SATIC: Design Consultant - LoS and Firmwide

PwC
Full-time•Johannesburg, South Africa
Apply Now

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SATIC: Design Consultant - LoS and Firmwide

Company: PwC

Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Job Type: Full time

Category: Talent Development / Learning Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Design and develop innovative learning interventions that align with business objectives and drive professional growth.

  • Collaborate with subject matter experts (SMEs) to translate business needs into measurable learning objectives and effective training content.

  • Oversee project planning, execution, and completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and development by coaching and mentoring junior team members and promoting knowledge sharing.

  • Leverage digital learning solutions and emerging technologies to enhance learning effectiveness and deliver business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within PwC's Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE), specifically focusing on the design of learning programs for both Line of Service (LoS) specific and Firmwide initiatives. The emphasis is on creating impactful, innovative solutions that directly contribute to business strategy and individual employee development, requiring a strong blend of instructional design expertise and business acumen.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and develop programmatic content through curation, in-house authoring, and engagement with external suppliers, ensuring alignment with LoS-specific and Firmwide knowledge.

  • Act as a business-centric partner, understanding stakeholder needs and translating them into key learning objectives and effective learning interventions.

  • Consistently apply established processes from the Strategy and Insights (S&I) team, combined with content expertise, to enable efficient and innovative learning design.

  • Review content created by Design Senior Associates and peers to maintain quality control, ensure learning objectives are met, challenge learning efficacy, and drive consistency.

  • Cultivate and maintain relevant business relationships with content SMEs to support effective programmatic design.

  • Collaborate closely with the Learning Implementation and Reporting team (LI&R) and the Integrated Services - Event Delivery team to ensure successful execution of learning interventions.

  • Facilitate design workshops to gather requirements, brainstorm solutions, and ensure stakeholder alignment.

  • Lead the briefing and training of facilitators and hosts to equip them for effective delivery of learning content.

  • Support the Portfolio Strategy Leader (PSL) and/or Senior Design Consultant (SDC) in establishing appropriate evaluation metrics and analyzing program-level evaluation reporting for future design iterations.

  • Integrate considerations for diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, accessibility, external suppliers, and environmental/social impact into content design.

  • Coach and supervise more junior designers to enhance team capability, improve output quality, and promote knowledge sharing.

  • Support collaboration and education initiatives, ensuring the adoption of market insights and the latest innovations in learning and development.

  • Collaborate with other Design Consultants across the Design team to ensure T&D activities are aligned across the CoE and to share best practices.

  • Assist the PSL/SDC with project management activities as required, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and collaborative approach to learning design, requiring not only technical instructional design skills but also strong business partnership, project management capabilities, and leadership potential for mentoring junior staff. The role demands a deep understanding of PwC's service offerings and firm strategy to effectively design learning that drives business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Minimum: Honors Bachelor Degree in HR, Industrial Psychology, Education, Business, or a related field.

  • Preferred: Post-Graduate Qualification in Learning, HR, Digital Learning, or Organizational Development.

  • Advantageous: Instructional Design Certification. Experience:

  • Minimum of 5-8 years of experience specifically in Learning Design.

  • Demonstrable understanding of PwC’s service propositions, with a broad grasp of the firm’s strategy and priorities. Required Skills:

  • Instructional Design Methodologies: Proficiency in frameworks such as ADDIE, SAM, or Design Thinking for Learning.

  • Learning Content Development: Ability to author, curate, and review learning content for face-to-face and technology-enabled delivery.

  • Stakeholder Management & Influence: Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders across various levels, communicating confidently, clearly, and effectively in verbal and written formats.

  • Project Management: Strong ability to adhere to project management disciplines, delivering tasks and responsibilities on time, within budget, and with designated resources.

  • Collaboration & Relationship Building: Ability to develop and build a wide range of relationships and work collaboratively as part of a wider team.

  • Coaching & Mentoring: Ability to lead, coach, and develop self and others in the pursuit of delivering a distinctive and sustainable L&D service.

  • Business Acumen: Understanding of how business works and identifying opportunities that contribute to the firm's success.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Learning Experience Platforms (LXP).

  • Experience with Learning Analytics to measure program effectiveness and inform design iterations.

  • Experience in Professional Services or Consulting Environments.

  • Instructional Design Certification.

  • Knowledge of adult learning principles and their application in program design.

  • Experience in assessment and evaluation design.

  • Understanding of digital learning solutions and Learning Technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (5-8 years) indicates a mid-to-senior level role within learning design, expected to handle complex projects and mentor others. The emphasis on both firm-wide and LoS-specific design suggests a need for adaptability and the ability to tailor learning solutions to diverse professional groups within PwC.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Instructional Design Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating the full instructional design lifecycle (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation - ADDIE/SAM).

  • Learning Objective Alignment: Clearly articulate how each project's learning objectives directly mapped to specific business needs or strategic priorities of the client/organization.

  • Content Samples: Include examples of developed learning materials such as facilitator guides, participant workbooks, e-learning modules (screenshots or demos), job aids, or assessments.

  • Technology Integration: Highlight instances where digital learning solutions, LMS/LXP features, or other technologies were leveraged to enhance learning delivery and engagement.

  • Impact & Evaluation: Provide evidence of learning outcomes, such as performance improvements, skill application, or ROI metrics, supported by evaluation data or feedback.

Process Documentation:

  • Design Methodology Documentation: Detail the specific design methodologies (e.g., ADDIE, SAM, Design Thinking) used in projects, explaining the rationale for choosing a particular approach.

  • Stakeholder Engagement Process: Illustrate how you engaged with business SMEs, stakeholders, and learners throughout the design process, including methods for gathering requirements and feedback.

  • Quality Assurance & Review Process: Describe your approach to content review, peer feedback, and ensuring the quality and consistency of learning materials.

  • Measurement & Iteration Process: Explain how you incorporated evaluation data into the design process to refine and improve learning interventions over time.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Consultant role at this level, a robust portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase design proficiency but also demonstrate strategic thinking, business impact, and the ability to manage projects and stakeholders effectively. The portfolio should be tailored to highlight experience relevant to a professional services firm and digital learning innovation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Learning Design Consultants with 5-8 years of experience in major South African cities like Johannesburg, and considering PwC's standing as a global professional services firm, the estimated annual salary range is ZAR 600,000 - ZAR 950,000. This range accounts for the required qualifications, specialized skills in instructional design, stakeholder management, and project leadership, as well as the responsibility for both LoS and Firmwide programs.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical aid coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

  • Retirement Fund: Contributions to a pension or provident fund.

  • Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and firm performance.

  • Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, certifications (e.g., Instructional Design), and opportunities for further education.

  • Leave Benefits: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and family responsibility leave.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

  • Technology Allowance/Reimbursement: Support for work-related technology needs.

  • Travel Opportunities: Up to 20% travel, with related expenses covered.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, PwC often offers some degree of flexibility within business needs, potentially allowing for adjusted start/end times. However, the role also specifies the ability to work within UK hours, suggesting potential for some international collaboration that might require occasional adjustments to the standard schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for similar roles in South Africa, adjusted for the specific demands of a large, international professional services firm like PwC. Benefits are typical for a corporate environment in this sector, with a strong emphasis on professional development, which is crucial for a learning design role. The mention of "UK hours" is a significant detail for candidates to consider regarding potential scheduling flexibility or requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting (specifically within Assurance, Advisory, and Tax services lines). PwC operates globally, providing a wide range of services to businesses.

Company Size: Large Global Enterprise (PwC is one of the "Big Four" accounting firms, employing over 300,000 people worldwide).

Founded: 1998 (formed from the merger of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse). This long history signifies stability and established methodologies.

Team Structure:

  • TD&C CoE: This is a central hub for talent and development, designed to provide specialized expertise and services across the firm.

  • Design Teams: The Design Consultants are part of the LoS and Firmwide Design Teams within the TD&C CoE, reporting to a Portfolio Strategy Leader (PSL) or potentially a Senior Design Consultant (SDC).

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with business SMEs, the Learning Implementation and Reporting team (LI&R), Integrated Services - Event Delivery, and other Design Consultants.

Methodology:

  • Business-Centric Design: Learning solutions are developed with a primary focus on understanding and meeting business objectives and strategic priorities.

  • Data-Driven Iteration: Evaluation reporting is analyzed to inform and refine future design iterations, promoting continuous improvement.

  • Leveraging Innovation: Emphasis on utilizing the latest technological innovations and market insights to enhance learning effectiveness.

  • Process Adherence: Consistent application of established processes from the Strategy and Insights (S&I) team is expected.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture is characterized by professionalism, a commitment to quality, and a strong emphasis on client service and internal development. The scale of the organization means that operations roles often involve complex processes, global standards, and significant cross-functional interaction. The TD&C CoE structure suggests a move towards centralized, specialized support for talent development initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Manager / Design Consultant. This level signifies a professional with significant specialized experience (5-8 years) in learning design, capable of independent project execution, stakeholder management, and mentoring junior staff. They are expected to contribute to strategic learning initiatives.

Reporting Structure: Reports into a Portfolio Strategy Leader (PSL) or Senior Design Consultant (SDC). This structure indicates a hierarchical yet collaborative team environment, with clear lines of responsibility and support.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the firm's strategic priorities by ensuring its workforce possesses the necessary skills and knowledge. By designing effective learning interventions, this role contributes to employee upskilling, performance improvement, client service quality, and overall firm competitiveness. The focus on business outcomes and ROI metrics underscores the strategic importance of learning operations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Senior Design Consultant / PSL: Progression to a Senior Design Consultant role, leading more complex programs, or a Portfolio Strategy Leader position, managing a portfolio of learning initiatives and strategic direction.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of learning design, such as digital learning, learning analytics, or advanced assessment design.

  • Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on formal leadership roles, manage teams, and contribute to the strategic direction of the TD&C CoE.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into other HR or talent management functions within PwC, leveraging a broad understanding of the firm.

  • Global Opportunities: As part of a global firm, there may be opportunities to contribute to international learning initiatives or explore roles in other PwC member firms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path within PwC's TD&C CoE is designed to foster deep expertise in learning design and development, with clear pathways for advancement into senior and leadership roles. The emphasis on continuous learning and development within the firm itself provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," meaning it requires regular presence at a PwC office location in Johannesburg. This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to in-person collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. This location is a major economic hub, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: PwC offices typically feature a mix of private offices, open-plan work areas, and meeting rooms designed for team collaboration, client meetings, and focused work.

  • Technology Infrastructure: Access to robust IT infrastructure, including reliable internet, standard office software, and potentially specialized learning design tools.

  • Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues within the TD&C CoE, business SMEs, and other PwC professionals, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

  • Professional Atmosphere: A highly professional environment that encourages diligence, client focus, and adherence to firm standards.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) on-site. While flexibility may exist, the on-site requirement and potential need to align with UK hours suggest a structured work schedule, with potential for occasional adjustments based on project demands and global collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is crucial. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office-based role in Johannesburg. The mention of "working within UK hours" is a key detail that might imply a need for some overlap with UK time zones, which could affect daily scheduling or collaboration patterns.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or recruitment team reviews applications, focusing on minimum qualifications and relevant experience.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Portfolio Strategy Leader (PSL) or SDC to assess technical skills in learning design, understanding of PwC's business, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific learning design methodologies and project examples.

  • Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise may be administered, such as designing a learning module outline for a given business scenario, or a more in-depth case study presentation. This evaluates your design thinking, problem-solving, and ability to translate business needs into learning objectives.

  • Panel Interview: May involve interviews with other team members or stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, leadership potential, and broader fit within the TD&C CoE.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader within Talent Development or HR.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that demonstrate impact, innovation, and a clear understanding of business objectives.

  • Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the business challenge, your role, the learning objectives, the design process (methodologies used), key deliverables, and measurable outcomes/impact. Use a consistent format.

  • Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your learning solutions (e.g., improved performance scores, reduced error rates, increased adoption of new processes, positive learner feedback).

  • Highlight Innovation: Showcase any use of technology, creative approaches, or novel methodologies that enhanced learning effectiveness.

  • Tailor to PwC: Emphasize projects that align with the professional services context, complex stakeholder environments, or digital learning trends relevant to PwC.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand PwC's Business: Research PwC's service lines, strategic priorities, and current market challenges. This will help you frame your design thinking within their context.

  • Master Design Methodologies: Be ready to discuss and apply instructional design models (ADDIE, SAM, Design Thinking) and adult learning principles.

  • Practice Stakeholder Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you manage challenging stakeholders, gather requirements, and gain buy-in for learning initiatives.

  • Articulate Business Impact: Focus on demonstrating how your learning solutions drive tangible business outcomes, not just participant satisfaction.

  • Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the team's current challenges, strategic goals for learning development, and opportunities for innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at a firm like PwC is typically rigorous and structured. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and alignment with business objectives is paramount. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process and defend their choices with data and strategic rationale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Learning Design Software: Proficiency in authoring tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or similar e-learning development platforms.

  • Visual Design Tools: Experience with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator) or presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Canva) for creating engaging visual assets.

  • Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project collaboration.

  • Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, or Microsoft Project for managing project timelines, tasks, and resources.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Learning Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools that track learner progress, engagement, and effectiveness (e.g., built-in LMS/LXP analytics, specialized learning analytics dashboards).

  • Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in Excel for data manipulation and analysis; knowledge of BI tools like Tableau or Power BI could be advantageous for deeper analysis.

  • Survey & Feedback Tools: Experience with platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms for gathering learner feedback and program evaluations.

CRM & Automation:

  • LMS/LXP: Experience with managing or interacting with Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) for content delivery, tracking, and reporting.

  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Potentially useful for managing and organizing learning resources.

  • Integration Tools: Understanding of how different learning technologies might integrate to create a seamless learning ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly listed, a Design Consultant at PwC would be expected to be proficient with industry-standard e-learning authoring tools and comfortable leveraging data from LMS/LXP platforms. The role's emphasis on business outcomes also suggests a need for analytical skills to interpret evaluation data.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful learning solutions that meet the firm's rigorous standards.

  • Innovation: Encouraging creativity and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance learning effectiveness.

  • Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where knowledge is shared, and collective expertise is leveraged to achieve common goals.

  • Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding PwC's code of conduct, ethical standards, and professional integrity in all interactions and deliverables.

  • Business Focus: Maintaining a clear understanding of business objectives and ensuring learning initiatives directly contribute to firm strategy and success.

  • Continuous Learning: Promoting a culture where personal and professional development is valued and actively pursued.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands strong collaboration with various departments, including business units (LoS), other TD&C CoE teams (S&I, LI&R), and event delivery teams.

  • SME Partnership: Working closely with subject matter experts to co-create content, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and practical application.

  • Peer Review & Knowledge Sharing: An environment where design professionals actively review each other's work, share best practices, and collectively elevate the team's capabilities.

  • Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design quality and process efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's values are deeply embedded in its culture. For a Design Consultant, this translates to a need for strong professional ethics, a client-centric mindset (even for internal clients), and a drive for continuous improvement in both personal skills and the learning solutions provided.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing LoS & Firmwide Needs: Designing learning solutions that effectively cater to the diverse needs and priorities of different Lines of Service while also meeting overarching firm-wide objectives.

  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in digital learning technologies and pedagogical approaches to ensure learning solutions remain innovative and effective.

  • Engaging Diverse Audiences: Creating content that resonates with a wide range of professional backgrounds, experience levels, and learning preferences within a large, global organization.

  • Measuring Impact & ROI: Quantifying the business impact and return on investment of learning initiatives can be complex, requiring robust evaluation strategies and data analysis.

  • Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling several design projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, stakeholders, and deadlines, demands strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Instructional Design Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications in areas like digital learning, gamification, or learning analytics.

  • Leadership Training: Opportunities to develop leadership skills through formal training programs and by mentoring junior designers.

  • Industry Conferences & Webinars: Attending events and participating in webinars focused on learning and development trends, instructional design best practices, and emerging technologies.

  • Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience in other areas of HR or Talent Development, such as talent acquisition, performance management, or organizational development.

  • Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learning from and contributing to learning initiatives across PwC's global network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a large, dynamic professional services firm. They offer significant opportunities for professional growth by pushing individuals to develop advanced problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business need into clear learning objectives. What was your process?" (Focus on analysis, SME engagement, and objective setting).

  • "How do you ensure your learning designs are innovative and leverage current technology effectively?" (Highlight specific tools, methodologies, and a forward-thinking approach).

  • "Imagine you need to design a training program for a new service offering that spans multiple PwC service lines. How would you approach this project from a design perspective?" (Discuss stakeholder mapping, content curation, and LoS-specific tailoring). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about PwC's commitment to talent development and continuous learning?" (Research PwC's TD&C CoE and their stated values).

  • "How would you contribute to PwC's culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the TD&C CoE?" (Emphasize teamwork, mentoring, and proactive sharing of insights).

  • "How do you ensure your learning solutions align with business priorities and demonstrate measurable impact?" (Focus on business acumen, ROI, and evaluation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Start with Impact: Begin each case study by clearly stating the business problem and the measurable impact of your learning solution.

  • Walk Through the Process: Detail your design methodology, stakeholder engagement, and key decisions made at each stage.

  • Showcase Deliverables: Present visual examples of your work (e.g., screenshots of e-learning, sample job aids, presentation slides).

  • Quantify Results: Clearly articulate the metrics used to evaluate success and the actual outcomes achieved.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, challenges encountered, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, interviewers will be looking for a blend of pedagogical expertise, strategic thinking, and practical execution capabilities. Demonstrating an understanding of PwC's business context and a commitment to driving measurable results will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most impactful learning design projects. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your ability to translate business needs into measurable learning objectives and showcase innovative design solutions. Prioritize examples relevant to professional services or complex organizational structures.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Instructional Design," "Learning Design," "Stakeholder Management," "Project Management," "Digital Learning," and "ADDIE/SAM." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, stakeholder management strategies, and how you measure the impact of learning interventions. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that align with the responsibilities and challenges outlined.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research PwC's service offerings, strategic priorities, and their stated commitment to talent development. Understand the structure of their TD&C CoE and the role of Design Consultants.

⚠️ 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

Requires a minimum of 5-8 years of experience in learning design and an honors bachelor degree in a relevant field. Candidates must demonstrate strong stakeholder engagement, project management skills, and an understanding of digital learning technologies.