Qualification Development Lead in Manchester

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.

Permanent

Manchester: £53,000 - £61,000 | Guildford: £55,500 - £63,500

Hybrid Working | Minimum 2 days per week in the office

Help shape the future of qualifications

You are an education, assessment or qualification specialist who enjoys turning complex requirements into high-quality qualifications that make a difference to teachers and learners. Reporting to a Senior Qualification Development Manager, you'll play an important role in developing and accrediting future qualifications, bringing together policy requirements, educational expertise and customer insight to create qualifications that support teachers and learners. Working at the intersection of education, assessment, product development and regulation, you'll collaborate with subject experts, Associates (senior examiners who devise qualification content) and specialist colleagues to develop qualifications that meet regulatory requirements, reflect customer needs and support positive outcomes for learners.

Why this role matters

You’ll contribute to qualifications that will be used by teachers and learners across the UK. Working across the qualification development lifecycle, you’ll help bring together specifications, assessment materials and supporting documentation so they form a coherent and high-quality qualification experience. The work is varied, collaborative and intellectually engaging. You’ll balance different perspectives, use evidence to support decisions and help ensure qualifications are developed with care, clarity and attention to quality.

What you'll be doing

• Responsible for the development of qualification specifications and associated materials, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and agreed development briefs.
• Work with Associates, subject matter experts and specialist colleagues to develop high-quality qualifications and supporting materials.
• Bring together expertise from across assessment, product and qualification development teams to support successful accreditation and delivery.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, balancing different viewpoints and helping to shape evidence-based decisions.
• Monitor risks, issues and dependencies throughout the qualification development lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, helping to strengthen qualification development processes and ways of working.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience developing qualifications, assessments, curriculum materials or other complex educational content.
• Experience building effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and subject matter experts.
• Demonstrable planning and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• The ability to analyse information, balance different perspectives and support sound decision-making.
• Excellent attention to detail whilst maintaining sight of the bigger picture.
• Resilience and adaptability when working through feedback, change and competing priorities.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a newly formed team and contribute to work that will directly influence future qualifications and the experience of learners and teachers across the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to help shape new ways of working, contribute to continuous improvement and build expertise as part of a team bringing together different skills, experiences and perspectives.

Alongside meaningful and impactful work, you’ll benefit from:

• A fantastic pension with combined contributions of up to 18.5%
• 35-hour working week
• 25 days annual leave, rising with service, plus additional Christmas office closure days
• Private medical insurance with BUPA
• Employee networks including LGBTQ+, Disability, InterFaith, Neurodiversity, Parents and Carers, and Empowering Women
• Up to four paid volunteering days each year

Our application process

Please upload your CV and a short supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying and any relevant transferable skills you would bring to the role. As part of your application, you’ll also be asked to complete two short role-related questions.

Closing date: Monday 6 July 2026

Stage 1 – Mid July 2026

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete a short video interview consisting of structured questions aligned to the role requirements. All responses are reviewed by people.

Stage 2 – Early August 2026

Candidates who progress from the video interview stage will be invited to a final face-to-face interview, which will include a practical exercise designed to explore your approach to qualification development, problem-solving and quality assurance. We aim to keep the process clear, focused and respectful of your time throughout.

If you are currently an Associate or Examiner you would need to relinquish this post.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.