Senior Manager of Assessment in Manchester

Senior Manager of Assessment

The Senior Manager of Assessment leads and performance‑manages a team of Assessment Managers, Assessment Support Managers and Assessment Coordinators within a subject group. The role is part of the Assessment Management Leadership Team and is responsible for ensuring all activities relating to the assessment cycle are planned, monitored, measured and managed effectively to deliver high‑quality, error‑free assessment materials that meet regulatory and customer standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead a talented team, fostering an inclusive culture where people perform at their best and grow professionally.
• Plan, manage and deliver assessment materials to agreed quality, regulatory and customer standards.
• Manage risks, issues and delivery plans across the subject portfolio, taking ownership of escalations when required.
• Work with senior stakeholders across AQA to influence decisions, improve processes and deliver successful outcomes.
• Provide leadership across Assessment Management and contribute to strategic projects and business initiatives.
• Champion assessment quality, continuous improvement and good assessment practice throughout the organisation.
• Use data, insight and performance measures to inform decision‑making and improve delivery.
• Represent the Assessment Management team on governance groups and manage relationships with other stakeholders in monitoring, reporting and ensuring delivery to time and quality.
• Act as a point of internal escalation for issues related to assessments and associate performance and delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing teams, including coaching, performance management and creating development opportunities.
• Knowledge of assessment, education or similarly regulated environments where quality, accuracy and compliance are critical.
• Experience managing risks, resolving complex issues and delivering outcomes through others.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data to inform decisions and measure impact.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels.
• Strong understanding of the educational landscape, regulatory environment and good assessment practice.
• Demonstrated resilience, calmness under pressure and a results‑focused mindset.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to apply sound judgement when analysing data and taking accountability for actions.

Benefits

• 35‑hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
• 25 days annual leave plus additional office closures in December and bank holidays.
• Competitive salary of £62,900‑£69,000 (Manchester) or £65,500‑£72,000 (Guildford).
• High‑level pension with up to 11.5% employer contributions.
• Wellbeing support, volunteering opportunities and extensive learning and development resources.
• Access to a range of employee networks, including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, disability, women, wellbeing and ethnic diversity.

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.