At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative assessment design to enhance learner experiences and drive quality.
- Company: Join AQA, a leader in educational assessment with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and a fantastic pension.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and opportunities for volunteering and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of assessments and make a real impact on learners' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in assessment design or related fields, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 61100 - 67400 £ per year.
Permanent position based in Manchester (£61,100 - £67,400) or Guildford (£63,600 - £70,200). Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.
Drive thought leadership and innovation in assessment design, ensuring the best experiences for the next generation of learners. This role allows you to shape the experience of thousands of learners.
We are recruiting two Senior Managers in our Assessment Design & Principles team, focusing on:
- General Qualification (GQ) Reform - leading a team of assessment design experts to ensure reformed qualifications are valid, fair, reliable, and fit for purpose.
- Digital Assessment - leading a team of experts to innovate high-quality digital assessment design to ensure assessments are meaningful, inclusive, and fit for the future.
This role gives you the chance to work at scale and influence assessments used by future generations of learners. You will help define how assessment evolves, ensuring it remains inclusive, reliable, valid, and relevant while being practical to deliver.
You will work with experienced colleagues across multiple teams, including qualification development, product, research, and assessment. Your team will look to you for clarity, direction, and support.
Purpose
You will lead a team responsible for establishing and embedding the principles that underpin high-quality assessment at AQA, ensuring everything we design is valid, reliable, fair, and workable in practice. You will be a trusted voice across the organisation, helping others make well-judged decisions, particularly where quality and change intersect.
What's in it for you
- A fantastic pension with a combined contribution of 18.5%
- 35-hour working week
- 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) and additional office closure of up to 4 days at Christmas
- Private medical insurance with BUPA
- A variety of employee networks (including LGBTQ+, DisAbility, InterFaith, Parents and Carers, Neurodiversity, Empowering Women)
- Up to 4 days for volunteering with charities and causes that are important to you
Key responsibilities
- Drive thought leadership and innovation in assessment design to ensure the best possible assessment experience for learners
- Lead and develop a team focused on assessment design principles and quality
- Ensure consistent application of assessment design principles across qualifications
- Work with colleagues across the organisation to shape assessment models and approaches
- Act as a senior point of expertise and escalation on assessment design challenges
- Balance quality, pace, feasibility, and risk, making pragmatic decisions where needed
You’ll thrive in this role if you
- Have strong experience in assessment design, delivery, or research, or related areas
- Can apply principles like validity, reliability, and fairness in real-world contexts
- Demonstrate evidence-based, research-informed decision-making
- Are confident leading teams and supporting people through change
- Can balance pace and quality, making clear and well-reasoned decisions
- Are comfortable working across both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Have an interest in either qualification reform or digital assessment (or both)
- Communicate clearly, even when dealing with complex or ambiguous issues
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.
Application Process
Upload your most recent CV with a covering letter explaining your motivation and suitability, highlighting which of the two roles you feel most aligned with - Digital Assessment or General Qualification (GQ) Reform. Applications will close at 23:59 on Tuesday 7th July. Interviews will be over two stages before the end of July, including a Teams interview and an in-person interview with shortlisting in between.
Senior Assessment Design & Principles Manager in Edinburgh employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and quality in assessment design, offering a collaborative work culture where your expertise can truly make a difference. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including a fantastic pension scheme, private medical insurance, and ample annual leave, AQA fosters an inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages meaningful contributions to the education sector. Located in Manchester and Guildford, this role provides the unique opportunity to shape the future of assessments while enjoying a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Assessment Design & Principles Manager in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Assessment Design & Principles Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at AQA, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of AQA and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that AQA might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at AQA.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
