Policy and Research Manager

About the role

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.

Contract type: Permanent. Location: Manchester or London. Salary: Manchester £44,000 - £47,000 | London £45,000 - £50,000. Working arrangements: Hybrid, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Help shape the future of education policy through evidence, insight and influence. If you're motivated by turning research into meaningful change and want your work to influence national conversations about qualifications, assessment and education reform, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact.

You'll play a key role in developing AQA's policy positions, engaging senior stakeholders across the sector and ensuring evidence and insight sit at the heart of decision-making. Your work will help shape thinking that affects learners, teachers and the wider education system.

Purpose of the role:

You'll be at the centre of AQA's policy and public affairs activity, helping to develop evidence-based positions on qualifications, assessment, curriculum and wider education reform. Working as part of a high-profile Policy and Public Affairs team, you'll monitor emerging policy developments, commission and analyse research, and build relationships with policymakers, regulators and sector leaders. You'll help ensure AQA remains an influential and trusted voice in education, while providing colleagues with clear recommendations and insight that support strategic decision-making.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing and maintaining AQA's policy positions, ensuring they remain evidence-based, relevant and responsive to policy changes.
• Leading the production of policy papers, consultation responses, briefings and thought leadership content.
• Monitoring political, regulatory and educational developments, identifying risks, opportunities and implications for AQA.
• Building and maintaining relationships with policymakers, regulators, education organisations, think tanks and other key stakeholders.
• Commissioning and managing research projects, including surveys, polling and data analysis, to inform policy recommendations.
• Translating complex research, evidence and policy developments into clear, actionable insight for a range of audiences.
• Representing AQA at sector events, policy forums, roundtables and stakeholder meetings.

Your profile:

• Experience working in policy, public affairs or a regulatory environment with significant stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
• Experience building productive relationships with government, civil service, regulatory or employer stakeholders.
• The ability to analyse information from multiple sources and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations.
• The ability to translate policy thinking into practical outcomes, partnerships or initiatives that deliver measurable change.
• Knowledge of technical and vocational education policy.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities while delivering high-quality outputs independently.

Benefits:

• A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events.
• Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity.
• Hybrid working and flexibility to support work-life balance.
• Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous combined pension contributions up to 18.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
• An inclusive culture that welcomes new perspectives, values collaboration and encourages innovative thinking to improve how we support teachers and students.

Diversity and inclusion:

At AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision-making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

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.

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.

Other enquiries:

Reasonable Adjustments: If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in the role, please contact the recruiter named in the vacancy advert or your interview correspondence. They will work with you to ensure the appropriate support is in place and that the process is as accessible and equitable as possible.