Product Developer - Diploma Content Specialist - Part time

WSET is the world’s leading provider of drinks qualifications and courses. WSET has over 50 years’ experience in designing and delivering education to help both professionals and enthusiasts learn more about wine, spirits and sake. As a not-for-profit organisation, WSET’s purpose is

“to empower people all over the world through inspiring learning experiences”.

WSET qualifications are available in over 70 countries and 15 different languages. WSET’s global operations are based in London with regional offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and the US.

Product Development

WSET’s Product Development teams are responsible for the creation and continual improvement of WSET’s study materials and classroom-based teaching materials. These materials include our textbooks, workbooks/study guides, Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT) cards, and educator session plans and PowerPoints.

The Product Developer – Wine Qualifications – Diploma Content Specialist will work part-time within Product Development’s Wine team, to research, author and update our study materials for the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, gather industry and customer insights, assist with classroom course design, and, as needed, provide subject matter expertise for other teams within the organisation.

The role ensures that, through working in WSET’s Product Development team, the company meets its objective of producing high-quality educational courses and materials for its global customer base.

Please note that any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a thorough background check by an independent third party.

Job Responsibilities

This job is focused on the development and updating of the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, however, may include tasks relating to other WSET wine qualifications as required.

Research

• Carry out wine-related research via printed and online media and in person as required for WSET wine qualifications, particularly Diploma, and other WSET content.
• Establish and maintain relationships with regional promotional bodies and with industry-recognised subject experts to acquire authoritative information on the global wine industry for use by the WSET in the development and updating of its qualifications or other content.
• Plan and conduct customer (educator and student) research to inform the update and development of wine qualifications.
• As required, research educational theory and practice, making suggestions to the Head of Product Development – Wine Qualifications.
• Take an active role in communicating research findings to other members of Product Development to ensure the whole team benefit from such knowledge.
• Ensure research findings are recorded in a manner that can be easily found and used by other members of the team.

Product development

• Using customer and market insights, and with a focus on Diploma, work with the Head of Product Development – Wine Qualifications and other Product Developers to develop courses, study materials and educator materials that meet customer and business needs.
• Author and edit educational materials for Diploma students, ensuring work is carried out on schedule and meets the needs of the qualification.
• Work collaboratively with the Head of Product Development – Wine Qualifications and other Product Developers to ensure a close connection between the study materials and classroom/virtual course.
• As required, assist in the development or update of classroom-based and virtual courses for Diploma and in creating educator support materials.
• Collaborate with other members of the broader Academic Team to promote the quality and consistency of the Diploma qualification in its various forms.
• Commission, create briefs, and instruct external subject matter experts, as required, in tasks relating to development of the materials (for example, technical editing).
• Commission, create briefs, and instruct external contractors in the design of the materials and required visual assets.
• Collaborate in the piloting of new or updated educational content for Diploma.
• Collaborate in the communication of and training to support new updates for Diploma.
• Assist the Head of Product Development – Wine Qualifications in the achievement of development project milestones and deadlines.
• As required, assist the Head of Product Development – Wine Qualifications and other teams in projects aimed to improve the student experience.

Provision of subject matter expertise

• Provide subject matter expertise / act as a subject matter expert (SME) as required for the projects of other teams including, but not limited to, Translations, Digital and Marketing.

Educator support

• Work with the ETP team, as required, to assist in the development and launch of Diploma-relevant educator training and support.
• Work with the ETP team, as required, to ensure ETP wine courses are aligned to new updates in classroom/virtual courses.

Management of queries, feedback and errors relating to published WSET materials

Respond in a timely and professional manner to queries concerning the content of the Diploma.

Document and follow up on errors with relevant stakeholders according to the error management process.

Other

• Contribute to the Trust by undertaking other various tasks as required.

This job description is not exhaustive, will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to change.

Skills and Competencies

Essential Criteria:

WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines/Wines and Spirits graduate, with evidence of further wine based CPD at an advanced level (for example, Master of Wine study; oenology, viticulture or wine business degree study).

Experience with conducting secondary research; able to demonstrate an analytical approach to research and information gathering.

• Strong command of written English and an ability to communicate concepts clearly, simply and effectively to a diverse readership.
• General IT skills - Microsoft Office is used at WSET – Adobe Acrobat, email, PowerPoint and word processing in particular.

Desirable Criteria:

• Previous teaching and/or course creation experience, preferably with adult or young-adult learners.
• Previous experience of commissioning, writing briefs and managing third parties to produce content to a high quality.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for providing accessible, effective and high-quality education to a global student base.
• Passion for wine with the desire to continuously improve and refine knowledge.

• Sound planner who looks ahead well, prioritises and can work to deadlines.

• Detail oriented and able to finish work to a high standard.
• Good problem-solving abilities.
• Willingness to learn to use new software, including certain software within Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Creative and analytical approach to course and materials development; willing to trial different approaches and evaluate their success.
• Confidence to work independently and fit into a highly collaborative process.

UK Benefits

• Generous pension scheme options available after three months’ service
• Private Health insurance (Vitality) available after probation
• Life insurance
• Group income protection scheme
• Generous annual leave (From 27 days, plus UK Bank Holidays)
• Learning & Development including the opportunity to do WSET qualifications
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Celebration vouchers
• Season ticket loan
• Gym membership loan
• Discretionary bonus
• Friends and family discounts on WSET courses
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Breakfast, fruit and soup in the office