Research and Innovation Delivery Specialist 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.

24‐month fixed‐term contract

Manchester or Milton Keynes

Manchester £49,900–£68,500 / Milton Keynes £51,900–£71,400

Working arrangements: Hybrid (2 days a week on site)

Introduction

You’ll be stepping into a role where your work directly shapes the future of assessment. In this fast‐moving space, research and innovation play a crucial part in helping learners, teachers and examiners benefit from new ideas and new technologies. You’ll be joining a team that leads some of AQA’s most ambitious programmes, including AI, digital exams and new assessment models. This means you’ll be right at the heart of work that pushes boundaries, turns complex concepts into practical solutions and supports changes that have a real impact on the education landscape. You’ll bring clarity, structure and momentum to projects that evolve quickly, involve many partners and require thoughtful coordination.

Purpose of the role

You’ll help move innovative ideas from early exploration through to operational delivery. Research and innovation projects, particularly those involving AI and emerging technology, can be unpredictable and fast‐paced. Your role is to bring alignment, planning discipline and coordination so that the right people, resources and decisions come together at the right time. You’ll ensure projects stay strategically focused, risks are identified and managed and research outputs can translate into real products or services. You’ll support collaboration across researchers, technologists, external partners and operational teams to ensure every project is set up for success.

Key responsibilities

• Drive and facilitate the delivery of research and innovation initiatives across multiple internal and external partners.
• Managing project plans, risks and milestones so that outcomes are delivered on time.
• Supporting the handover of research outputs into operational teams and product development.

What we are looking for

You’ll thrive in this role if you’re someone who:

• Has experience delivering innovation projects in a technical, research or product‐focused environment.
• Understands the research and development cycle and the challenges that come with less predictable project pathways.
• Can navigate fast‐paced, complex work with many contributors and moving parts.
• Strong problem solving, organisational and analytical skills with an eye for detail.
• Communicates clearly with stakeholders from a range of disciplines.

What’s in it for you

You’ll join a team that’s shaping the next generation of assessment and exploring the potential of AI, digital exams and new product innovation. You’ll benefit from:

• The chance to work on high‐profile projects such as AI‐supported marking and digital assessment tools.
• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, data scientists and external innovation partners.
• 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.
• Excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution).

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.

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form on our careers site. Applications close on Monday 6th April.

Summary

To help deliver research and innovation projects ensuring strategic alignment, efficient resource management and timely delivery of outcomes. This role enables innovation by embedding robust project structures, fostering collaboration, and supporting the translation of research into practice, policy, or product development.

The post holder will sit in the AI for Assessment Innovation team. The team works with AQA teams and external partners to leverage AI to innovate assessment. This includes using AI to assist question authoring and marking of exams and classroom assessments, helping associates, teachers and learners. The AI for Assessment Innovation team is one of the teams in the Assessment Research and Innovation business area, which provides expertise to deliver industry-leading innovative assessment for all learners. We are achieving this through being at the centre of AQA’s strategic programmes – e.g. AI, numeracy and digital exams – and carrying out important day-to-day work supporting series delivery, including copyright, quality of marking, BI reporting, awarding, and research and evaluation of our products. We work collaboratively with colleagues within AQA and in partner organisations.

Activities:

• Develop and maintain detailed project plans for research and innovation initiatives, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including researchers, technologists, and external collaborators to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Facilitate project initiation, planning, and review meetings, ensuring clarity of scope, deliverables, and innovation goals.
• Monitor progress against plans, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Support the integration of innovation frameworks and agile methodologies into project planning.
• Produce clear and insightful reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and senior leadership.
• Manage dependencies across multiple innovation projects and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and procurement teams to support budgeting, commissioning, and contract management.
• Continuously improve planning processes and tools to enhance project delivery, scalability, and impact.

To be successful in this role, you will need to have:

• Proven experience in project and planning management within research, innovation, or technology development environments.
• Strong understanding of research and innovation lifecycles, including ideation, prototyping, evaluation, and implementation.
• Familiarity with innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, agile, TRLs) and research governance.
• Proficiency in project planning tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent).
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with academic, industry, or public sector partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Desirable

Degree or equivalent qualification in project management, innovation, research.