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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development projects and manage stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join a leading educational charity transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team making a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Degree or relevant experience in the awarding sector required.
- Other info: Closing date for applications is 29 August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 36849 - 41400 £ per year.
Starting Salary : £36,849 per annum
Job Type: Permanent
Working pattern: Monday to Friday 35 hours per week. Monday-Thursday in our Head Office in Lancaster, work from home on Fridays (flexible working options will be considered)
About Us
We are proud to be one of the UK’s leading educational charity groups, encompassing an awarding organisation, a provider of dyslexia intervention software and an online training organisation. Our enthusiastic people bring genuine passion and natural energy to everything that they do and through their infectious energy they transform the lives of thousands of people each year through the power of education. It has never been a more exciting time to join The Ascentis Group as we continue our journey of growth across the UK and overseas.
We are market leading in the education sector and the specialist areas we operate within, maintaining the #1 provision for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in the UK as well as being a leading Access Validating Agency. We are based in Lancaster but we have a national reach, with a significant customer base in London. We have recently secured two major achievements, winning the Innovation of the Year and Awarding Organisation of the Year at the 2024 Federation of Awarding Bodies awards.
The Ascentis Group is made up of brilliant people, unique in terms of background, personality, characteristics, experience and skill. We value our people for the differences they bring to the table and believe this diversity is powerful. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
To find out what our employees have to say about working at Ascentis watch the video foundhere.
About the Role
In this role, you will:
- Plan and coordinate product development qualification projects and manage external stakeholders and associates.
- Conduct qualification and associated product review, implementing changes when appropriate and identifying products to be withdrawn
- Ensure that all assessments on all qualifications are developed to a high standard in accordance with appropriate internal policies and external regulators and can withstand scrutiny by internal audit and key stakeholders
- Proactively take forward new business opportunities, including partnerships and collaborations, recruitment of new centres and the development of qualifications and other products through personal contact, visits, market research and any other means
- Keep abreast of regulator updates, policies and initiatives relevant to product development
- Contribute to the marketing strategy in relevant areas in liaison with the Ascentis marketing team and support marketing activities including attending relevant events and centre visits to provide technical advice and guidance on products
The full Job Description can be found by clicking here .
So, what are you waiting for?
If you like the sound of the role and the organisation, and you think the below attributes describe you well, then we would love to hear from you.
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or significant professional experience in the awarding / regulatory sector and excellent track record
- Knowledge and experience of assessment design and development, and principles of good assessment practice
- Excellent project management skills
- Demonstrable commitment to a high standard of customer service
- Ability to achieve agreed targets and to work to deadlines
- High attention to detail and ability to work independently and cross-team collaboration.
If you have the following attributes, then we’d be even more impressed:
- If you have experience developing Ofqual regulated qualifications, that would be excellent, however not essential.
- Understanding of qualification delivery in FE and Post-16 qualification reform
The full attributes can be found by clickinghere .
Further information
Closing date: Friday, 29 August 2025
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Louise Stewartat
We reserve the right to close the job vacancy early if we find an appointable candidate or receive a high volume of applicants.
This job may meetthe eligibility requirements to qualify for visa sponsorship.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays, birthday day off, closure days gifted during the Christmas period, increased annual leave with long service and an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme (up to a maximum of 43 days)
- Competitive pension benefits, including a salary sacrifice scheme
- Access to Informal Flexibility, allowing you to flex your working times and location where viable
- Incremental service benefits as a family-friendly employer, including enhanced Maternity, Neonatal, Paternity, Shared Parental, Adoption Leave and Pay, Sick Pay, Life Insurance, and Paid Compassionate Leave
- Access to state-of-the-art office and break facilities, such as bean-to-cup coffee machine, vending machine, pool table, Xbox, outdoor seating, dressing room (with access to hair dryers, straighteners, airers, shower facilities), Harry Potter reading room, employee library and more
- Free parking, paid electricity charging points, locked bike storage shed
- Tailored learning and development opportunities
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Home and Tech Scheme
- Discounted gym membership at 3-1-5 Health Club
- 24-hour employee helpline and a proactive focus on wellbeing
- Aviva DigiCare+ health app with access to virtual GP appointments, annual health check and more
- Reward and recognition scheme, regular team building and communication activities
Do you like the sound of Ascentis, but think your skills might suit another role?
We also have other vacancies available. Take a look at our website for more!
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Product Development Manager employer: The Ascentis Group
Contact Detail:
The Ascentis Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in product development within the education sector. Understanding current innovations and regulatory changes will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the awarding and regulatory sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the industry, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your project management skills by discussing specific examples of past projects you've led. Highlight how you managed stakeholders and ensured high-quality outcomes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Ascentis Group's recent achievements and initiatives. Being able to reference their Innovation of the Year award or their market position during your discussions will demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Product Development Manager role. Focus on your project management skills, assessment design experience, and any work related to qualifications in the education sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the Ascentis Group's mission and values. Mention specific achievements that showcase your ability to manage product development projects effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have with Ofqual regulated qualifications or similar regulatory environments. If you have worked on developing educational products or assessments, make sure to detail these experiences.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: The role requires excellent customer service and collaboration skills. Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work independently as well as part of a team, and how you've successfully met targets and deadlines in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ascentis Group
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about The Ascentis Group. Understand their mission, values, and recent achievements, such as winning the Innovation of the Year award. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
As a Product Development Manager, strong project management skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed projects, met deadlines, and collaborated with teams. Highlight any relevant tools or methodologies you used.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Commitment
The role requires a commitment to high standards of customer service. Think of instances where you went above and beyond for clients or stakeholders. Sharing these stories will illustrate your dedication to ensuring satisfaction and quality in your work.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
