At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design projects, manage teams, and create innovative educational resources.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in digital learning since 1844.
- Benefits: Enjoy a diverse culture, remote work options, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with cutting-edge design technologies.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in design, strong skills in print and digital, and team management experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel and work on international projects.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Role: Head of Design
Division: Assessment & Qualifications Delivery
Location: Rotherham, Manchester or London, UK
About Pearson: At Pearson we ‘add life to a lifetime of learning’ so everyone can realise the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. Our Purpose | Add Life to a Lifetime of Learning. Pearson was founded in 1844 and has been built on our ability to grow with and adapt to a constantly evolving market. Our 20,000+ employees are dedicated to creating the high-quality, digital-first, accessible and sustainable resources for lifelong learning.
About Pearson Assessment Services The Pearson Assessment Services (PAS) team provides assessment services to the UK and international assessment markets, supporting government education departments with project management, operational delivery and technical solutions. We are part of Pearson School Qualifications which supports the curriculum, qualifications and assessments for students in the UK and globally, delivering exams to over million students in over 80 countries annually and operating as a centre of excellence in qualifications and assessment.
Role Summary
A multidisciplinary designer, experienced in both print and digital design, with the ability to work closely with colleagues across the business. Most design work is focused on assessments, but also marketing materials and video production.
This is a practicing designer role, combined with managing others .
Role involves travel and includes the regular servicing of contracts overseas.
Good communicator, able to manage the work of partner design teams and consultants and be responsible for the quality of their output.
Requirements
7 years + experience design ideally in assessment/education.
A keen eye for detail.
Experience in colour and black and white print production and pdf diagnostics.
Ability to demonstrably fulfil client need whilst satisfying background technical requirements.
Ability to design/engineer imaginative ad hoc print solutions.
Ability to design LTR and RTL documents and templates (experience with Arabic DTP a definite advantage).
Digital
Good working knowledge of UX / UI design theory and prototyping.
A firm grasp of WCAG requirements and the importance of accessibility in design.
Confidence in line management of UX / UI designer(s).
Video
Ability to create high quality software simulations and training videos with animated vector graphics and voiceovers. Software packages
Expert user of Adobe InDesign , Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro.
Good working knowledge of Figma.
Good working knowledge of Adobe Premiere, After Effects and Audition.
Working knowledge of Adobe Captivate is useful.
What to expect from Pearson
Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?
At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at
We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.
Head of Design employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's mission and values. Understanding how they 'add life to a lifetime of learning' will help you align your design philosophy with theirs, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your multidisciplinary design experience by preparing a portfolio that highlights both print and digital projects. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality outputs.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Pearson on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in UX/UI design and accessibility standards. Being knowledgeable about these areas will not only enhance your skill set but also show your commitment to creating inclusive designs.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Design position at Pearson. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in assessment and education design.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your 7+ years of experience in design, particularly in print and digital formats. Include specific examples of projects where you've managed teams and met client needs.
Highlight Technical Skills: Make sure to list your proficiency in essential software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Figma. If you have experience with Arabic DTP or creating high-quality software simulations, be sure to mention these as they are advantageous for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrate your understanding of Pearson's mission. Discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their goal of adding life to a lifetime of learning.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work in both print and digital design. Include examples that demonstrate your experience with UX/UI design and any projects that involved collaboration with partner design teams.
✨Understand Pearson's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's mission of adding life to a lifetime of learning. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their innovative approach in the education sector.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical requirements of the role, be ready to answer questions about your experience with colour and black & white print production, as well as your proficiency in software like Adobe InDesign and Figma. Highlight specific projects where you successfully met client needs while adhering to technical standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Design, you'll be managing others. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed design teams in the past. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and ensure quality output across projects.