Subject Sector Lead - Science
Subject Sector Lead - Science

Subject Sector Lead - Science

Manchester Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Science sector, shaping curriculum and assessments for UK education.
  • Company: AQA is a leading educational organisation dedicated to improving qualifications and assessments.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, wellbeing support, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a national impact on education while collaborating with experts in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong subject knowledge, experience in education policy, and excellent communication skills required.
  • Other info: Diversity of thought is welcomed; apply by 22nd June 2025.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

This range is provided by AQA. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range: Permanent Manchester Hybrid with flexible and part-time options available.

This is a brand new opportunity - ready to shape the future of education? If you have demonstrable expertise in your subject and want to influence how it's taught and assessed across the UK, this is your opportunity to make a national impact.

As a Subject Sector Lead, you will bring your subject expertise to the heart of curriculum and assessment reform. You will influence policy, shape qualifications, and ensure that learner assessments reflect the real needs of students, teachers, and employers.

Ready to influence how science education prepares students for the future?

What will you be doing?

  • You will be the subject expert in Science bringing your insight to shape qualifications and influence national education policy.
  • You will stay ahead of curriculum changes and sector trends, using that knowledge to guide AQA's thinking and direction.
  • You will work closely with colleagues across product, policy, research, and marketing to make sure your subject expertise is embedded in everything we do.
  • You will also build strong relationships with schools, MATs, professional bodies, and government contacts to keep us connected and informed.
  • This is a role where your voice will matter. You will represent AQA in national conversations, contribute to reform, and help shape the future of education.
  • AQA Science qualifications are used in over 4000 centres - your insight will help keep them relevant and inspiring.

What's in it for you?

  • Purpose and profile: You will play a visible role in shaping the future of qualifications in your subject.
  • Flexible working: Hybrid, part-time, and flexible options to support your lifestyle and commitments.
  • Generous leave: 25 days rising to 30 days with service, plus voluntary service days and discretionary leave over Christmas and New Year.
  • Wellbeing support: Access to staff networks, mental health resources, BUPA healthcare and a supportive, inclusive culture.
  • Pension: Up to 11.5% employer pension contributions.
  • Professional growth: Collaborate with policy experts, researchers, and product leaders in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.

What will help you succeed?

  • Demonstrable subject knowledge and a strong understanding of the education landscape.
  • Experience in curriculum development, assessment, education policy, or subject leadership.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Strategic and collaborative thinker with the ability to build consensus and influence decision-making.
  • A collaborative mindset and a passion for shaping the future of education.

Ready to shape the future of assessment? We actively welcome diversity of thought and experience, especially from those who've gone beyond classroom teaching into curriculum design, education policy, or sector advocacy. If you bring fresh perspectives and a strategic mindset, this is your opportunity to lead meaningful change in education.

To apply, send your CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation and transferable skills. If you are looking for flexible or part-time working options please clarify on application in detail.

Closing date: Sunday 22nd June 2025 - 23.59. Every application will receive a response.

Process: One of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to arrange an initial pre-screening call. The selection process includes a first-stage interview via Microsoft Teams, followed by a final face-to-face interview. Interviews are expected to take place in July, with onboarding between September and early 2026 depending on notice periods.

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Subject Sector Lead - Science employer: AQA

AQA is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of education as a Subject Sector Lead in Science. With a flexible hybrid working model based in Manchester, generous leave policies, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth, AQA fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture where your expertise can make a significant impact on national education policy and student assessments.
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Contact Detail:

AQA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Subject Sector Lead - Science

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in curriculum development and assessment. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on current trends and changes in science education and assessment policies. Follow key organisations and thought leaders on social media to engage with discussions that could inform your approach during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your vision for the future of science education during interviews. Think about how you would influence curriculum changes and what innovative ideas you could bring to AQA to enhance their qualifications.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with AQA's existing science qualifications and their impact on students and teachers. Being able to articulate how your expertise aligns with their mission will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Subject Sector Lead - Science

Demonstrable Subject Knowledge in Science
Curriculum Development Experience
Assessment Design Skills
Understanding of Education Policy
Subject Leadership Experience
Excellent Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Strategic Thinking
Collaborative Mindset
Influencing Decision-Making
Ability to Build Consensus
Passion for Education Reform
Knowledge of Sector Trends
Relationship Building with Educational Institutions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Subject Sector Lead - Science position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.

Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should clearly outline your motivation for applying and how your transferable skills make you a suitable candidate. Be specific about your subject expertise and any relevant experience in curriculum development or education policy.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your experience in education, particularly in curriculum design, assessment, or subject leadership. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

Clarify Your Working Preferences: If you're interested in flexible or part-time working options, be sure to specify this in your application. Clearly outline your preferences to help the employer understand your needs.

How to prepare for a job interview at AQA

✨Showcase Your Subject Expertise

Make sure to highlight your deep knowledge in science during the interview. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in the field and how they could influence curriculum and assessment. This will demonstrate your passion and commitment to shaping education.

✨Understand AQA's Vision

Familiarise yourself with AQA's mission and values. Understanding their approach to education and assessment will help you align your answers with their goals, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the organisation.

✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions

Since the role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with teachers, schools, or educational bodies in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence decision-making.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you can contribute to AQA's strategic direction in science education. Prepare to discuss your ideas on curriculum development and assessment reform, showcasing your ability to think critically and collaboratively about the future of education.

Subject Sector Lead - Science
AQA
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  • Subject Sector Lead - Science

    Manchester
    Full-Time
    36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-24

  • A

    AQA

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