Design Manager

Job description

Driving innovation in learning design.

Working with a vibrant, diverse team.

Unlocking talent at some of the best-known brands, globally.

Sound appealing?

We are looking for a highly creative Design Manager, someone obsessed with learning and helping people think differently, to join our growing team at The Smarty Train. Can you create unique, dynamic and immersive learning experiences in virtual, face-to-face and digital formats? Do you want to help bring to life global learning journeys? Graduate programmes? Executive events? Pioneering training interventions? Then keep reading.

With an exciting new office, regular socials & wellbeing initiatives, free snacks, a dog-friendly space, and hybrid working, we’ve got it all!

What would you do in this key role? Here’s a snapshot;

• Design high-impact learning experiences – for Early Talent through to leadership - using behavioural science, learning science and human-centred design principles for both virtual and in-person formats
• Develop detailed session designs, including learning content and production requirements
• Critically evaluate design concepts to ensure alignment with learning outcomes, constraints and client needs
• Create learning materials - physical, digital and e-learning assets - with support from the Creative Team
• Lead low-to-mid-complexity projects and contribute significantly to high-complexity design work
• Manage workload and team coordination across multiple client projects with flexibility and strong organisation
• Master TST’s unique methodology and apply it to different client contexts
• Demonstrate and champion TST’s values in day-to-day work
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients and key stakeholders
• Support business development activities across the team, including proposals, RFP responses and sales-related tasks
• Understand chargeability, profitability and commercial drivers to ensure efficient and effective client service
• Stay informed on industry trends, market developments and emerging best practices
• Contribute to internal training and capability building across the TST team

You’ll thrive in this role if you have…

• Strong consulting capability, including structured thinking, clear problem framing and the ability to guide clients through complexity
• Proven ability to build and maintain positive, trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Analytical mindset with the ability to contribute to complex problem solving
• Ability to bring fresh ideas, insights and expertise to a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Able to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple priorities with a self-directed, organised approach
• High-quality communication and collaboration skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Creative thinker who can generate new approaches and solutions

You’ll bring this fantastic experience….

• Proven experience designing immersive or experiential learning interventions, with the ability to shape strategic learning approaches
• Demonstrated ability to craft high‑quality written content for diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders and clients
• Track record of building, managing and deepening client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor throughout project delivery
• Applied understanding of learning and behavioural science principles, with the ability to integrate them into learning design and recommendations
• Strong background in the L&D or Talent Development space or similar

This role could be a great fit if you….

• Are obsessed with learning and helping people to think differently
• Understand how to utilise the outputs of user research and account for them in the design of learning experiences
• Love writing and telling inspirational stories with science and facts
• Have a growth mindset and aptitude for strategic thinking
• Mix analytical thinking with creative flair
• Have a clear eye for detail
• Are self-driven and motivated

If you would like to hear more about this exciting role, please get in touch for the full job description, or submit your CV and cover letter to jointeamsmarty@thesmartytrain.com

Location: London Bridge area SE1/Hybrid

Contract duration: Permanent

Employment Type: Full-time

Salary: £42k per annum

Benefits include:

• Private healthcare including dental cover
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Performance related bonus
• Employee referral scheme
• Life insurance
• Workplace pension
• 25 days annual leave plus bank hols, long service award up to 5 days, and option to purchase additional annual leave
• Bank holiday swap option
• Additional day off on birthday
• Volunteering days
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including GP appointments 24/7.
• Learning Allowance e.g., for use on books/subscriptions/podcasts
• A wide variety of wellbeing and social activities

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

01-02-2026

Profession type

Design / Fashion

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English