At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analysis and design for a major transformation in exam marking systems.
- Company: Join AQA, a leader in education, shaping the future of exam delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25-30 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how exams are marked across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in Agile environments and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 61000 £ per year.
12 month Fixed Term Contract
Manchester
Salary: £54,000 - £61,000
Hybrid Working - (min 2 days per week in the office)
Help shape the future of marking at AQA. Do you want to lead work that directly impacts how exam papers are marked across the UK? We are delivering a major transformation programme to replace three existing marking platforms with a single, modern solution. With the first phase going live this November and expanding into 2027, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in a complex, live delivery environment where your work has real-world impact.
As a Lead Business Analyst, you will take a hands-on role in shaping and delivering this transformation. You will be working at the centre of a dynamic and delivery-focused programme, helping to translate complex business needs into practical solutions that support exam delivery at scale.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead analysis work across a major programme replacing multiple legacy systems with one integrated platform
- Help design and deliver a new marking management module to support end-to-end processes
- Analyse and shape data flows and integrations between systems, ensuring they work seamlessly together
- Work closely with stakeholders across operations, data and technology teams to align solutions with real business needs
- Support change and transition activities, including manual workarounds and post-results processes
- Collaborate with offshore analysts and development teams as part of a wider delivery network
You will also contribute to best practice within business analysis, while supporting delivery planning, testing and continuous improvement. This is more than a typical business analysis role. You will be working in a complex, multi-team environment where you can influence how systems are designed and delivered at scale.
What's in it for you?
- This is a chance to work on a high-profile transformation programme replacing multiple systems with one.
- Exposure to a complex delivery environment with a wide range of stakeholders and technologies
- Opportunities to develop your leadership capability and take on increased responsibility as part of the programme
- Work that directly supports examiners and impacts how exam papers are marked in practice
- You will also benefit from 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
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.
What you'll bring:
- The ability to go beyond user stories to understand end-to-end processes, data flows and system interactions
- The skills to feel comfortable taking ownership and moving work forward, while working collaboratively with others
- A clear and structured approach to solving complex problems
- Experience working in Agile environments and using tools such as Azure DevOps, JIRA or MIRO
- Clarity of communication, with the ability to simplify complex ideas for different audiences
How to Apply
If you are looking for a role where you can combine hands-on delivery with leadership and want to be part of a programme that makes a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now with your most recent CV and cover letter to join AQA and help shape the future of exam delivery.
Applications will close at 23:59 on Monday 8 June 2026. Interviews will be in the Manchester office, so that you can see where you will be working, in the week of the 15 June 2026.
Lead Business Analyst in Manchester employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects that directly impact the future of exam marking across the UK. With a collaborative and values-driven work culture, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development. The inclusive environment fosters diversity and empowers individuals to thrive, making AQA a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Business Analyst in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at AQA or in similar roles on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider info can give us a leg up!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of a Lead Business Analyst. We should be ready to share specific examples that showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to work in Agile environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off our passion for transformation! During interviews, let’s express our excitement about the opportunity to shape exam delivery. We can discuss how we’ve contributed to similar projects in the past and how we envision making an impact at AQA.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After the interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express our appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep us on their radar and show that we’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Business Analyst in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Business Analyst role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in Agile environments and any work with data flows or system integrations. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this transformation programme and how you can contribute. Be sure to mention your leadership capabilities and collaborative spirit, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them to solve complex problems in the past. We love candidates who can think critically and simplify complex ideas for different audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of exam delivery!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Lead Business Analyst, especially around transforming legacy systems. Brush up on your knowledge of data flows, integrations, and Agile methodologies, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading analysis work, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences where you've taken ownership and driven projects forward. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.
✨Simplify Complex Ideas
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to break down how you would approach a particular problem or project, so being able to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial.
✨Engage with Their Values
AQA values diversity and inclusion, so it’s a good idea to reflect on how you can contribute to these principles. Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported inclusive practices in your past roles and how you can bring that mindset to their team.
