Productivity Lead - Operational Processes, Logistics and Supplier Management in Milton Keynes

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.

Help improve how vital assessment materials move through AQA, from supplier workflows to operational delivery. This is an opportunity to make a measurable difference in a role where quality, productivity and efficiency all matter. As a Productivity Lead, you’ll identify better ways of working across operational processes, supplier activity and end-to-end workflows, helping teams deliver improvements that are practical, sustainable and clearly evidenced.

You’ll work closely with operational teams, senior leaders and third-party suppliers to understand where time, effort and cost can be reduced without compromising quality. Your work will support AQA’s wider goals by improving how we deliver for learners, schools and colleges.

We are looking for four people:

• Productivity Lead - Materials and Logistics team – you could be based in either the Manchester, Guildford or Milton Keynes office (one role)
• Productivity Lead - Assessment Management or Delivery teams – you could be based in either the Manchester or Guildford office (three roles)

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll have the chance to shape how operational work is delivered, while building experience across improvement, supplier management, data analysis and change.
• A role where your work can directly improve quality, efficiency and service delivery.
• The opportunity to work across teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• 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.
• A wide range of wellbeing benefits and support.

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Leading multiple productivity, quality and efficiency initiatives
• Identifying opportunities to improve workflows across operations, logistics, scanning and creation of assessment materials and related activities as well as our supplier processes.
• Using data, productivity measures and time-and-motion studies to understand current performance and recommend improvements.
• Working with teams and suppliers to design, test and embed practical solutions.
• Setting baselines, tracking benefits and reporting clearly on progress, outcomes and lessons learned.
• Supporting better resource planning by reviewing task allocation, workforce use and cost drivers.
• Building trust with stakeholders and helping teams understand the purpose and value of change.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience improving productivity, workflow or process performance in logistics, operations or supply chain environments.
• Experience working with, or managing, third-party suppliers and service providers.
• The ability to analyse data, identify patterns and turn insight into clear action.
• Experience using project and change management approaches to plan, coordinate and deliver improvements.
• A curious, hands-on mindset with the confidence to challenge existing ways of working constructively.

You’ll enjoy this role if you like solving practical operational problems, working with different teams and using evidence to make work easier, faster and more effective.

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.