Design Consultant - 18 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - 18 month FTC

Company: PwC

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom (with potential for hybrid work across other UK locations: Bradford, Belfast, Bristol, Cambridge)

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (18-month Fixed-Term Contract)

Category: Learning & Development Design / Internal Firm Services

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: Manager (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and delivery of innovative learning programmes that align with PwC's strategic priorities and business needs, leveraging both digital and face-to-face formats.

• Collaborate extensively with subject matter experts (SMEs), suppliers, and internal teams to curate and author high-quality learning content, ensuring its effectiveness and alignment with learning objectives.

• Drive measurable learning outcomes by implementing robust evaluation metrics and facilitating workshops for facilitators, thereby enhancing program delivery.

• Foster team growth and collaboration by coaching junior designers, managing stakeholder relationships, and championing knowledge sharing and innovation within the Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE).

• Apply a strong understanding of PwC's service offerings, strategy, and operating context to translate business goals into actionable learning interventions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within PwC's Internal Firm Services (IFS) department, specifically within the Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE). The "Design Consultant" title, combined with a Manager level and 18-month FTC, suggests a focus on project-based learning solution development and implementation, rather than ongoing operational management. The emphasis on "curating and authoring content," "influencing," and "coaching junior designers" indicates a hands-on, strategic, and leadership-oriented role within the L&D function. The hybrid work arrangement and specific location options are key aspects for candidates to consider.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deliver impactful learning programmes, incorporating content curation, SME engagement, and supplier management in accordance with PwC's Service & Implementation (S&I) processes.

• Integrate critical considerations such as accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental impact into all learning solutions.

• Collaborate with Learning Implementation & Reporting and Event Delivery teams to ensure effective program execution and track measurable learning outcomes through robust evaluation metrics.

• Conduct design workshops, brief and train facilitators, and ensure learning objectives are consistently met across all delivered programs.

• Review content developed by peers and junior designers, maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, and alignment with business objectives, while actively challenging learning effectiveness.

• Provide coaching and mentorship to junior designers, fostering their professional development and capability within the TD&C CoE.

• Manage and nurture relationships with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to ensure alignment and successful program development.

• Contribute to project management activities, demonstrating resilience and professionalism in delivering outcomes under pressure within a dynamic and evolving landscape.

• Champion knowledge sharing and the adoption of innovative learning approaches and technologies to enhance the learning experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and practical execution. The inclusion of "accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental considerations" is a contemporary and crucial aspect of modern L&D design, indicating PwC's commitment to holistic development. The emphasis on reviewing work from peers and junior designers suggests a senior-level responsibility for quality assurance and mentorship.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: A degree or equivalent professional experience is implied for a Manager-level role. Specific fields of study are not specified, suggesting a broad range of academic backgrounds may be considered.

• Preferred: Degrees in Learning & Development, Education, Human Resources, Psychology, Business Administration, or related fields would be advantageous.

Experience:

• Required: 5-10 years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, with a significant focus on learning design and development. Proven experience in a Managerial or senior consultant capacity is essential for this role.

• Preferred: Experience within a large professional services firm or a similar complex, matrixed organization.

Required Skills:

• Proven capability to design, develop, and deliver high-quality, innovative learning solutions across both face-to-face and digital formats.

• Strong understanding of PwC’s service offerings, strategy, business priorities, and global operating context.

• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate confidently in written and verbal contexts.

• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, work collaboratively, and lead, coach, and develop self and others within a team environment.

• Resilience and professionalism in managing projects, assimilating complex information, and delivering outcomes under pressure in an ambiguous and changing landscape.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience with content curation and authoring tools.

• Familiarity with learning analytics and program evaluation frameworks.

• A strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM).

• Experience in coaching and mentoring junior team members.

• Project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is beneficial.

• Proficiency in accessibility standards for learning content (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" level designation, coupled with the 5-10 year experience estimate, implies a need for demonstrable leadership and strategic thinking. The required skills are heavily weighted towards practical execution and interpersonal abilities, while preferred skills point towards specialized L&D technologies and methodologies that would set a candidate apart.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Learning Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating your ability to translate business needs into effective learning solutions. Each case study should detail the problem, your design approach, the methodologies used, the solutions implemented (digital, blended, or face-to-face), and the quantifiable impact or outcomes achieved.

• Content Samples: Include examples of learning materials you have designed or curated, such as facilitator guides, participant workbooks, e-learning modules (screenshots or links), job aids, or performance support tools.

• Stakeholder Management Examples: Briefly describe a situation where you successfully managed challenging stakeholder expectations or influenced senior leaders regarding a learning initiative.

• Process Improvement Documentation: If applicable, include an example of how you have improved a learning design or delivery process, highlighting the methodology and results.

• Metrics & Evaluation: Provide examples of how you have measured the effectiveness of learning programs, detailing the metrics used and the insights gained.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of end-to-end learning program lifecycle, from needs analysis and design to delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Articulate experience in following structured design processes (e.g., S&I processes at PwC) and adapting them to specific project requirements.

• Show familiarity with documenting learning objectives, design specifications, content outlines, and evaluation plans.

• Highlight experience in managing project timelines, resources, and deliverables within a defined process framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to clearly exhibit the candidate's ability to not just design, but also to deliver demonstrable results and manage complex projects, aligning with PwC's structured approach. The emphasis should be on showcasing impact and a systematic, professional approach to learning design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Manager level, 5-10 years of experience, and a UK location (Birmingham), a competitive salary range for a Design Consultant on an 18-month FTC with PwC is estimated to be between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Empowered Flexibility: A flexible working model combining office, home, and client site arrangements.

• Private Medical Cover: Comprehensive private healthcare coverage.

• Virtual GP Access: 24/7 access to a qualified virtual GP 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 dependents.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement, relevant to career growth.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role in the UK. However, the "empowered flexibility" benefit suggests a focus on output and results rather than strict adherence to hours, allowing for some autonomy in managing the workday, in line with project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK within large consulting firms. The fixed-term nature of the contract is a key factor, often allowing for a slightly higher rate than permanent positions. The benefits provided are standard for a large firm like PwC and are attractive for professionals seeking comprehensive support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting. PwC operates across assurance, advisory, and tax services, serving a broad range of industries including financial services, public sector, technology, and consumer markets.

Company Size: PwC is one of the "Big Four" accounting and professional services firms, employing over 325,000 people globally and over 22,000 in the UK. This large scale indicates a structured, professional environment with extensive resources and opportunities.

Founded: PwC was formed in 1998 through a merger of Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand. Its legacy firms date back much further, signifying a long-standing tradition of expertise and client service.

Team Structure:

• The Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE) is part of Internal Firm Services (IFS), which supports the firm's operations.

• The Design Teams within the TD&C CoE likely consist of specialists in learning design, content creation, and digital learning, working closely with Portfolio Strategy Leaders.

• This role involves collaboration with Learning Implementation & Reporting teams, Event Delivery teams, subject matter experts (SMEs) across various business lines, and potentially external suppliers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes translating business goals into clear learning objectives and measuring outcomes through evaluation metrics.

• Collaborative Development: Relies on close partnerships with SMEs, business leaders, and internal delivery teams.

• Innovation & Technology Integration: Actively seeks to incorporate new approaches and technologies to enhance learning effectiveness.

• Quality Assurance: Implements review processes to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment across all learning solutions.

• Holistic Approach: Integrates considerations for accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental impact into program design.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture is generally characterized by professionalism, collaboration, and a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and client service. Within IFS and the TD&C CoE, the focus will be on enabling the firm's people to deliver exceptional client outcomes. The scale of PwC means that processes are often well-defined, but there's also a drive for innovation and continuous improvement, especially in areas like learning and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Manager-level position within the TD&C CoE, indicating a significant level of responsibility. It implies a role focused on leading specific learning design projects, influencing design strategy, and mentoring junior colleagues. This is a step beyond individual contribution, requiring strategic thinking and leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant will likely report to a Portfolio Strategy Leader or Head of Learning Design within the TD&C CoE. They will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including SMEs, implementation specialists, and potentially other design consultants.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the development and upskilling of PwC's workforce. By designing and delivering effective learning programs, the Design Consultant directly contributes to:

• Enhancing the capabilities of PwC's professionals to serve clients better.

• Supporting the firm's strategic priorities by developing talent in key areas.

• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

• Improving employee engagement and retention through high-quality development opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of learning design, such as digital learning, instructional design technologies, or specific learning methodologies.

• Leadership: Transition into more senior leadership roles within the TD&C CoE, such as Senior Design Consultant, Portfolio Strategy Leader, or Head of Learning Design.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Leverage experience in L&D to move into broader HR roles, talent management, or even business advisory roles where learning and development strategy is a key component.

• Project Management: Develop advanced project management skills through leading complex learning initiatives.

• Mentorship: Gain experience in coaching and developing other professionals, a key leadership competency.

• Contract Extension/Permanent Role: Depending on performance and business needs, there may be an opportunity for contract extension or conversion to a permanent position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 18-month FTC nature of this role is significant. While it offers a substantial opportunity to lead impactful projects and gain experience, candidates should be aware of the contract duration. The growth opportunities listed are typical for a large organization like PwC, allowing for vertical and horizontal career progression within the L&D and HR functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as Hybrid. PwC offers a combination of office-based work, remote work from home, and client site visits. The primary office location for this role is Birmingham, but flexibility is implied across other listed UK locations.

Office Location(s): Birmingham - Chamberlain Square is the primary listed location. Other potential locations include Bradford, Belfast, Bristol, and Cambridge, suggesting a broad reach for talent acquisition within the UK.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: PwC offices typically offer modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster teamwork and innovation, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and hot-desking facilities.

• Technology Enabled: Access to PwC's robust IT infrastructure, including high-speed internet, video conferencing tools, and relevant software for design and collaboration.

• Professional Atmosphere: A dynamic and professional environment where interaction with colleagues, SMEs, and potentially clients is common. The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative engagement in the office or at client sites.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), but the "empowered flexibility" suggests a focus on achieving objectives and delivering results rather than a rigid 9-to-5 schedule. This allows for adaptation to project deadlines and personal needs, within the bounds of team collaboration and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key selling point. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding office attendance days and the balance between remote and in-person work, especially concerning collaboration with local teams in Birmingham versus other PwC locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes. Candidates may be asked to provide initial information or complete a brief online assessment.

• First Interview: Typically a behavioral and competency-based interview, focusing on the required skills and experience. This might be conducted by the hiring manager or a senior team member. Be prepared to discuss your experience with learning design, stakeholder management, and leadership.

• Case Study / Presentation: Candidates will likely be given a design challenge or asked to present a portfolio piece. This assesses practical skills in learning design, problem-solving, and communication. Prepare to articulate your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a more senior leader within IFS or the TD&C CoE to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill demonstrated.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the design process (including methodology and tools used), the solution, and the measurable outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your responses.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness and ROI of your learning solutions.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples of diverse learning formats (e.g., e-learning, workshops, blended programs) and target audiences.

• Professional Polish: Ensure your portfolio is well-designed, error-free, and reflects your attention to detail and professional standards. For this role, showcasing an understanding of accessibility, inclusion, and sustainability in design is a plus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research PwC's current business strategy, service lines, and any recent L&D initiatives.

• Design Methodology: Be prepared to discuss your preferred learning design models and how you adapt them to different contexts.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach a hypothetical learning need for a specific PwC business area.

• Facilitation Skills: If a presentation is involved, practice your delivery, ensuring clarity, engagement, and conciseness.

• Stakeholder Communication: Be ready to discuss how you manage diverse stakeholder expectations and communicate complex design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and a potential design challenge underscores the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their work and thinking process, demonstrating not just theoretical knowledge but also practical application and strategic alignment with PwC's business objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Learning Management Systems (LMS): Familiarity with enterprise-level LMS platforms (e.g., Workday Learning, Cornerstone OnDemand, SAP SuccessFactors) for deployment and tracking.

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

• Content Curation Platforms: Experience with tools or strategies for curating and organizing learning content from various sources.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Slack, or similar for team communication, document sharing, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Learning Analytics Software: Experience with tools that track learner progress, engagement, and effectiveness.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or advanced Excel for reporting on learning metrics and demonstrating ROI.

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Experience with platforms for collecting and analyzing participant feedback (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning data integrates with broader HR systems (like HRIS) or CRM systems (for sales enablement content) can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools for streamlining L&D processes may be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role's requirements imply a need for strong digital learning design capabilities. Proficiency in common authoring tools and an understanding of LMS functionalities are essential. The ability to analyze learning data and present findings is also a key expectation for demonstrating impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, SMEs, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance learning experiences and drive efficiency.

• Integrity: Upholding PwC's ethical standards and professional conduct in all interactions and work.

• Inclusion & Diversity: Actively designing learning experiences that are accessible and inclusive for all individuals, reflecting PwC's commitment to diversity.

• Client Focus: Although an internal role, the ultimate aim is to enable PwC professionals to serve clients better; therefore, a client-centric mindset is crucial.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: This role requires seamless collaboration with various departments, including business units, HR, IT, and external vendors, to ensure learning solutions are aligned and effectively implemented.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and regular communication with stakeholders to manage expectations, provide updates, and gather feedback.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing best practices, and contributing to a learning culture within the TD&C CoE.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to peers and junior designers to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's values are deeply ingrained in its culture. For an IFS role, demonstrating alignment with these values, particularly collaboration, excellence, and integrity, will be critical. The ability to navigate a large, matrixed organization and foster positive working relationships is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Catering to a wide range of learning needs across different business lines and seniority levels within a large professional services firm.

• Pace of Change: Keeping learning solutions relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving business and technological landscape.

• Stakeholder Management: Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and securing buy-in for design recommendations.

• Measuring Impact: Demonstrating the tangible business impact and ROI of learning initiatives in a complex consulting environment.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Managing expectations and project scope effectively within the 18-month timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunity to hone skills in areas like user experience (UX) for learning, gamification, or advanced blended learning strategies.

• Leadership Development: Gaining experience in leading project teams, mentoring junior colleagues, and contributing to strategic L&D planning.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in learning technology, adult learning theory, and corporate L&D best practices.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network within PwC across various service lines and functions.

• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Contributing to high-profile learning projects that support PwC's overarching business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a large, dynamic consulting environment. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for those looking to advance their careers in L&D leadership or specialize in cutting-edge learning design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to translating a complex business objective into specific, measurable learning outcomes for a diverse audience."

• "How do you ensure that learning solutions are inclusive, accessible, and consider sustainability?"

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to influence a senior stakeholder who was resistant to your learning design proposal. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PwC's strategy and how might learning and development support it?"

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous learning within a team or organization?"

• "Describe a time you collaborated effectively with subject matter experts from different backgrounds. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the business challenge, your specific role, the design process, the chosen solution, and the measured impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Showcase Your Process: Be prepared to discuss why you made certain design choices, the methodologies you employed, and how you adapted your approach.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with SMEs, stakeholders, and delivery teams.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss any challenges encountered during design or delivery and how you addressed them.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, practical design skills, strong collaboration, and a results-oriented mindset. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful answers to situational questions will be critical for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your resume to highlight experience directly relevant to learning design, stakeholder management, project leadership, and coaching within a professional services or similar environment. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a concise and impactful portfolio showcasing 2-3 key learning design projects. Focus on demonstrating your process, the solutions you created, and the measurable impact. Ensure it aligns with the requirements mentioned in the "Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements" section.

• Research PwC: Understand PwC's core values, service offerings, current business strategy, and the role of Internal Firm Services. Familiarize yourself with their approach to talent development.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio pieces and answering common interview questions, particularly those related to design strategy, stakeholder management, and leadership.

⚠️ 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.