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- Tasks: Lead creative innovation and develop user-centred learning solutions.
- Company: Cognition, transforming lives through learning for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a values-led culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for experimentation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital learning and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in learning innovation and strong UX expertise.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us: Transforming lives through learning for over 30 years. Our teams work in education consultancy, professional development, early-years & primary tutoring, digital learning and publishing to improve learning for everyone.
Salary: £65,000 – £70,000
Location: Hybrid
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
Requirements:
What you’ll bring:
- You will be a strategic and creative leader with:
- Senior‑level experience leading learning innovation, product development or creative innovation
- 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.
Closing date: Friday 15 May 2026 at 5:00pm. Interviews: Week commencing 25 May 2026. Please note: the vacancy may close early subject to the volume of applications received.
Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester employer: Cognition Learning Group
Contact Detail:
Cognition Learning Group 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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you showcase why you're the perfect fit for the Director of Creative Innovation role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your vision for creative innovation and how you can lead teams to success. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your impact and creativity.
✨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 mission to transform lives through learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Creative Innovation (Learning) in Manchester
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 product development, showcasing how you've turned bold ideas into client-ready solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be a maximum of two pages and clearly outline how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification. Use this opportunity to express your passion for ethical innovation and how you can contribute to our mission at Cognition.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Share examples of how you've successfully built and guided digital design and UX teams to create impactful learning solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our application portal. Make sure to submit your CV and cover letter there to ensure your application is considered. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognition Learning Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Cognition's mission and values. Understand their approach to learning innovation and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the company’s vision.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Director of Creative Innovation, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to think outside the box. Prepare examples of past projects where you’ve led innovative solutions or transformed ideas into successful products. Be specific about the impact these had on learning outcomes.
✨Engage with Emerging Technologies
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in digital learning, especially AI and immersive technologies. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these tools ethically to enhance learning experiences. This will highlight your forward-thinking approach and adaptability.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence and engage stakeholders across different teams. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it!