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.
Commercial Governance, Audit & Risk Lead (Permanent, Manchester): £42,500 - £49,500, Hybrid working – a minimum of 2 days per week in the office
Help Commercial leaders make better decisions through strong governance, meaningful insight and effective risk management.
This newly created role is ideal for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complexity, using data to inform decisions and helping teams operate with confidence.
Working at the heart of AQA’s Commercial directorate, you'll support leaders to understand risk, strengthen governance, improve performance reporting and ensure audit and assurance activities translate into meaningful action.
You’ll have visibility across a broad range of commercial activity, working with stakeholders at all levels to improve processes, track progress, challenge constructively and help ensure priorities remain on track.
If you enjoy joining the dots, turning information into insight and creating clarity in a complex environment, this is an opportunity to make a visible impact.
What's in it for you?
A newly created role with the opportunity to shape governance, audit and risk activities across Commercial.
Regular exposure to senior leaders and decision-making.
A varied role spanning governance, assurance, risk management, business continuity and performance reporting.
The opportunity to influence improvements and help teams work more effectively.
A broad view across Commercial and its strategic priorities.
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 opportunities 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:
- Supporting governance, assurance and audit activities across Commercial.
- Helping leaders identify, understand and manage risk.
- Turning data, metrics and reporting into meaningful insight.
- Supporting the delivery of audit actions and continuous improvement activity.
- Producing performance reporting and management information for senior stakeholders.
- Supporting business continuity and assurance planning.
- Driving accountability through effective tracking, reporting and follow up.
- Building strong relationships across Commercial and the wider organisation.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Experience in governance, risk, audit, assurance, compliance, PMO or a similar environment.
- Experience working within a regulated organisation.
- Demonstrable stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience using data, reporting or performance information to support decision-making.
- The ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- A proactive approach and a reputation for following things through to completion.
You do not need to come from education. We welcome applications from candidates with experience in governance, risk, audit, compliance, financial services, healthcare, utilities, public sector organisations or other regulated environments.
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 EDI 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?
Applications close at 23:59 on Wednesday 19th August 2026.
Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable Adjustments If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on 07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk.
Smart Working
We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
Conflict of Interest
Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.
Safeguarding
AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly. For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here.
Contact Temporary roles
contact Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk
Permanent and Fixed Term roles
Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk
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Commercial Governance, Audit & Risk Lead in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
AQA Recruiting is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Guildford where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and a supportive culture that values your contributions. Enjoy competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and a robust pension scheme, making this role not just a job, but a meaningful career path.
