Tax Learning & Development - Design Consultant Manager – 12m FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Tax Learning & Development - Design Consultant Manager – 12m FTC

Company: PwC UK

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (12-month Fixed-Term Contract)

Category: Learning & Development / Talent Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement innovative learning and development (L&D) programs specifically tailored for the Tax, Legal, and Workforce sectors, with a focus on early careers technical learning and learner pathways.

• Act as a key liaison between business stakeholders, subject matter experts (SMEs), and the L&D team to translate strategic business objectives into effective and impactful learning interventions.

• Drive the continuous improvement of learning solutions by analyzing evaluation data, embedding best practices in instructional design, and ensuring content is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with modern learning technology.

• Foster a culture of capability building within the L&D team by coaching junior designers, facilitating knowledge sharing, and preparing facilitators for high-quality learning delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Design Consultant Manager, suggesting a blend of hands-on design work and team leadership/mentorship within the Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE). The 12-month FTC nature indicates a project-driven focus, likely involving specific curriculum overhauls or new program launches within the Tax, Legal & Workforce domains. The emphasis on "innovative solutions" and "latest technological innovations" points towards a need for a forward-thinking approach to L&D strategy and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive learning design strategies for Tax, Legal, and Workforce programs, including the redesign of early careers technical learning modules and the creation of structured learner pathways.

• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders and SMEs to conduct needs analyses, facilitate design workshops, and ensure all learning solutions directly support business priorities and meet learner requirements.

• Champion quality assurance and continuous improvement by critically reviewing learning content, analyzing program evaluation data (e.g., Kirkpatrick levels), and embedding learning design best practices.

• Ensure all learning content is inclusive, accessible, and leverages modern learning approaches and technologies to maximize learner engagement and impact.

• Coach and mentor Design Senior Associates and junior designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring consistent application of design methodologies.

• Support Portfolio Strategy Leaders (PSLs) and Senior Design Consultants (SDCs) with project management activities, ensuring timely and successful delivery of learning initiatives.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in learning technology and instructional design, proactively recommending and integrating innovative solutions to enhance learning effectiveness.

• Prepare and brief facilitators on program content, learning objectives, and delivery expectations to ensure a high-quality and consistent learning experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic design and operational execution. The mention of "Portfolio Strategy Leader" and "Senior Design Consultant" implies a structured L&D framework within PwC, where this role contributes to a broader portfolio of learning initiatives. The responsibility for "preparing facilitators" is a key operational aspect, ensuring the successful deployment of designed content.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Instructional Design, Human Resources, Business, or a related field is typically expected for such roles. A Master's degree or relevant certifications in Learning and Development or Instructional Design would be advantageous. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in Learning & Development, with a significant portion focused on instructional design and program development.

• Proven experience in designing and delivering learning solutions for complex technical subjects, ideally within professional services, finance, or legal sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple learning projects simultaneously, from needs analysis through to evaluation. Required Skills:

• Learning Design Expertise: Proficient in various instructional design models (e.g., ADDIE, SAM) and methodologies, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative learning solutions (digital, blended, face-to-face).

• Tax Technical Acumen: Solid understanding of Tax, Legal & Workforce business areas, their strategic priorities, and specific learning needs.

• Stakeholder Management & Business Partnering: Ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and effectively partner with business leaders and SMEs.

• Project Management Discipline: Strong organizational skills with a proven ability to manage projects, timelines, and resources effectively, particularly within a consulting or professional services environment.

• Coaching & Mentorship: Experience in guiding, mentoring, and developing junior team members or colleagues.

• Digital Learning & Technology: Familiarity with learning technologies, authoring tools (e.g., Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate), and modern digital learning approaches.

• Data Analysis & Evaluation: Ability to analyze learning evaluation data, identify trends, and use insights to drive continuous improvement in program effectiveness.

• Communication & Facilitation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and confidently to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Instructional Design Certifications: Formal certifications in instructional design or learning technologies.

• Experience with specific L&D Platforms: Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other L&D technologies common in large professional services firms.

• Commercial Judgement: Ability to apply sound business judgment to learning investment decisions and project prioritization.

• Change Management Experience: Understanding of change management principles and how to embed learning within broader organizational change initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Tax technical expertise" and "understanding of the Tax, Legal & Workforce business" is critical. This isn't just a generic L&D role; it requires domain knowledge to design impactful technical learning. The "5-10 years" estimation for experience level is based on the "Manager" title and the scope of responsibilities, which typically require a solid foundation of practical experience and some leadership exposure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Learning Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies of learning programs designed and developed. Each case study should clearly outline the business need, target audience, learning objectives, design methodology, content development, technology used, and measurable outcomes.

• Process Documentation Examples: Include examples of documentation created during the design process, such as learning needs analysis reports, learning objectives frameworks, storyboard samples, or curriculum outlines.

• Technology Integration Examples: Demonstrate how learning technologies and digital tools were integrated into learning solutions to enhance engagement and effectiveness.

• Impact & ROI Demonstration: For each case study, provide evidence of the learning program's impact on business outcomes, ideally quantified through metrics, surveys, or performance data.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Analysis & Objective Setting: Evidence of structured approaches to identifying learning needs and translating them into clear, measurable learning objectives.

• Design & Development Workflow: Documentation illustrating a systematic process for designing, developing, and iterating on learning content, including collaboration with SMEs.

• Evaluation & Improvement Frameworks: Examples of how learning programs are evaluated (e.g., feedback forms, knowledge checks, performance metrics) and how this data is used for iterative improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For L&D roles, a portfolio is crucial. It serves as tangible proof of design capabilities, process adherence, and impact. The emphasis here is on demonstrating a structured approach to learning design and development, showcasing the ability to deliver measurable business results through learning interventions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the role title (Manager), location (Manchester, UK), experience level (5-10 years), and the nature of a large professional services firm like PwC, a competitive salary range for a Design Consultant Manager on a 12-month FTC would likely be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate is derived from general market data for similar L&D management roles in the UK, accounting for the fixed-term nature of the contract which may offer a slightly higher rate than permanent positions. Benefits:

• Empowered Flexibility: A hybrid work model allowing for a balance between office, home, and client site.

• Private Medical Cover: Comprehensive private healthcare insurance.

• 24/7 Virtual GP Access: Immediate access to qualified virtual general practitioners.

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

• Pension Scheme: Contributions to a company pension plan.

• Life Assurance: Coverage in case of death in service.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related issues.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement within the L&D domain.

Working Hours:

• Typically 35-40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working arrangement. Specific hours may vary based on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for L&D management roles in the UK professional services sector. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are standard for large, reputable firms, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting (specifically within Tax, Legal, and Workforce advisory). PwC UK operates within a highly competitive and dynamic professional services landscape, emphasizing client service, expertise, and innovation.

Company Size: PwC is a global network of firms with over 364,000 employees worldwide and a significant presence in the UK, indicating a large, established, and structured corporate environment. This size offers extensive resources, complex internal processes, and a wide range of career development opportunities.

Founded: PwC has a long history, with roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, evolving through mergers into the firm it is today. This heritage suggests a culture that values experience, stability, and a commitment to long-term relationships, while also adapting to modern business demands.

Team Structure:

• Talent, Development & Coaching Centre of Excellence (TD&C CoE): This is the overarching function responsible for talent strategy, development, and coaching across PwC UK.

• Tax Design Team: A specialized unit within the TD&C CoE, focused on understanding business needs and designing/curating learning content for the Tax, Legal, and Workforce domains.

• Portfolio Strategy Leaders (PSLs) & Senior Design Consultants (SDCs): These individuals likely lead specific learning portfolios or programs and may be direct line managers or senior mentors for the Design Consultant Manager.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close partnership with business SMEs, delivery teams, and potentially other L&D functions (e.g., analytics, technology) to ensure learning solutions are relevant and effective.

Methodology:

• Needs-Driven Design: Learning solutions are initiated by identified business needs and strategic priorities.

• Data-Informed Iteration: Continuous improvement is driven by analysis of program evaluation data and learner feedback.

• Technology Integration: Leveraging the latest technological innovations to enhance learning effectiveness is a key tenet.

• Collaborative Development: Working closely with SMEs and other L&D professionals to co-create and refine learning content.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PwC's scale and its focus on professional development is key. The TD&C CoE structure implies a strategic, centralized approach to talent development, where this role plays a vital part in executing that strategy for specific business areas. The emphasis on innovation suggests an environment that encourages new ideas in L&D.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior level within the L&D/Talent Operations function. It combines hands-on design and development with managerial responsibilities, including coaching and project oversight. It's a crucial link between strategic L&D objectives and the practical creation of learning experiences.

Reporting Structure: The Design Consultant Manager will report to a Portfolio Strategy Leader (PSL) and may also receive direction from a Senior Design Consultant for program delivery. This indicates a clear hierarchy within the Tax Design team, with opportunities for mentorship from more experienced leaders.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on developing the technical and professional capabilities of PwC's Tax, Legal, and Workforce professionals. By creating effective learning programs, the role directly contributes to:

• Talent Development: Ensuring employees have the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and advance their careers.

• Business Performance: Enhancing the expertise of client-facing teams, leading to improved client service and business outcomes.

• Talent Retention: Providing valuable development opportunities that contribute to employee engagement and retention.

• Innovation Adoption: Facilitating the understanding and adoption of new technologies and methodologies within the business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Senior Design Consultant role, a PSL position, or broader L&D management roles within PwC.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of Tax, Legal, or Workforce learning design, or in learning technologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various business units and L&D functions across the firm.

• Permanent Role Conversion: While a 12-month FTC, successful performance could lead to opportunities for permanent roles within PwC's L&D or relevant business functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The FTC nature means growth is tied to project success and potential internal mobility. The managerial aspect of the title suggests a clear progression path from individual contributor roles in learning design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PwC operates a modern, professional office environment. Given the "Empowered Flexibility" benefit, the offices are likely designed to support collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, rather than traditional fixed desk setups. The hybrid model means the office serves as a hub for connection and strategic activities.

Office Location(s): The primary location specified is Manchester, UK (M1 3ED). PwC has multiple offices across the UK, but this role is based in Manchester, offering access to a major city's professional network and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: Offices are designed for team interaction, workshops, and client meetings, fostering a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

• Technology-Enabled: Access to modern IT infrastructure, collaboration tools, and potentially specialized L&D equipment or software.

• Professional Atmosphere: A corporate setting that expects professionalism, punctuality, and a client-centric approach.

• Hybrid Integration: The workspace is configured to seamlessly integrate with remote work, ensuring continuity and flexibility.

Work Schedule: The standard working week is likely around 35-40 hours. The "empowered flexibility" suggests that while core hours may exist, there's scope for adjusting start/end times to accommodate personal needs, provided business objectives and project deadlines are met. This flexibility is crucial for effective L&D delivery, which often requires working around SME and learner availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is central to PwC's current work environment. The Manchester office will be a key touchpoint for collaboration and team engagement, complementing the remote work aspect.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, likely conducted by an HR recruiter, to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Portfolio Strategy Leader or Senior Design Consultant, focusing on your experience, technical expertise, design philosophy, and understanding of the Tax/Legal/Workforce domains.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a portfolio piece or complete a short design task, demonstrating your instructional design skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach learning challenges. This is where your portfolio will be heavily scrutinized.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues or business stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final conversation with a more senior leader to confirm suitability for the role and contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your ability to design for technical subjects, implement innovative solutions, and drive measurable business impact.

• Structure for Clarity: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate:

  • The Business Problem/Need
  • Target Audience & Context
  • Learning Objectives (SMART)
  • Design Approach & Methodology
  • Content Development Process (including SME collaboration)
  • Technology Utilized
  • Key Outcomes & Impact (Quantify where possible)

• Highlight Innovation: Showcase how you’ve incorporated modern learning technologies, digital approaches, or creative instructional strategies.

• Demonstrate Business Acumen: Frame your projects in terms of how they supported broader business objectives and delivered ROI.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explain your design decisions, and answer questions about challenges faced and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research PwC's L&D: Understand PwC's approach to talent development, their stated values, and any recent initiatives in learning technology or professional development.

• Understand the Tax/Legal/Workforce Context: Familiarize yourself with the types of technical skills and knowledge required in these areas within a professional services firm.

• Practice Design Thinking: Be prepared to articulate your process for tackling a new learning need, from analysis to evaluation.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Think about examples that demonstrate your leadership, coaching, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills using the STAR method.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this at PwC will be rigorous, emphasizing both technical L&D skills and the ability to operate within a large professional services firm. A strong, well-presented portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Authoring Tools: Articulate Storyline 360, Adobe Captivate, Rise 360 (for rapid e-learning development).

• Design & Collaboration: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), potentially Visio or Lucidchart for process mapping, Miro or Mural for virtual whiteboarding.

• Project Management: Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or PwC's internal project management tools.

• Content Curation Platforms: Familiarity with tools or systems for curating and managing learning resources.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LMS Reporting: Experience extracting and analyzing data from Learning Management Systems (e.g., Workday, Cornerstone, SAP SuccessFactors).

• Evaluation Tools: Survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics) for collecting learner feedback.

• Data Analysis Software: Excel for data manipulation and analysis; potentially Power BI or Tableau for dashboard creation and visualization.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how learning data integrates with HRIS systems (like Workday) is beneficial. Automation might be relevant for workflow triggers within an LMS or for reporting processes.

• HRIS Systems: Familiarity with systems like Workday, which PwC uses, for talent management and HR data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools will vary, but proficiency in industry-standard e-learning authoring tools and a strong understanding of how to leverage LMS data for analysis and reporting are essential. PwC's size means they likely have a sophisticated internal technology ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies and creative approaches to learning design.

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

• Impact: Focusing on designing learning that drives tangible business outcomes and supports individual and firm-wide growth.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Ensuring learning programs are designed to be accessible and beneficial to all employees, regardless of background.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Close collaboration with business SMEs to ensure technical accuracy and relevance of learning content.

• Team-Based Design: Working within the Tax Design team and TD&C CoE, sharing best practices and providing peer support.

• Client-Centric: Understanding that learning initiatives are ultimately in service of enhancing client delivery and business performance.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is shared and acted upon to improve learning solutions and individual performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture emphasizes trust, teamwork, and professional integrity. Within L&D, this translates to a focus on delivering value, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Management: Effectively juggling hands-on design responsibilities with coaching, project oversight, and stakeholder management.

• Pace of Change: Keeping up with evolving Tax regulations, legal frameworks, and learning technologies to ensure content remains current and effective.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse expectations from business leaders, SMEs, and learners to create solutions that satisfy multiple needs.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the ROI and business impact of learning initiatives in a complex professional services environment.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Navigating the 12-month duration, requiring rapid integration and immediate contribution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Instructional Design: Deepen expertise in specific learning methodologies, adult learning theories, or specialized design software.

• Learning Technology Specialization: Explore emerging trends in AI in learning, immersive technologies (VR/AR), or advanced learning analytics.

• Leadership & Project Management: Develop skills in managing larger L&D portfolios, leading teams, and influencing strategic L&D decisions.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications in instructional design, learning technologies, or project management.

• Subject Matter Expertise: Enhance understanding of Tax, Legal, and Workforce domains through internal engagement and external resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a managerial L&D role in a large firm, amplified by the FTC nature. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to gain high-value experience in a reputable organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex technical learning program you designed. What was the business need, your approach, the challenges, and the measurable outcomes?" (Focus on structure, methodology, and impact).

• "How do you ensure learning content remains current and relevant in a rapidly evolving field like Tax?" (Highlight your process for staying updated and embedding updates).

• "How would you approach designing a learning pathway for early-career professionals in our Tax practice?" (Demonstrate your understanding of learner progression and structured development).

• "How do you manage competing priorities and stakeholders when designing and delivering learning solutions?" (Showcase your project management and communication skills). Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment and coach junior designers?" (Provide specific examples of your leadership and mentorship style).

• "How do you assess the effectiveness and ROI of your learning programs?" (Discuss your evaluation frameworks and data-driven approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• "Tell Me About This Project": Be ready to present one or two key portfolio items in detail, covering the business context, your role, design decisions, and the results.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your instructional design process, from needs analysis to evaluation.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects. Highlight any improvements in performance, efficiency, or knowledge retention.

• Showcase Innovation: Explain how you leveraged technology or innovative approaches to enhance the learning experience and outcomes.

• Tailor to PwC: Connect your experience and portfolio examples to PwC's business and the specific requirements of the Tax, Legal, and Workforce sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their strategic thinking, business acumen, and ability to operate effectively within a large, professional organization like PwC.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in Learning & Development, instructional design, Tax/Legal/Workforce knowledge, project management, stakeholder engagement, and coaching. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and organize your best 2-3 learning design case studies. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, solution, your role, process, and measurable impact. Prepare a digital version for easy sharing.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio highlights concisely, focusing on how your skills align with PwC's needs and the specific requirements of this Design Consultant Manager role.

• Research PwC: Gain a deep understanding of PwC's values, culture, and its approach to talent development. Familiarize yourself with their services in Tax, Legal, and Workforce to better frame your experience.

⚠️ 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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