At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the copyright team and shape AQA's strategic approach to copyright management.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest provider of academic qualifications, dedicated to advancing education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, 25-30 days annual leave, and an excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equity and inclusion, with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational assessment and support millions of learners across the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong copyright expertise and leadership experience in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 45400 - 54700 £ per year.
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.
Copyright is a key feature of educational assessment, learning resources and intellectual property management. This is a newly created leadership role with the opportunity to shape how copyright is managed across the AQA Group. As Strategic Copyright Lead, you’ll provide strategic oversight of copyright activity, build influential relationships with publishers and third-party providers, and help establish a future-focused copyright framework that supports innovation while protecting compliance. Working across the AQA Group, you’ll play a key role in influencing how copyright supports the development of qualifications, assessments and future products for learners across the UK and beyond.
Purpose of the Role
This role has been created to provide strategic leadership for copyright across the AQA Group and make sure copyright processes, relationships and frameworks remain fit for the future. You’ll lead the Copyright and Archive Team, oversee delivery of the new copyright framework and develop strong partnerships with publishers, rights holders and stakeholders across the organisation. You’ll help embed a proactive approach to copyright, enabling colleagues to make informed decisions, manage risk and identify opportunities that support AQA’s wider strategy and growth ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Copyright and Archive Team, providing direction, coaching and support while ensuring the team can effectively manage changing priorities and workloads.
- Shape and deliver AQA’s strategic approach to copyright, including implementation of the new copyright framework and helping embed copyright best practice within AQA Education and across the AQA Group.
- Build strong relationships with publishers, rights holders and third-party partners, creating sustainable partnerships that support future assessment and product development.
- Provide insight, challenge and assurance to stakeholders, using reporting, risk management and informed decision making to balance business needs with copyright compliance.
What We Are Looking For
- We’re looking for a collaborative leader who can combine specialist knowledge with strategic thinking, strong judgement and the ability to influence people in the right way.
- Strong copyright expertise, with a sound understanding of copyright compliance and the ability to apply it pragmatically within an educational environment.
- A proven relationship builder and influencer who can confidently challenge, negotiate and bring people with them, both internally and externally.
- Leadership experience, whether through direct people management or significant matrix leadership, with the ability to develop teams and drive change.
- Strategic and commercially minded thinking, able to see the bigger picture, understand the impact of decisions and identify opportunities that support AQA’s long-term objectives.
What’s in It for You
- This is a rare opportunity to shape a newly created role at the centre of an organisation that impacts millions of learners.
- Work across a diverse portfolio of organisations and products, including qualifications, international assessments and emerging educational initiatives.
- Build influential relationships with publishers and partners, developing an outward-facing dimension of copyright activity.
- A 35‑hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
- 25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days.
- Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution).
Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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
To apply, please submit your CV and Cover Letter by following the link provided. Closing date for applications is Sunday 30th August.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.
Strategic Copyright Lead in Manchester employer: AQA
AQA is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a dynamic work environment where education specialists can thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave and private medical insurance, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Our commitment to professional development and community engagement ensures that you will have meaningful opportunities to grow and make a positive impact in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Copyright Lead in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Copyright Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
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Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of AQA. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
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You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with AQA, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
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Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at AQA, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
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Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for AQA could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
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