At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of exam marking systems and deliver impactful solutions.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest provider of academic qualifications.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and diverse employee networks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education by shaping exam delivery processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in business analysis and Agile methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 61000 £ 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.
12 month Fixed Term Contract
Manchester
Salary: £54,000 - £61,000
Hybrid Working – (min 2 days per week in the office)
Help shape the future of marking at AQA
Do you want to lead work that directly impacts how exam papers are marked across the UK? We are delivering a major transformation programme to replace three existing marking platforms with a single, modern solution. With the first phase going live this November and expanding into 2027, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in a complex, live delivery environment where your work has real-world impact.
As a Lead Business Analyst, you will take a hands-on role in shaping and delivering this transformation. You will be working at the centre of a dynamic and delivery-focused programme, helping to translate complex business needs into practical solutions that support exam delivery at scale.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead analysis work across a major programme replacing multiple legacy systems with one integrated platform
- Help design and deliver a new marking management module to support end-to-end processes
- Analyse and shape data flows and integrations between systems, ensuring they work seamlessly together
- Work closely with stakeholders across operations, data and technology teams to align solutions with real business needs
- Support change and transition activities, including manual workarounds and post-results processes
- Collaborate with offshore analysts and development teams as part of a wider delivery network
You will also contribute to best practice within business analysis, while supporting delivery planning, testing and continuous improvement. This is more than a typical business analysis role. You will be working in a complex, multi-team environment where you can influence how systems are designed and delivered at scale.
What’s in it for you?
- This is a chance to work on a high-profile transformation programme replacing multiple systems with one.
- Exposure to a complex delivery environment with a wide range of stakeholders and technologies
- Opportunities develop your leadership capability and take on increased responsibility as part of the programme
- Work that directly supports examiners and impacts how exam papers are marked in practice
You will also benefit from a collaborative, values led working environment; 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas; a 35 hour working week with flexible working arrangements; an excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution); access to professional and personal development whenever you need it; the opportunity to join a variety of employee networks including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity, Interfaith 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:
- The ability to go beyond user stories to understand end-to-end processes, data flows and system interactions
- The skills to feel comfortable taking ownership and moving work forward, while working collaboratively with others
- A clear and structured approach to solving complex problems
- Experience working in Agile environments and using tools such as Azure DevOps, JIRA or MIRO
- Clarity of communication, with the ability to simplify complex ideas for different audiences
How to Apply
If you are looking for a role where you can combine hands-on delivery with leadership and want to be part of a programme that makes a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now with your most recent CV and cover letter to join AQA and help shape the future of exam delivery.
Applications will close at 23:59 on Monday 8 June 2026. Interviews will be in the Manchester office, so that you can see where you will be working, in the week of the 15 June 2026.
Lead Business Analyst in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
At AQA, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the education sector, offering a collaborative and values-driven work environment in Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous opportunities for growth, including access to professional training and diverse employee networks. Our hybrid working model, generous leave policy, and focus on diversity and inclusion make AQA an exceptional place to build a meaningful career that directly impacts the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Business Analyst in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at AQA on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to business analysis. Think about how your past experiences align with the role of Lead Business Analyst. We want to hear how you’ve tackled complex problems and led teams!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills during the interview! Bring examples of your work, like user stories or process maps, to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Visual aids can really help us see your thought process in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in the interviewers' minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Business Analyst in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Business Analyst role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to translate complex business needs into practical solutions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our transformation programme. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them in real situations. Share examples of how you've tackled complex problems and delivered results in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into AQA's mission and the specifics of the Lead Business Analyst role. Understand the transformation programme and how it impacts exam marking. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences in Agile environments and how you've successfully led analysis work. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to translate complex business needs into practical solutions, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your communication skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with different teams to achieve a common goal.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the challenges they foresee in the transformation programme or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
