Account Management Associate

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Home based – 3 roles across England available (Lancashire & Merseyside, East Midlands, and the South West)

Salary location band (SB1): £54,400 to £61,300

Salary location band (SB2): £52,300 to £58,900

Working arrangements: Home based with daily field travel

You will play a key part in helping schools and colleges choose AQA as their trusted assessment partner. This is a sales role where you’ll promote AQA’s qualifications, support offer and insight tools across your geographical territory. As part of this role, you will build meaningful relationships with centres, understand what matters to teachers and leaders and position AQA’s value with clarity and confidence. You will also take ownership for activity and delivery across your territory, working independently, in step with structured campaigns to engage centres in ways which strengthen their confidence in choosing AQA.

Purpose of the role

To deliver market share across the portfolio during Assessment reform within your allocated geographical territory. You will build long‑term, trust‑based relationships with centres, helping them make informed choices about AQA’s qualifications, training and wider support offer. You’ll focus on understanding customer and centre needs, bringing insight into conversations and connecting educators with the right support. You’ll also guide centres through AQA’s support and analytics tools, helping teachers and leaders make well‑informed decisions during reform and beyond.

What’s in it for you

• A 35‑hour working week and 25 days’ holiday (increasing with service), plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
• An excellent contributory pension scheme (combined contributions up to 18.5%)
• Private medical insurance and access to AQA’s Health Care Cash Reward Plan
• Access to the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
• Up to 5 paid volunteering days each year
• A role where you directly influence how schools deliver qualifications and support young people’s learning across your region
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• The opportunity to take ownership of activity across your geographical territory, working independently day to day and making informed decisions that drive performance and long‑term engagement with AQA

Key responsibilities

• Deliver the activity and engagement required across your territory, using a clear plan for how you will work with centres to understand customer and centre needs, offer tailored support and strengthen long‑term engagement
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, heads of department and other key influencers to understand their goals and provide insight‑led, consultative support
• Use customer, competitor and market insight to shape conversations, identify opportunities or risks and share valuable intelligence across AQA teams
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Assessment, Customer Training and Events and Subject Support to ensure centres receive the right support at the right time
• Maintain accurate CRM and account records to support data‑led decision making

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience influencing decisions in schools or colleges (e.g. curriculum, departmental or leadership roles), or experience in consultative sales in the education sector
• The ability to quickly establish positive, professional relationships in both face‑to‑face and virtual settings
• Demonstrable organisational skills to manage multiple priorities and organise your workload effectively
• The ability to learn quickly, use data to inform decisions and adapt to new information or market changes
• A collaborative, open style when working with colleagues
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (regular travel is required)

Territories available

You will be asked to select one territory during the application stage. You must live within the postcode areas listed to be eligible for that region.

• Lancashire & Merseyside SB2 (M6 corridor north of the M62) Eligible postcodes: CH, L, FY, PR, LA, BB
• East Midlands SB1 (Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford) Eligible postcodes: LE, NN, MK, LU, SG
• South West SB2 (Bristol to Exeter) Eligible postcodes: TR, PL, EX, TA, TQ, BA, BS

Due to the nature of this role, we are only able to consider candidates based within these postcode areas.

What next? Application process

Please upload your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and transferable skills. Closing date: Tuesday 23 June 2026. The expected start date will align with teacher notice periods, or earlier where possible. You’ll complete a short application questionnaire, followed by a two‑stage interview process. Interview dates depend on the territory you’re aligned to:

• East Midlands First stage (online): 7 July 2026 Final stage (Milton Keynes): 13 July 2026
• South West (Bristol / M5 corridor) First stage (online): 7 July 2026 Final stage (Bristol): 17 July 2026
• Lancashire & Merseyside First stage (online): 15 July 2026 Final stage (Manchester): 23 July 2026

We’ll confirm your interview dates and location once you’ve progressed through shortlisting. All candidates will be notified of outcomes at each stage.

Diversity and inclusion statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background, is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. AQA will arrange and cover the cost. If you are currently an Associate of AQA you would need to relinquish this post.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description Summary

The Account Management Associate is a customer‑facing sales role responsible for winning new business, retaining existing customers, and increasing market share within an assigned territory. The role focuses on developing strong customer relationships, identifying decision makers, and delivering sales targets through a consultative, customer‑centric approach. This role supports the delivery of the territory plan by working alongside an experienced Account Manager to create and execute account plans. Responsibilities include engaging with customers through face‑to‑face and remote channels, developing customer offers, resolving escalated account queries, negotiating agreements where appropriate, and analysing competitor and customer behaviour to inform sales planning. The role requires effective collaboration with Sales leadership, Key Account Managers, Inside Sales, Customer Training and Events, and Subject Support teams.

Landscape

Operating within the UK education and assessment market, the role requires understanding key stakeholders, influencers, and networks capable of supporting AQA’s objectives. The post holder must remain aware of Government legislation, Ofqual recommendations, and broader market trends. Close collaboration with external educators, policy advisors, and internal assessment and product teams is essential to maximise retention and acquisition opportunities.

Activities

• Create and deliver a territory plan aligned to sales targets.
• Develop account plans for key schools and colleges.
• Engage with customers via face‑to‑face and digital channels to drive retention and acquisition.
• Work with Regional Sales Manager to negotiate agreements for key accounts.
• Analyse market intelligence to identify trends and opportunities.
• Identify stakeholders and networks influencing purchasing decisions.
• Review delivery of the territory plan, escalating risks as needed.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and utilise digital tools effectively.
• Comply with AQA policies and legislative requirements.

To Be Successful

• Understanding of the exams market and wider education sector.
• Knowledge of AQA products, competitor offerings, and regulatory requirements.
• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong selling and negotiation skills using a consultative approach.
• Ability to build productive customer relationships and manage multiple accounts.
• Strong communication, presentation, analytical and CRM skills.
• Demonstration of AQA values: Customer First, Step Up, Shape Tomorrow, Work & Learn Together, Results Matter.

Full driving licence due to extensive travel across territory. Enhanced DBS required (and will be provided and paid for by AQA) as will be visiting schools and colleges.