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.Application Delivery ManagerPermanentManchesterSalary: 77,100 - 87,200Working arrangements: Hybrid, with two days a week in the office including Thursday as the team anchor dayShape how enterprise applications change is delivered across AQA.This is a new senior leadership role with the scope to shape AQA’s Enterprise Applications delivery approach. You’ll bring internal teams, specialist partners and matrix-managed resources together to deliver high-quality, impactful change across a growing software portfolio that includes Dynamics 365, Power Platform and enterprise AI. Your decisions will help AQA maximise our growing technology investment and support the services colleagues and customers rely on to deliver fair assessment for learners.This is an IT leadership role focused on building Product development delivery capability and achieving business outcomes. In this role, you'll be responsible for:leading multidisciplinary internal Functional teams, supplier partners and matrix-managed business analysis and testing resources as one coordinated delivery functionagreeing priorities and allocating capacity across strategic projects, product enhancements and releasesresolving resource pressures, challenging unrealistic demand and escalating material risks with clear optionsholding internal teams and delivery partners to account for quality, pace, value, risk and agreed outcomesstrengthening Agile delivery, governance, quality assurance, testing, release management and documentationbuilding a forward view of demand, skills, capacity and sourcing needs as the application portfolio growscoaching your direct reports, developing capability and creating clear ownership for successful transition into live serviceYou’ll thrive in this role if you have:demonstrable experience leading enterprise SaaS application delivery teams, including internal specialists and third-party partnersknowledge of cloud SaaS change delivery, ideally across Dynamics 365, Power Platform or enterprise AI, or closely transferable platformsknowledge of optimal uses of AI within enterprise solutions and to enhance software delivery processesexpert applied knowledge of change delivery methods, including Agile, and tools such as Azure DevOpsevidence of prioritising competing demand, allocating constrained resources and turning strategy into realistic delivery plansthe ability to influence senior stakeholders, challenge constructively and lead people through changeWhat’s in it for you?a 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30, plus Christmas closure daysa benefits package including up to 11.5% pension contribution, Bupa healthcare support, wellbeing programmes and volunteering opportunitiesthe chance to lead change across a growing enterprise SaaS portfolio and help embed AI-enabled improvementan inclusive, values-led culture with employee networks including LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity and InterfaithDiversity and Inclusion StatementAt AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. 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. The first is expected to be an online competency and technical interview w/c 2/11. The final stage will be face to face in our Manchester office w/c 9/11.#Full Job DescriptionSummaryPurpose: To provide leadership and accountability for the Enterprise Applications change delivery team, ensuring internal teams, supplier partners and matrix-managed functions, operate as an integrated delivery function, aligned to AQA’s strategic priorities.To apply best practice change approaches to define, drive, evolve and embed the change delivery model to maximize delivery efficiency, effectiveness and output excellence, ensuring strategic projects, continuous Improvement enhancements and functionality releases are delivered efficiently, safely and in support of business priorities.Landscape:The Enterprise Applications portfolio is experiencing increasing demand for application enhancements, strategic project change, platform evolution and AI-enabled capability. Using both internal and 3rd party resource, this includes direct line management of internal Senior Functional Consultants and matrix management of Analyst & Test functions. Wider stakeholders include colleagues in Enterprise and Assessment Technology, Change Programme/ Portfolio Managers and business teams. Core products in the current stack include Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Enterprise AI. The product stack coverage within the remit may expand and evolve over time The change delivery approaches must support AQA’s ongoing alignment with legal/ regulatory requirements and standards such as UK GDPR, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus. Active risk management and robust continuity planning are key to this provision of reliable and secure applicationsActivities:· Lead Product Functional Delivery Teams, external delivery partners and matrix managed support teams as a streamlined, co-ordinated function to ensure maximum velocity, high quality outcomes.· Define, implement, drive and evolve the change delivery approach in line with best practice, and continually improve ways of working to ensure delivery efficiency, pace and output excellence.· Provide clear delivery leadership by making evidence-based prioritisation decisions, challenging unrealistic demand, resolving resource contention and escalating material risks and delivery challenges with recommended options.· Own supplier delivery performance for assigned change activity, ensuring partners are held to account for quality, pace, value, risk management and agreed outcomes.· Proactively anticipate, identify and address capability and resource development needs/ gaps· Design, cost and implement appropriate change delivery models for new applications as they arise· Work with inputs from Senior Functionals and Product Management to translate business demands, priorities and functional opportunities into deliverable change.· Collaborate with Programme and Portfolio leads to align strategic delivery outcomes.· Drive delivery governance, quality assurance (incl. documentation) and continual improvement, supporting AQA’s ongoing alignment with legal/ regulatory requirements and standards.· Where business needs change, undertake other responsibilities of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profileKey Accountabilities:· Ensure coordinated performance of direct reports, supplier resources and matrix-managed delivery teams, ensuring clear ownership, effective prioritisation and reliable delivery outcomes.· Successful delivery of ongoing pipeline of projects, enhancements and releases in line with strategic and business objectives - high quality outcomes at pace.· Achieve appropriate balance of strategic, project and Continuous Improvement level change· Visible, accountable leadership of multidisciplinary teams, setting clear expectations, developing capability, coaching performance and creating a culture of ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement.· Accountable for developing team capability, performance standards and succession strength.· Excellent stakeholder engagement and management - need to communicate, negotiate, influence and challenge effectively· Delivery quality, governance, testing and release management. Proactive risk and continuity management· Accountable for translating strategic priorities and data driven decision making into realistic delivery plans and measurable outcomes.· Drive the continuous improvement of delivery capability, approaches and standards, proactively implement innovations e.g. use of AI.· Essential Criteria· Experience leading successful enterprise SaaS application delivery teams, including managing multidisciplinary internal teams and partners (3rd parties)· Strong commercial, governance and risk management judgement.· Expert level product knowledge of SaaS products including Dynamics 365, Power Platform, AI tools (copilot studio, foundry). Microsoft certification preferred.· Agile), standards and tools (incl. Azure DevOps).· Experience holding suppliers and delivery partners to account for outcome-based performance.· Programme/ project management skillset - cross portfolio planning & delivery experience.· Agile/ Project Management certifications· ITIL certifiedSummaryLocation: ManchesterType: Full time
Senior Software Delivery Manager in Manchester employer: AQA
AQA is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, allowing you to make a significant impact in the field of copyright strategy. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous leave, and a robust pension scheme, AQA provides a supportive environment for professionals looking to advance their careers while balancing work and life. The hybrid working model further enhances flexibility, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic sector.
