AI Service Designer

Pearson
Full_timeUnited Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: AI Service Designer Company: Pearson Location: United Kingdom Job Type: Full time Category: Operations Strategy & Design / Technology Innovation Date Posted: 2025-10-03 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the future of Agentic Transformation at Pearson by leading the design of AI-powered tools and services within the 'AgentOps' team.
  • Shape the next generation of AI-powered tools for internal experts, focusing on enhancing efficiency and user experience through symbiotic workforce integration.
  • Apply service, UX, and UI design expertise to reimagine how internal business functions operate with AI agents.
  • Serve as the principal user experience designer for next-generation internal agentic applications and the lead service designer for agentified processes and teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Office of Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and specifically within the 'AgentOps' team, indicating a strategic focus on integrating AI agents across Pearson's internal operations. The emphasis on 'Symbiotic Workforce' and 'Agentic Transformation' suggests a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency and employee empowerment through AI. This is not a traditional GTM or Sales Ops role but leans heavily into operational transformation through design and AI implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Champion the enterprise-wide adoption of new agentic AI applications and tools by setting a high standard for AI-enabled product design and rapid prototyping.
  • Establish and evangelize an agentic-native design culture by creating custom agentic AI-powered design processes and workflows, including AI-powered synthetic asset generation.
  • Drive human-centered agentic innovation by staying ahead of the latest agentic AI technologies, tools, processes, and workflows, and piloting emerging AI tools for design, research, and asset production.
  • Conduct generative user research, state-of-the-art UX benchmarking of best-in-class agentic user experiences, and design, prototype, and test innovative new tools and workflows.
  • Educate and inspire design teams across the company on the potential of agentic AI, facilitating workshops, hackathons, and masterclasses to drive adoption.
  • Support the team with compelling storytelling and educational materials to evangelize the vision of Pearson as an agentic symbiotic enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership, hands-on execution in AI-driven design, and change management through education and evangelism. The role requires a proactive, "builder" mentality and the ability to translate complex AI concepts into tangible user experiences and operational processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience and responsibility. Experience: 5+ years of experience in service design, UX/UI design, or product design, with a proven track record of designing beautiful, user-centric products.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience designing products with emerging technologies, specifically AI, XR, Agents, mobile, and web platforms.
  • Proficiency in design tools such as Figma, Figma Make, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Proven experience with vibe-coding tools like Lovable and Figma Make for design.
  • Demonstrated expertise in generative and evaluative user research methodologies.
  • Strong storytelling capabilities to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual artifacts and media.
  • Excellent collaboration skills, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
  • A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with an ability to get things done autonomously.
  • Deep curiosity and a passion for tinkering and experimenting with different design tools and AI technologies.
  • Early adoption and super-user proficiency with the latest AI tools and technologies.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in service design and establishing design processes and workflows.
  • Familiarity with AI-powered synthetic asset generation workflows.
  • Experience in rapid prototyping and user testing of AI-driven applications.
  • Ability to inspire and educate diverse teams on complex technological concepts.
  • Understanding of enterprise-level technology adoption and change management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in traditional design disciplines (UX/UI, Service Design) combined with cutting-edge expertise in AI and emerging technologies. The need for "vibe-coding tools" and "Figma Make" suggests an emphasis on rapid, AI-assisted content creation and iteration within the design process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a minimum of 5+ years of design work, featuring projects that demonstrate exceptional user experience and product design.
  • Include case studies highlighting experience with emerging technologies, particularly AI, XR, or Agent-based systems, detailing the design process from ideation to implementation.
  • Present examples of designing for AI-enabled applications, demonstrating an understanding of AI's unique design considerations and user interaction paradigms.
  • Provide evidence of driving user research, including generative and evaluative methods, and how these insights informed design decisions.
  • Feature examples of rapid prototyping and testing, illustrating the ability to quickly iterate on concepts and validate them with users.
  • Include examples of creating compelling visual artifacts and media to communicate complex ideas and design visions effectively.

Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate the ability to define and document custom agentic AI-powered design processes and workflows.
  • Show examples of establishing and implementing AI-powered synthetic asset generation workflows for design purposes.
  • Illustrate how you have piloted emerging AI tools for design, research, and asset production, documenting the outcomes and lessons learned.
  • Provide examples of facilitating workshops, hackathons, or masterclasses to educate and evangelize new design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial for this role, serving as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to design for AI and drive innovation. It should clearly articulate the candidate's process, particularly their approach to integrating AI into the design lifecycle and their ability to evangelize these new methods.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this role is based in the United Kingdom and involves specialized skills in AI Service Design with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/Service Designers with AI expertise in the UK, the estimated range could be £65,000 - £90,000 per annum. This range accounts for the strategic nature of the role, its placement within the OCTO, and the demand for AI-specific design skills.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.
  • Pension scheme with company contributions.
  • Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.
  • Access to cutting-edge AI tools and technologies for design, research, and prototyping.
  • Employee assistance programs.
  • Potential for internal mobility and career advancement within a global learning company.
  • Visibility and engagement with senior leadership, including the CTO and Technology Leadership Team.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an expected commitment of approximately 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be flexibility in daily work schedules, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior design roles in the UK and the specialized nature of AI design. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and Pearson's internal compensation structure. The benefits package is inferred to be competitive, aligning with a large, global organization like Pearson, with a specific emphasis on professional growth and access to advanced technology.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology and Publishing. Pearson is the world's leading learning company, providing educational materials, assessments, and services. Company Size: Pearson is a large, global organization, typically employing over 20,000 people worldwide. This scale means significant reach and impact, along with established processes and a broad technological landscape. Founded: Pearson was founded in 1844, giving it a long history and deep experience in the education sector. Its evolution reflects a continuous adaptation to market needs and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

  • The AI Service Designer will be part of the 'AgentOps' team within Pearson's Office of Chief Technology Officer (OCTO).
  • This team is described as a cross-functional unit comprising product innovators, creative technologists, agentic solution architects, and AI engineers.
  • The role will likely involve close collaboration with these specialists, as well as broader design and technology teams across Pearson.
  • Reporting will be within the OCTO structure, providing visibility to senior technology leadership.

Methodology:

  • The team's approach is centered around "Agentic Transformation," aiming to create a "Symbiotic Workforce" through AI.
  • Emphasis is placed on human-centered design, rapid prototyping, and leveraging the latest AI tools and workflows.
  • The culture encourages innovation, experimentation, and evangelism of new technologies and design approaches.
  • Pearson's leadership dimensions (Live Our Purpose, Simplify the Complexity, Carry Our Culture, Deliver Results) will guide team interactions and operational execution.

Company Website: https://www.pearson.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history in education combined with its current focus on AI transformation presents a unique environment. The 'AgentOps' team's cross-functional nature suggests a dynamic and collaborative workspace, where design thinking is integral to technological innovation. The emphasis on Pearson's leadership dimensions indicates a structured yet purpose-driven company culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design and technology innovation space, specifically focusing on the operational impact of AI. It is a key individual contributor role with significant influence over internal tool development and process optimization. Reporting Structure: The AI Service Designer will report into the 'AgentOps' team within the OCTO. This provides direct exposure to senior technology leadership, including potential interaction with the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and the Technology Leadership Team. Operations Impact: The role's operational impact is profound, aiming to redefine how experts across all internal business functions perform their work. By designing AI-powered tools and agentified processes, the designer will directly influence productivity, efficiency, and employee experience across the enterprise. This role is pivotal in Pearson's strategic move towards an AI-driven, symbiotic workforce.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI Service Design, Agentic AI, and emerging technologies, becoming a recognized leader in this niche within Pearson.
  • Leadership: Transition into a team lead or management role within the AgentOps team or a similar innovation unit, guiding other designers and technologists.
  • Strategic Influence: Move into roles with broader strategic responsibility, influencing Pearson's overall digital transformation and AI strategy.
  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Leverage design and AI expertise to move into product management, innovation strategy, or enterprise architecture roles within Pearson.
  • Continuous Learning: Access to advanced training, participation in industry conferences, and piloting new AI tools will foster continuous skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for career growth at the intersection of design, AI, and enterprise operations. The direct line of sight to senior leadership within the OCTO provides exceptional visibility and potential for rapid advancement, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate significant impact in driving operational efficiency through AI-driven design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as 'On-site', implying a physical office presence is required. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed to foster interaction and innovation. Office Location(s): United Kingdom. Specific office locations within the UK are not detailed but would typically be in major business hubs where Pearson has a significant presence. Workspace Context:

  • The environment is expected to be fast-paced and innovative, fostering collaboration between design, product, engineering, and AI specialists.
  • Access to cutting-edge AI tools and technologies for design, research, and prototyping will be a key feature of the workspace.
  • Opportunities for regular interaction with the cross-functional AgentOps team and other stakeholders across the business will be abundant.
  • The culture is likely to encourage experimentation, knowledge sharing, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. While the role is on-site, the dynamic nature of innovation and AI development may require some flexibility to meet project deadlines or explore emergent opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests that Pearson values in-person collaboration for its innovation initiatives. The workspace context points towards a modern, tech-forward environment conducive to rapid iteration and cross-disciplinary teamwork, which is essential for pioneering AI-driven operational changes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio by the recruitment team and hiring manager to assess alignment with the core requirements.
  • Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on your experience with AI, service design, UX/UI, and your process for designing innovative tools and workflows. Be prepared to discuss specific case studies in detail.
  • Skills-Based Interview: Technical and behavioral interviews designed to assess your design skills, AI tool proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with Pearson's leadership dimensions. Expect questions on how you approach complex design challenges and collaborate in a team.
  • Cross-Functional Team Interaction: You may meet with members of the AgentOps team or other key stakeholders to evaluate your collaborative style and ability to communicate technical and design concepts effectively.
  • Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership within OCTO, focusing on strategic thinking, vision for AI in operations, and your potential impact on Pearson's transformation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight AI Expertise: Clearly showcase projects where you've designed for AI, agents, or other emerging technologies. Detail your understanding of AI's unique design challenges and opportunities.
  • Demonstrate Process: Walk through your design process for at least one significant AI-related project. Explain your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases, emphasizing how AI tools were integrated.
  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., efficiency gains, user satisfaction improvements, adoption rates).
  • Storytelling: Frame your portfolio pieces as compelling narratives. Explain the problem, your solution, your role, and the outcome, making it easy for interviewers to follow your thought process.
  • Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and any AI-specific design or prototyping tools mentioned.
  • Cultural Alignment: Align your portfolio examples and presentation with Pearson's leadership dimensions (Purpose, Simplicity, Culture, Results).

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a potential design challenge, possibly involving a hypothetical scenario related to improving internal processes at Pearson using AI agents.
  • Practice articulating your design strategy, rationale, and proposed solutions concisely.
  • Think about how you would define success metrics for an AI-driven operational improvement initiative.
  • Prepare to discuss how you would evangelize and drive adoption of new AI tools within a large organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process, particularly concerning AI. Demonstrating a proactive, "builder" mindset and a strong understanding of how design can drive operational efficiency through AI will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Prototyping: Figma (including Figma Make), Adobe Creative Suite.
  • AI Design Tools: Mentioned are "vibe-coding tools" like Lovable and Figma Make, suggesting a focus on AI-assisted content generation and rapid design iteration. Candidates are expected to be early adopters and super-users of the latest AI tools.
  • User Research Tools: Proficiency in generative and evaluative user research methods implies familiarity with various qualitative and quantitative research platforms, though specific tools are not listed.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly stated, an AI Service Designer would likely need to work with data to understand user behavior and measure the impact of designs. Familiarity with analytics platforms for user experience and operational metrics would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly mentioned as a primary tool for this role, but understanding how designed services and tools integrate with broader enterprise systems (potentially including CRM and automation platforms) would be valuable in an operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific tools like Figma Make and "vibe-coding tools" indicates a modern, AI-integrated design workflow. Candidates should highlight their experience with these and their general aptitude for quickly learning and adopting new AI-powered design technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Customer Centricity: A core value, ensuring that all design efforts are focused on improving the experience of Pearson's internal experts and ultimately its learners. Designers are expected to champion the user's needs.
  • High Performance: A drive to achieve ambitious goals with quality, precision, and speed, holding oneself and others accountable for delivering measurable impact.
  • Exceptional Collaboration: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve common objectives.
  • Live Our Purpose: Aligning daily work and decisions with Pearson's mission to make a meaningful impact on learning worldwide.
  • Simplify the Complexity: Distilling intricate problems into clear, actionable plans and enabling focus within a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The role requires working closely with product innovators, creative technologists, agentic solution architects, and AI engineers, necessitating strong collaboration across disciplines.
  • Evangelism & Education: A key aspect is inspiring and educating other teams, implying a collaborative approach to knowledge sharing and skill development across the organization.
  • Feedback Exchange: A culture that likely encourages open feedback loops to refine designs and processes, especially when working with cutting-edge technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is shaped by Pearson's overarching leadership dimensions, emphasizing purpose-driven work, efficiency, collaboration, and high performance. The AgentOps team specifically fosters an innovative and experimental environment for AI integration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Pioneering New Territory: Designing for agentic AI and a symbiotic workforce is a nascent field. Challenges will include defining best practices, navigating ambiguity, and educating stakeholders on new paradigms.
  • Enterprise-Scale Adoption: Driving adoption of new AI tools and processes across a large, global organization like Pearson requires overcoming resistance to change and demonstrating clear value.
  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the accelerating advancements in AI and ensuring designs remain relevant and effective will be an ongoing challenge.
  • Balancing Innovation with Stability: Integrating cutting-edge AI solutions while ensuring the reliability and security of enterprise systems requires careful planning and execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Specialization: Become a leading expert in AI service design and agentic systems within the education technology sector.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Gain deep insights into AI engineering, product innovation, and enterprise technology strategy.
  • Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and potentially manage teams.
  • Industry Engagement: Exposure to the latest AI trends through piloting tools, attending conferences, and internal knowledge sharing.
  • Strategic Impact: Contribute directly to Pearson's digital transformation and future of work strategy, gaining visibility and influence at the executive level.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are also its greatest growth opportunities. By navigating these complexities, individuals can build highly sought-after expertise in AI-driven operational transformation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you designed a complex product or service using emerging technology. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on AI/Agentic experience).
  • "How would you approach designing an AI agent to assist Pearson's customer support team? What key user research and design considerations would be paramount?"
  • "Pearson aims to create a 'Symbiotic Workforce.' How can service design and AI contribute to this vision, and what role would you play in driving it?"
  • "How do you stay current with the rapidly evolving AI landscape, and how do you evaluate new AI tools for potential design applications?"
  • "Describe your experience with generative and evaluative user research. How would you apply these methods to test and refine AI-powered internal tools?"

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about Pearson's mission and its approach to reimagining learning through technology?"
  • "How do you embody Pearson's leadership dimensions – specifically, how would you 'Simplify the Complexity' in an AI innovation project?"
  • "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How would you work with AI engineers and technologists to bring your designs to life?"
  • "What are your thoughts on the ethical considerations of AI in the workforce, and how would you address them in your design process?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Begin with an overview of Pearson's mission and the role of AI in its future. Then, present 2-3 key projects that best showcase your AI design, service design, and UX/UI skills.
  • AI Integration: For each project, clearly articulate how AI was used, the specific design problems it solved, and the impact it had. Discuss your use of tools like Figma Make or other AI design aids.
  • Process & Rationale: Explain your design process step-by-step, emphasizing your user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases. Justify your design decisions with user insights and business objectives.
  • Storytelling: Weave a narrative around each project, highlighting challenges, your unique contributions, and the tangible results achieved.
  • Future Vision: Conclude by articulating your vision for AI-driven service design at Pearson and how you would contribute to the AgentOps team's goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of AI's potential in operational contexts, strong design methodologies, and the ability to translate complex ideas into practical, user-centric solutions. Highlighting experience with specific AI design tools and a proactive, evangelistic approach will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this AI Service Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the Pearson careers portal via the provided link.
  • Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in AI design, service design, UX/UI, and product design. Quantify achievements where possible, using keywords like "agentic AI," "service design," "UX/UI," "prototyping," "user research," and specific tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite).
  • Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your experience with AI technologies, emerging tech design, and service design processes. Ensure it includes case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, design process, and impact.
  • Research Pearson: Understand Pearson's mission, its position in the education sector, and its strategic focus on digital transformation and AI. Familiarize yourself with their leadership dimensions.
  • Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, your approach to AI-driven design, and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities and Pearson's vision for a symbiotic workforce. Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on AI integration and operational impact.

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


Application Requirements

You should have 5+ years of experience in service design, UX/UI design or product design, with a proven track record of designing products with emerging technologies. Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and experience with generative and evaluative user research is also required.