Key Account Management Lead in Manchester

Job Description

Key Account Management LeadContract type: PermanentSalary: £74,000 - £85,000Location: Home based, with regular national travel to customer locations and AQA office locations.Shape how AQA partners with some of the UK's largest Multi Academy Trusts while leading and developing a growing national teamInfluence strategic decisions across the organisation, coach a high-performing account management function and help schools navigate one of the most significant periods of educational reform in recent years.As our partnerships with Multi Academy Trusts continue to grow in importance, we're creating a brand-new leadership role to shape the future of strategic account management at AQA.This is a rare opportunity to lead a growing team, strengthen relationships with some of the most influential organisations in education and ensure customer insight directly influences decision-making across AQA. Working at the intersection of education, customer engagement and organisational strategy, you'll help shape how we support schools and trusts through a period of significant change.Lead a growing team at the heart of AQA's trust strategyReporting to Darren Bayley, you'll lead a team responsible for some of AQA's most strategically important customer relationships. The team currently comprises three regionally aligned Key Account Managers and two newly appointed regionally aligned Key Account Management Associates.Working closely with colleagues across Product, Subject Support, Marketing, Operations and Sales, you'll help create a high-performing strategic account management function, building consistency, capability and stronger customer partnerships across the team.Help shape the future of strategic partnerships at AQAIf you're excited by the opportunity to lead a growing team, influence strategy and build meaningful partnerships across the education sector, this could be the role for you.You'll work directly with CEOs, executive leaders and decision-makers across some of the UK's most influential Multi Academy Trusts, helping shape how they engage with qualifications, support and educational reform. This role has been created to strengthen strategic account management across AQA's most important MAT relationships while raising standards, consistency and professional practice across the function.More than a leadership role, this is an opportunity to shape a growing function, develop talented colleagues and establish the standards and ways of working that will define the next chapter of Key Account Management at AQA. You'll have the visibility and influence to bring customer insight into strategic conversations across the organisation and help strengthen AQA's most important partnerships.What you'll be doingLead, coach and develop a growing team of Key Account Managers and Key Account Management Associates, building capability, consistency and a high-performing culture.Build trusted relationships with CEOs, executive leaders and decision-makers across key Multi Academy Trusts, helping strengthen AQA's most strategic partnerships.Work across Product, Subject Support, Marketing, Operations and Sales, ensuring customer insight influences strategic priorities and organisational decision-making.Establish clear standards, governance and ways of working across the function, creating consistency in account planning, customer engagement and operational delivery.Support the team to identify opportunities, manage risks and deliver meaningful outcomes for customers and AQA.You'll thrive in this role if you haveA strong track record of leading, coaching and developing teams, creating an environment where people can perform at their best.A detailed understanding of Multi Academy Trusts and experience building relationships with senior education leaders.The ability to influence across organisational boundaries, bringing people together around shared objectives and customer outcomes.Experience of strategic account management, partnership management or complex stakeholder leadership.Strong judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to use insight and evidence to drive decisions.What's in it for you?Alongside the opportunity to shape a brand-new leadership role and influence AQA's approach to strategic partnerships, you'll benefit from a 35-hour working week, 25 days' annual leave increasing with service, an excellent pension scheme with combined contributions of up to 18.5%, private medical insurance, up to five paid volunteering days each year and ongoing opportunities for professional development and career progression.Diversity and inclusionAt AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe diverse teams bring richer perspectives and better outcomes. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.What next? Application processPlease upload:Your CVA supporting statement outlining your relevant leadership experience and experience of working strategically with Multi Academy Trusts, complex customer groups or comparable education organisationsYou'll also be asked to complete a short application question as part of your application.Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 9 August 2026Selection processApplications will be reviewed following the closing date. First-stage Teams interviews are expected to take place on 19, 20 or 21 August 2026, followed by a face-to-face interview and presentation exercise towards the end of August and into early September. We recognise many candidates may be away during the summer holiday period and will aim to offer flexibility where possible when arranging interviews.An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. AQA will arrange and cover the cost.If you are currently an Associate of AQA, you would need to relinquish this post.TPBN1_UKTJ