At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead resource planning and capacity management for impactful education programmes.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest academic qualifications provider, dedicated to advancing education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and offers growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by shaping how we deliver major programmes.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in resource forecasting are essential.
The predicted salary is between 56500 - 66000 € per year.
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.
As our Resource Lead, you’ll help leaders make confident decisions by giving them a clear view of capacity, capability and trade‑offs across a complex transformation programme. You’ll turn data into meaningful insight, really exploring the “so what” element to help answer the key question: what can we deliver, when, and with the people we have? If you enjoy influencing decisions, working across teams, and shaping how large programmes are delivered, this is a role where you can have real impact. You’ll sit at the centre of a large multi-directorate programme, working closely with teams across operations, assessment design, product, HR and finance. Your focus will be to ensure the right resource is in place at the right time to support delivery across the General Qualifications Reform portfolio.
What you’ll be doing:
- Build and maintain a clear view of resource demand and capacity across the portfolio.
- Turn complex data into clear, decision-ready insight for senior leaders - we use Planner Premium and Power BI.
- Model different resourcing scenarios to support prioritisation and planning.
- Provide constructive challenge where plans do not align to available capacity.
- Work with HR and Finance to shape resourcing approaches and solutions.
- Identify and communicate resource risks and their impact on delivery.
- Improve how we forecast, track and use resource data.
- Support planning and governance forums with forward-looking insight.
What’s in it for you:
You’ll have the opportunity to shape how a major programme is planned and delivered in a collaborative, values-led environment where your insight will influence decisions. You will have 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure and a 35 hour working week with flexible working. We offer an excellent pension scheme (6%–11.5%), plus PMI, life assurance and health cash plan and will have access to development opportunities whenever you need them. There is also the opportunity to be part of inclusive employee networks across AQA (including LGBTQ+, Empowering Women, InterFaith, Parents and Carers, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity and more).
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 you’ll bring:
- Forecasting and modelling resource demand and capacity in complex environments.
- Turning data into clear, practical insight to support decision making.
- Influencing and building alignment without direct authority.
- Communicating clearly with senior and non-technical stakeholders.
- Working confidently where there is uncertainty or competing priorities.
- Strong analytical thinking combined with sound judgement.
Experience in large transformation programmes, portfolios or regulated environments would be helpful, but isn’t essential.
How to Apply:
Ready to help shape how we plan and deliver at scale? Upload your most recent CV with a cover letter. Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 7 June 2026. Interviews will be over 2 stages with shortlisting between, in the week beginning 22 June 2026 - 1st stage via Teams, 2nd stage face to face in either the Manchester or Guildford office, whichever is nearest to you.
Essential Criteria:
- Proven ability to model and forecast resource demand and capacity across complex delivery environments or portfolios.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into clear insights, options and recommendations for senior and executive stakeholders.
- Experience influencing, challenging and collaborating across multiple teams and disciplines without direct authority.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to senior, non-technical and mixed audiences.
- Sound judgement and confidence operating in environments with ambiguity, competing priorities and evolving information.
- Alignment with AQA values and behaviours.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience working within large, multi‑year portfolios, transformation or Reform programmes.
- Experience in education, assessment, or other regulated or complex delivery environments.
- Familiarity with portfolio, resource or workforce planning approaches and tools (e.g. capacity modelling, scenario planning, PPM or financial planning systems).
- Understanding of AQA’s operating model and delivery landscape.
Resource Lead in Manchester employer: AQA Education
At AQA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and values-led environment where your insights as a Resource Lead will directly influence the planning and delivery of major educational programmes. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive development opportunities, a generous benefits package including flexible working arrangements, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Resource Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and role thoroughly, and think about how your skills align with what they need. Practice common interview questions to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you’ve got relevant projects or experiences, be ready to discuss them in detail. Use data and examples to illustrate how you can make an impact as a Resource Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Resource Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Resource Lead role. Highlight your experience in resource forecasting and data analysis, and show how your skills align with AQA's mission to advance education.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves turning complex data into clear insights, be sure to include examples of how you've done this in the past. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
Communicate Clearly:When writing your application, keep your language straightforward and professional. Remember, you’ll need to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, so showing that skill in your application is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Education
✨Know Your Data Tools
Familiarise yourself with Planner Premium and Power BI before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decisions in past roles, as this will show your capability in turning complex data into clear insights.
✨Understand Resource Management
Brush up on resource demand and capacity forecasting. Prepare examples of how you've managed resources in previous projects, especially in complex environments. This will demonstrate your ability to provide decision-ready insights.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders who may not have a technical background, so being able to break down information is key.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Think of examples where you’ve influenced decisions across teams without direct authority. Highlight your experience in building alignment and working collaboratively, as this role requires strong cross-functional teamwork.
