networks to stay current with trends and best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior L&D professionals or business leaders within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior L&D consultant role in a large professional services firm, requiring strong organizational skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are significant, offering paths for specialization, leadership, and broad professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business strategy into a learning program. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic alignment, design process, and impact measurement).

• "How do you ensure learning solutions are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable? Provide specific examples of how you've integrated these considerations into your designs." (Demonstrate understanding of modern L&D principles).

• "Imagine a key stakeholder is resistant to a proposed learning solution. How would you approach this situation to gain their buy-in?" (Assess stakeholder management and influencing skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PwC's strategic priorities, and how do you see the TD&C CoE contributing to them?" (Show research and understanding of the firm's context).

• "How do you approach collaboration with subject matter experts who may have different priorities or communication styles?" (Assess teamwork and SME management skills).

• "Describe your experience working in a Centre of Excellence model. What are the advantages and challenges?" (Understand your experience with structured L&D functions).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your skills in design, delivery, and impact. Prioritize projects with clear business objectives and measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each project, craft a narrative that clearly outlines the problem, your role, the design solutions, the challenges overcome, and the positive outcomes. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices, methodologies, and tools used. Demonstrate your strategic thinking.

• Quantify Success: Be ready to present specific data and metrics that showcase the effectiveness and ROI of your learning interventions.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your contributions, decision-making processes, and how you handled specific situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical L&D skills but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to operate effectively within a large, professional services environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful learning design projects. Ensure each project clearly outlines the business problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process and methodologies employed, the solutions developed (including content samples if possible), and crucially, the measurable outcomes and business impact.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight keywords and responsibilities from the job description, such as "learning design," "content curation," "stakeholder engagement," "project management," "digital learning," and "evaluation metrics." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed and delivered a program that improved X metric by Y%").

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio projects concisely, focusing on the narrative arc of problem, solution, and impact. Be ready to discuss your design choices and answer detailed questions about your experience.

• Research PwC: Familiarize yourself with PwC's service offerings, strategic priorities, and company values. Understand how the TD&C CoE contributes to the firm's overall success.

⚠️ 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.