Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester

Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 80000 - 100000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cognition Evolve

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead creative innovation and digital learning solutions that make a real impact.
  • Company: Join Cognition, a forward-thinking company shaping the future of digital learning.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a values-led culture, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and drive high-impact projects.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital innovation and transform learning experiences.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in digital learning design and leading creative teams.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.

Cognition is seeking an ambitious and visionary Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) to lead creative, digital and product innovation across the group. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced innovator who can turn bold ideas into scalable, client‑ready learning solutions that deliver clear value and impact. Guided by our principles to Be agile, Be better, Be ambitious and Be impactful, you will shape the organisation’s approach to creative innovation, learning products and user experience—ensuring learning design, technology and commercial outcomes come together seamlessly.

The role

  • Set the strategic direction for creative and product innovation across Cognition
  • Lead and develop the Digital Design and UX teams, ensuring high‑quality, user‑centred learning solutions
  • Oversee the Innovation Hub, empowering cross‑functional teams to experiment, prototype and scale ideas
  • Translate emerging technologies (including AI, immersive and interactive learning) into ethical, practical and scalable learning products
  • Work in close partnership with IT & Digital Transformation to ensure robust technical delivery
  • Collaborate with Learning Experience Design, Commercial and Business Development teams to strengthen client‑facing solutions
  • Represent Cognition in priority client engagements, proposals and innovation discussions

What you’ll bring

You will be a strategic and creative leader with:

  • Strong expertise in digital learning design, UX and user‑centred design methodologies
  • Experience building and leading digital design and UX teams
  • A proven track record of taking concepts through to scalable, client‑ready products or services
  • Confidence working across creative, learning, commercial and technical teams
  • Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills
  • A passion for ethical, evidence‑led innovation that improves learning impact

Why join Cognition?

  • Shape the future of digital learning and innovation at a group level
  • Lead high‑impact products, services and intellectual property development
  • Hybrid working with Manchester as your collaboration base
  • A values‑led culture that supports experimentation, ambition and growth

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification. All applications must be submitted via our application portal Cognition Learning Group - Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester. We will not accept CVs emailed through any job boards. Please note: the vacancy may close early subject to the volume of applications received.

Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester employer: Cognition Evolve

Cognition is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and creativity in the digital learning space. With a hybrid working model based in Manchester, employees benefit from a values-led culture that encourages experimentation and personal growth, while leading impactful projects that shape the future of learning. Join us to collaborate with talented teams and leverage emerging technologies in a supportive environment that prioritises ethical and evidence-led innovation.

Cognition Evolve

Contact Detail:

Cognition Evolve Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio or examples of your work. This is your time to shine and demonstrate how you can turn bold ideas into reality.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you articulate why you're the perfect fit for the Director of Creative Innovation role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and shaping the future of digital learning.

We think you need these skills to ace Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester

Digital Learning Design
User-Centred Design Methodologies
Leadership Skills
Team Development
Product Innovation
Emerging Technologies (AI, Immersive Learning)
Technical Delivery

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Director of Creative Innovation. Highlight your experience in digital learning design and UX, and don’t forget to showcase any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills align with our values—Be agile, Be better, Be ambitious, and Be impactful. We love seeing passion for ethical innovation, so let that enthusiasm come through!

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions. We’re looking for evidence of your impact, so numbers and results are your best friends here!

Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our application portal. It’s super easy! Just head over to our website, and make sure you submit your CV and cover letter there. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognition Evolve

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Cognition's mission and values. Understand their approach to digital learning and innovation. This will help you align your answers with their principles of being agile, better, ambitious, and impactful.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading digital design and UX teams. Be ready to discuss how you've turned bold ideas into scalable products, as this is crucial for the Director role.

Be Ready to Discuss Emerging Technologies

Brush up on the latest trends in AI and immersive learning. Think about how you can translate these technologies into practical solutions. This shows you're not just aware of the industry but also ready to innovate.

Engage with Stakeholders

Think about how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate your strong communication and influencing skills, as these are key for representing Cognition in client engagements.