Investigations Manager in Manchester

Make your mark on fairness in education. You want a role where your decisions matter; where you can lead a skilled team, handle complex cases, and protect the integrity of something important.

As the Investigations Manager at AQA, you will play a key role in making sure investigations and appeals are handled fairly, consistently and in line with our regulatory responsibilities.

What you will be doing

In this role, you will lead a team of around 10 experienced investigators and support officers and oversee the delivery of malpractice and appeals casework from start to finish. You will:

• Lead and support a team to deliver high-quality investigations work
• Oversee complex and high-profile cases, including emerging case types such as cyber-related incidents
• Use data and performance measures to track progress and keep cases moving
• Act as a point of advice and escalation for your team
• Represent AQA in appeals hearings, including with external bodies
• Work with colleagues across AQA and the wider sector to improve how we operate
• Help shape better ways of working through continuous improvement

You will also build a positive team environment, support development, and lead through change.

What's in it for you?

You will do meaningful work that supports fairness in the education system. You will lead and develop a capable, specialist team and will work on complex and high-profile cases. AQA are proud to offer a range of benefits which include a collaborative, values led working environment; 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; an excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution); access to professional and personal development whenever you need it; the opportunity to join a variety of employee networks including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity, Interfaith and more.

What we are looking for

This role could suit you if you enjoy leading in a fast-paced environment and making clear, confident decisions. We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience leading and developing a team
• A background in investigations, ideally in a regulated, legal, policing or education setting
• Comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility
• Experience managing delivery using data and performance measures
• Strong communication skills, including writing guidance and presenting in formal settings
• A focus on continuous improvement and learning
• Experience of cyber-related investigations would be useful but not essential.

You do not need to meet every requirement. If your experience is a little different but you feel you could succeed in this role, we would still like to hear from you. We value collaboration, openness and continuous learning and you will be supported to build your knowledge and confidence in any new and complex areas.

Application Process

To apply, please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter to outline your motivation and suitability for this Investigations Manager role and answer the application questions. Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 21 June 2026. Interviews will be in person in the Manchester office in the week beginning 29 June.

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. All applications will be read by a human and responded to in writing.