Senior Instructional Designer in London

Location: Aligned to one of FI Group's regional centres, with an expectation to attend the London office 3-4 days per month.

Salary: Dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

About First Intuition

First Intuition is the UK's leading provider of accountancy training, supporting over 10,000 students annually across our network of training centres. We deliver ACCA, CIMA, ACA and AAT qualifications alongside our Impact Skills Programme (ISP) for apprentices. As we launch Impact Academy, we're expanding our expertise in human skills development for early career professionals, building on our proven track record with 1,600+ corporate clients.

About Impact Academy

Impact Academy represents First Intuition's strategic expansion into professional skills development beyond technical accountancy training. We're launching an enhanced solution that will deliver enhanced Impact Skills Programmes and commercial skills development to both existing FI clients and other organisations.

Role Purpose

The Instructional Designer is a critical role within Impact Academy's curriculum team, bringing deep expertise in learning design to create market-leading professional development content. You will take ownership of complex content development projects from brief through to delivery-ready materials, working with significant autonomy whilst collaborating closely with the Curriculum Design Lead on strategic priorities.

This is a hands-on senior specialist role requiring proven instructional design expertise. You will transform curriculum frameworks into high-quality learning materials, assessments, and resources that deliver measurable skills development for early career professionals. The role demands the ability to work across multiple programmes simultaneously, make sound design decisions independently, and produce content that meets both learner needs and commercial quality standards expected by employer clients.

As a senior member of the team, you will contribute to establishing content quality standards and best practices, provide input on instructional design approaches for new programmes, and help build Impact Academy's reputation for excellence in professional skills development. As the team grows, there will be opportunities to mentor junior designers and shape the evolution of our content development capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Content Design & Development (40%)
  • Design and develop high-quality learning materials including facilitator guides, participant workbooks, presentations, and digital content.
  • Create storyboards and scripts for e-learning modules, videos, and interactive learning experiences.
  • Transform subject matter expertise into accessible, engaging learning content for diverse audiences.
  • Develop case studies, scenarios, and practical exercises that reflect real workplace challenges.
  • Ensure all content aligns with established curriculum frameworks and brand guidelines.
• Assessment & Quality (25%)
  • Design formative and summative assessments that accurately measure learning outcomes and skills development.
  • Create descriptors, marking guides, and assessment criteria aligned with programme objectives.
  • Conduct quality reviews of learning materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and accessibility.
  • Incorporate feedback from facilitators, learners, and employers to continuously improve content.
  • Ensure all materials meet Ofsted requirements and apprenticeship standards where applicable.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)
  • Work closely with subject matter experts to extract and structure knowledge for learning purposes.
  • Collaborate with the Programme Delivery team to ensure content is practical and deliverable.
  • Support the Curriculum Design Lead with programme development initiatives and projects.
  • Participate in content review sessions and incorporate stakeholder feedback effectively.
  • Liaise with technology partners and platform providers on content integration requirements.
• Technology & Innovation (15%)
  • Utilise authoring tools and learning technologies to create engaging digital content.
  • Manage content within Learning Management Systems and ensure proper organisation and accessibility.
  • Stay current with instructional design trends, learning science research, and emerging technologies.
  • Recommend innovative approaches to content delivery and learner engagement.
  • Support the adoption and integration of new learning technologies across programmes.

Education & Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant area (e.g. Learning & Development, Education, Psychology, or Communications) is preferred, but applications are also welcomed from candidates with equivalent qualifications and/or experience.
• Understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Knowledge of assessment design and quality assurance processes.

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in instructional design and content development with evidence of operating at senior level.
• Proven track record of creating high-quality learning materials for professional or corporate audiences.
• Background in professional skills, business education, or corporate training sectors.
• Experience working with subject matter experts to develop learning content.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Captivate, or similar).
• Experience with Learning Management Systems and content management.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office suite, particularly PowerPoint and Word.
• Excellent written communication and copywriting skills.
• Ability to create visually engaging materials and graphic design skills.

Personal Attributes

• Creative thinking with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative approach with ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and responsive to feedback and changing requirements.

This role offers excellent career development opportunities as Impact Academy grows from startup to established business unit. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Develop expertise across multiple programme areas and delivery channels.
• Progress to senior roles as the curriculum team expands.
• Build a portfolio of innovative learning solutions.
• Contribute to thought leadership in professional skills development.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit:

• Comprehensive CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements.
• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with our requirements.
• Portfolio or examples of instructional design work (optional).
• Contact details for two professional references – will be required at an appropriate stage and with permission prior to contacting them.

30 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays.

3 FI Days per year.

Hybrid working available, equipment provided for homeworking.

Flexible-working positive employer with a range of family-friendly policies.

Employee Assistance Programme: 24-hour confidential access to counselling and support services.

Training and development opportunities.

Long term career prospects in a growing company.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting young people and vulnerable adults and follow Safer Recruitment processes. All successful candidates will need to complete a DBS check, with some roles requiring an Enhanced check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All staff are expected to share this commitment and adhere to our Safeguarding and Prevent Policy.

First Intuition does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.