Learning Design Lead

AQA and AQA Affiliates; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization located in Milton Keynes seeks an experienced Learning Designer to lead the creation and delivery of innovative digital learning products. The role involves designing effective learning outcomes, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring accessibility in product development. Candidates should have a background in learning design, strong communication skills, and a passion for educational innovation. This position offers a flexible working environment with a generous benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working

25 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Volunteering days

Access to learning and development programs

Qualifications

• Experience in learning design and curriculum development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understanding of accessibility principles.
• Project management experience in complex environments.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies.
• Create engaging learner journeys and support materials.
• Embed accessibility principles into digital learning experiences.
• Collaborate with Product Managers on product roadmaps.
• Work with external partners to ensure quality and relevance.
• Drive innovation using research and learner insights.

Skills

Learning design

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Accessibility in learning design

Project management

Innovation

Job description

Overview

• Collaboration at the core: You'll work face‑to‑face with a newly formed department, shaping its culture and influencing its direction. While we encourage two days a week in an AQA office, this can be at your base location or another AQA site to work with colleagues and lead innovation.
• Make your mark: Be part of a team driving AQA's growth strategy and creating digital products.
• Make your mark: Be part of a team driving AQA's growth strategy and creating products that change the way learners experience education.
• Professional development: Access internal programmes and opportunities to grow your expertise in learning design and leadership.
• Inclusive culture: We value diversity, collaboration, and innovation - and we're committed to creating an environment where differences are celebrated.

Purpose of the role

You'll lead the design and delivery of learning products that support learners at every stage. Your work will ensure these products are pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligned with AQA's strategic objectives. This role is about bringing learning science into product development - helping us create solutions that go beyond end‑point assessment and truly support progression.

We're building something new – and we want you to be part of it. AQA Assessment Services Ltd is creating a dedicated team to develop innovative learning and assessment products that go beyond the traditional 14‑18 space. These roles are at the heart of our ambition to transform how learners interact with learning and assessment, both in the UK and internationally.

What you'll be doing

• Designing learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies for new products.
• Creating learner journeys and support materials that make learning engaging and inclusive.
• Embedding accessibility and usability principles into digital learning experiences.
• Working closely with Product Managers to integrate learning design into product roadmaps.
• Collaborating with assessment designers, digital content teams, and external partners to ensure quality and relevance.
• Driving innovation by applying research and learner insights to improve design.

Experience & qualifications

• Experience in learning design and development, including curriculum and assessment design.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understanding of accessibility in learning design.
• Project management experience in complex environments.
• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

What's in it for you

• Exposure to high‑impact projects shaping the future of learning and assessment.
• A collaborative, inclusive team culture that values your ideas and wellbeing.
• Flexible working, a 35‑hour week, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure).
• A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions.
• Private medical insurance, health cash plan, EV leasing, volunteering days, and modern offices with gym.
• Opportunities to influence learning strategy across diverse markets and education models.
• Access to learning and development, including leadership and strategic thinking.