Productivity Lead - Operational processes, Data and Technology in Guildford

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.

This Productivity Lead role is ideal for someone who can turn operational insight into practical change. You’ll work with data and technology-enabled teams to identify where processes can be improved, test better ways of working and evidence the impact through measurable benefits.

You’ll play a key role in helping teams understand how data, tools and process improvements can reduce effort, improve quality and support better decision-making. Your work will help AQA continue to deliver for learners, schools and colleges in a way that is clear, consistent and efficient.

We are looking for 2 people:

• Productivity Lead - Entries Results and Reconciliation team – you could be based in either the Manchester, Guildford or Milton Keynes office
• Productivity Lead - Standardisation Marking and Moderation team – you could be based in either the Manchester or Guildford office

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll have the opportunity to use data and improvement thinking to shape how important operational work is delivered across AQA.
• A role where your insight can directly improve quality, productivity and service delivery.
• The chance to work with digital tools, data-led processes and cross-functional teams.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to influence how improvements are prioritised.
• A 35 hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30, plus Christmas closure days.
• A benefits package including a pension which could see a combined contribution of up to 18.5%, BUPA healthcare support, wellbeing programmes and volunteering opportunities.
• Being part of AQA’s inclusive and values-led culture, with the opportunity to join a variety of employee networks, including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity and Interfaith.

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Leading quality, productivity and efficiency initiatives across data or technology-enabled processes.
• Using tools such as Power BI, advanced Excel or similar approaches to generate insight and support decision-making.
• Identifying opportunities to improve workflows, quality controls, data assurance and process performance.
• Supporting teams to test, implement and embed new systems, tools or ways of working.
• Carrying out productivity analysis, including time-and-motion studies, to identify where effort can be reduced.
• Tracking benefits, reporting outcomes and documenting process changes clearly.
• Working with stakeholders across teams to build confidence, alignment and momentum for change.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience using data to understand performance, identify issues and recommend improvements.
• Confident skills in Power BI, advanced Excel or similar insight and reporting tools.
• Experience working with digital, operational or technology-enabled processes.
• An understanding of quality controls, data assurance or process-driven environments.
• Experience applying project and change management approaches to deliver improvements that stick.

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.

What’s Next?

To apply, please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter. Applications close at 23:59 on Monday 10 August. The recruitment process is expected to include a first-stage video interview in the week beginning 31 August, followed by a face-to-face interview with a presentation and values and experience based questions from the week beginning 14th September.