Design Consultant - 18 month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant - 18 month FTC

Company: PwC UK

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time, Temporary

Category: Learning & Development Operations / HR Operations

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement high-impact learning and development (L&D) programs that directly support PwC's strategic business priorities and foster individual professional growth.

• Curate and author engaging learning content, leveraging subject matter expertise and innovative approaches to create effective, accessible, and inclusive learning experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including business stakeholders, subject matter experts (SMEs), and delivery teams, to ensure seamless program execution and measurable learning outcomes.

• Drive continuous improvement within the Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE) by reviewing content, sharing best practices, and contributing to project management activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is within a "Centre of Excellence" (CoE) for Talent, Development & Coaching, indicating a specialized, strategic function focused on optimizing L&D operations. The "Design Consultant" title suggests a focus on the architecture and creation of learning solutions rather than pure delivery. The 18-month fixed-term contract (FTC) implies a project-based need, likely related to specific strategic initiatives or program rollouts within PwC. The keywords "accessibility, inclusion, wellbeing, sustainability, and environmental considerations" highlight a modern, holistic approach to L&D design, crucial for GTM and HR operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate business objectives and learner needs into clear, measurable learning objectives and design effective learning interventions, utilizing adult learning principles and innovative methodologies.

• Develop and author high-quality learning content for various modalities (face-to-face, digital, blended), ensuring alignment with brand standards, inclusivity, and accessibility requirements.

• Engage and manage subject matter experts (SMEs) and external vendors to gather insights, review content, and ensure the accuracy and relevance of learning materials.

• Collaborate with Learning Implementation & Reporting and Event Delivery teams to ensure smooth program rollout, effective facilitator training, and robust evaluation of learning outcomes through data analysis.

• Conduct quality assurance reviews of learning content developed by peers and junior designers, providing constructive feedback to maintain consistency and effectiveness across the TD&C CoE portfolio.

• Lead and coach junior design consultants, fostering their development and contributing to a collaborative team environment focused on knowledge sharing and innovation adoption.

• Manage key stakeholder relationships by proactively communicating progress, addressing concerns, and influencing decisions related to learning program design and implementation.

• Contribute to project management activities, including scoping, planning, risk assessment, and delivery tracking for L&D initiatives, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design, content creation, stakeholder management, and project oversight, typical of a mid-to-senior level L&D operations role. The focus on "S&I processes" (likely Standards & Implementation) suggests adherence to established operational frameworks within PwC. The inclusion of "environmental considerations" and "sustainability" points to an evolving best practice in L&D design that impacts broader organizational goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degrees are not listed, a Bachelor's degree in fields such as Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline is typically expected. Advanced degrees or certifications in L&D are advantageous.

Experience: Proven experience in designing and developing learning solutions, with a strong portfolio demonstrating successful project outcomes. Experience working within a corporate L&D function or a consulting environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Learning Design & Instructional Design: Expertise in adult learning theories (e.g., ADDIE, SAM), curriculum development, and creating engaging learning experiences across multiple formats (e-learning, instructor-led, blended).

• Content Curation & Authoring: Ability to research, synthesize, and write clear, concise, and impactful learning content, including participant guides, facilitator manuals, and digital assets.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Management: Proven ability to build rapport, communicate effectively (written and verbal), influence outcomes, and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including senior leaders and subject matter experts.

• Digital Learning Solutions & Technologies: Solid understanding and practical application of various digital learning tools, platforms (LMS, LXP), and technologies to enhance learning effectiveness and user experience.

• Project Management: Experience in planning, executing, and monitoring L&D projects, managing timelines, resources, and risks to ensure successful delivery.

• Facilitation & Workshop Leadership: Ability to design and potentially facilitate workshops, brief facilitators, and guide group discussions effectively.

• Coaching & Mentoring: Experience in guiding and developing junior team members, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Analytical Skills: Capability to analyze learning needs, interpret program evaluation data, and use insights to inform design decisions and demonstrate learning impact.

• Problem-Solving & Resilience: Ability to navigate ambiguity, assimilate complex information, and deliver outcomes under pressure within a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Accessibility & Inclusion Design: Knowledge of universal design principles and best practices for creating inclusive and accessible learning materials.

• Sustainability & Environmental Considerations: Familiarity with integrating sustainability principles into learning design and program development.

• Learning Analytics & Reporting: Experience in designing and interpreting learning analytics to measure program effectiveness and ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" estimated experience level suggests this role requires a solid foundation in L&D principles and practical application, with some leadership or project management experience expected. The emphasis on "PwC's service offerings, strategy, business priorities, and global operating context" is critical for candidates to tailor their applications and highlight their understanding of the firm's business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Learning Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of learning programs designed and/or developed, illustrating the problem, your approach, the methodologies used, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

• Content Samples: Include examples of various learning content you have authored or curated, such as e-learning modules, participant guides, facilitator notes, job aids, or infographics.

• Project Management Examples: Demonstrate your project management capabilities through a brief overview of a complex L&D project you managed, highlighting scope, timeline, stakeholder engagement, and successful delivery.

• Measurement & Evaluation Approach: Provide evidence of how you have measured learning effectiveness and impact, including examples of evaluation metrics and reporting.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Analysis & Design Frameworks: Show evidence of how you document learning needs analysis and the design process, referencing established frameworks (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) and how you adapt them.

• Development Workflow: Illustrate your process for content development, including SME engagement, review cycles, and quality assurance measures.

• Implementation & Evaluation Protocols: Detail your approach to documenting the implementation plan and the process for collecting and analyzing program evaluation data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role, a robust portfolio demonstrating practical application of learning design methodologies, content creation skills, and measurement capabilities is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the "why" behind their design choices and articulate the impact of their work, aligning with operations' focus on efficiency and effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Design Consultants with 5-10 years of experience in London/Birmingham, UK, a competitive salary range for this fixed-term contract role is estimated between £50,000 - £70,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and specific expertise.

Benefits:

• Empowered Flexibility: A hybrid working model allowing for a blend of office, home, and client site work.

• Private Medical Cover: Comprehensive private health insurance.

• Virtual GP Service: 24/7 access to a qualified virtual General Practitioner for convenient medical consultations.

• Volunteering Days: Six paid days per year dedicated to volunteering activities.

• Pension Scheme: Contributory pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Coverage providing financial support to beneficiaries.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

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

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and business needs. This aligns with a full-time temporary contract.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general UK market data for similar roles and experience levels. PwC, as a large professional services firm, typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and professional growth. The "empowered flexibility" highlights a modern work approach that aligns with hybrid operational models.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting. PwC operates globally, providing assurance, advisory, and tax services to a wide range of industries. This context means the L&D function must support a diverse and highly skilled workforce with evolving business needs.

Company Size: Large (Global presence with significant UK operations). This scale implies robust L&D processes, significant investment in talent development, and a structured approach to operations.

Founded: 1998 (PwC formed from the merger of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse). This long history signifies stability, established methodologies, and a deep understanding of professional development needs.

Team Structure:

• Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE): This is a specialized, centralized team responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing L&D programs. It operates strategically to ensure alignment with firm-wide objectives.

• Reporting Structure: Design Consultants likely report to a Portfolio Strategy Leader or a Head of Learning Design within the TD&C CoE. They will also work closely with Learning Implementation teams and business unit SMEs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates extensive collaboration with business leaders, SMEs, HR business partners, and external vendors to ensure learning solutions are relevant, impactful, and effectively delivered.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on "measurable learning outcomes" and "analysis of programme-level evaluation metrics" indicates a data-driven approach to L&D, focusing on impact and ROI.

• Agile & Iterative Design: While not explicitly stated, modern L&D CoEs often employ agile principles for faster development cycles and iterative improvements based on feedback.

• User-Centric Approach: The focus on "learner needs" and "enhancing learning experiences" suggests a commitment to designing solutions that are engaging and effective for the end-user.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PwC's global strategy and its diverse service lines is key to grasping the L&D needs. The CoE structure implies a sophisticated operations model for talent development. The role's success hinges on effective collaboration across a complex matrix organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Design Consultant role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the L&D operations framework. It requires significant expertise in learning design principles and methodologies, coupled with the ability to manage projects and influence stakeholders. It's a hands-on design role with potential leadership responsibilities for junior staff.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Design Consultant would report to a Team Lead or Portfolio Strategy Leader within the TD&C CoE. They would collaborate with peers in design, implementation, and reporting, as well as with many business SMEs and stakeholders across different PwC service lines.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the firm's ability to upskill its workforce, adapt to market changes, and achieve strategic business objectives. By designing effective learning programs, the Design Consultant contributes to enhanced employee performance, retention, and the overall capability of PwC's talent pool. This has a downstream effect on client satisfaction and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Leadership: Progression to senior design roles, team lead positions, or management within the TD&C CoE, overseeing larger portfolios or teams.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Opportunities to move into broader HR roles, project management, or business advisory positions, leveraging the developed stakeholder management and strategic thinking skills.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: While a fixed-term contract, this role offers valuable experience within a leading professional services firm's L&D operations. The skills developed in designing and implementing strategic learning initiatives are highly transferable and can lead to significant career advancement within L&D or related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PwC operates with a hybrid working model, meaning the workspace will be a blend of office-based activity, remote work from home, and potentially client site engagement. The Birmingham office is likely a modern, professional corporate environment.

Office Location(s): The primary location specified is Birmingham, England. PwC has multiple offices across the UK, and while this role is based in Birmingham, there might be opportunities for interaction or collaboration with colleagues in other PwC UK locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: PwC offices typically feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout zones designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team interaction.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to high-speed internet, modern IT equipment, and relevant software for design, communication, and project management.

• Professional Setting: An environment that encourages professional conduct, continuous learning, and engagement with colleagues and clients.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week offers a degree of flexibility, allowing for efficient workflow management and balancing project demands with personal commitments. This hybrid model supports productivity and well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of PwC's current work environment, requiring self-discipline and effective time management from employees. It also emphasizes the need for strong virtual collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, potentially followed by a brief call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Likely to focus on your experience in learning design, project management, stakeholder engagement, and your understanding of L&D principles. Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing learning solutions and your experience with specific methodologies.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work from your portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your design thinking, content creation skills, and ability to articulate the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes in detail.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, either during the interview or as a take-home assignment, to assess your ability to apply learning design principles to a specific business problem or scenario relevant to PwC.

• Final Interview (Senior Stakeholder): May involve final confirmation of fit, cultural alignment, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select Relevant Examples: Choose 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your skills in learning design, content creation, and impact measurement, relevant to corporate L&D.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the business problem, your role and approach, the learning objectives, the design and development process, the technologies used, the results achieved (quantifiable if possible), and lessons learned.

• Showcase Variety: Include examples of different types of learning solutions (e.g., e-learning, workshop design, blended programs) if applicable.

• Highlight Impact: Focus on the measurable outcomes and business impact of your designs. Use data and metrics to support your claims.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Thoroughly understand each project in your portfolio and be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, challenges, and contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand PwC's Business: Research PwC's current strategic priorities, service lines, and any known L&D initiatives or challenges.

• Review L&D Best Practices: Refresh your knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design models, and current trends in digital learning and talent development.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this at a firm like PwC is typically rigorous. A well-prepared portfolio and the ability to articulate your design process and impact are crucial for success. Expect to demonstrate not just technical skills but also strategic thinking and business acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Content Management Systems (CMS) / Learning Management Systems (LMS) / Learning Experience Platforms (LXP): Experience with platforms like Workday Learning, Cornerstone OnDemand, Degreed, or similar systems for deploying, managing, and tracking learning content.

• Design & Multimedia Software: Familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator), video editing software, and potentially presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) for content creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not explicitly stated, skills in using Excel for data analysis and potentially BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to interpret learning metrics and evaluation data are beneficial.

• Survey & Feedback Tools: Experience with tools like SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, or internal survey platforms for collecting learner feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing L&D project timelines and tasks.

• Collaboration Platforms: Proficient use of Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or similar for communication, virtual meetings, and collaborative document editing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Design Consultant in L&D operations is expected to be proficient in common authoring tools and understand how learning is deployed and tracked via LMS/LXP systems. The ability to analyze data to demonstrate impact is also a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to designing and delivering high-quality learning solutions that meet rigorous professional standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with colleagues across different teams and functions to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new approaches, technologies, and methodologies to enhance learning effectiveness and efficiency.

• Client Focus (Internal): Understanding that L&D serves internal clients (employees and business units) and striving to meet their needs and contribute to their success.

• Impact & Accountability: Focusing on delivering measurable outcomes and taking ownership of responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with business SMEs, HR partners, and L&D implementation teams. This involves active listening, clear communication, and a willingness to integrate diverse perspectives.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to improve design processes and learning outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging a culture where best practices, insights, and lessons learned are shared across the TD&C CoE and wider firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's values often revolve around integrity, teamwork, and making a difference. Within the TD&C CoE, this translates to a professional, collaborative, and results-oriented environment focused on developing talent.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Delivery Needs: Juggling the creative demands of learning design with the practical constraints of implementation, timelines, and budget.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively aligning the needs and expectations of various business units, SMEs, and senior leaders, who may have differing priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Business Strategy: Quickly understanding and translating new business priorities or market shifts into relevant learning interventions.

• Measuring and Demonstrating Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness and ROI of learning programs in a tangible way that resonates with business leaders.

• Fixed-Term Contract Uncertainty: Navigating the temporary nature of the role and seeking opportunities for extension or permanent placement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Learning Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge instructional design methodologies and learning technologies.

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue professional certifications in instructional design, project management, or specific L&D technologies.

• Exposure to Strategic Initiatives: Gaining insights into PwC's overarching business strategy and how L&D contributes to its achievement.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network within PwC, which can open doors for future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a chance to hone skills in a high-stakes environment, dealing with complex challenges that are common in large professional services firms. The emphasis on growth opportunities suggests PwC invests in its people, even on a temporary basis.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex learning program you designed. What was the business need, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the measurable impact?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact measurement).

• "How do you ensure learning solutions are inclusive, accessible, and sustainable?" (Demonstrate awareness of modern L&D considerations).

• "How do you collaborate with subject matter experts and manage their input effectively?" (Highlight stakeholder management and communication skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about PwC's approach to talent development and learning?" (Research PwC's L&D philosophy, CoE structure, and any public statements on talent).

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it's critical?" (Demonstrate coachability and a growth mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative – the challenge, the solution you architected, the execution, and the positive outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics (e.g., improvement in performance, reduction in errors, increased engagement) to showcase the value of your work.

• Explain Your 'Why': Be prepared to justify your design decisions based on learning theory, business needs, and user experience.

• Focus on Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with others (SMEs, stakeholders, delivery teams) to achieve success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your entire design process, from needs analysis to evaluation. Emphasize how you connect learning design to business outcomes, a critical aspect for operations roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV clearly highlights experience in learning design, instructional design, content creation, stakeholder management, and project management, using keywords from the job description and common L&D operations terminology.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest learning design projects that showcase your skills in action. Prepare a concise presentation or document for each project, detailing the problem, your solution, process, and measurable results.

• Research PwC: Understand PwC's service offerings, strategic goals, and any publicly available information on their talent development initiatives. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

• Prepare for the Portfolio Review: Practice presenting your portfolio samples, focusing on storytelling, impact, and your design rationale. Be ready to discuss your process and answer questions thoroughly.

⚠️ 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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