Test Manager in Manchester

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.

This is an opportunity to lead testing practices that make a real impact on learners and education. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping AQA’s approach to software testing, ensuring that every solution we deliver meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. This role offers the chance to influence strategic decisions, collaborate with talented teams, and make a tangible impact on education outcomes across the UK.

You’ll ensure predictable and successful delivery of software for AQA’s key operational systems. Your leadership will drive best-in-class testing practices, supporting AQA’s transition to cloud technologies and agile delivery models. You’ll lead initiatives that enhance AQA’s technology landscape, championing agile practices and automation-first approaches. By driving innovation and continuous improvement, you’ll help us deliver solutions that empower learners and educators, while positioning AQA as a leader in digital transformation.

• Leading and managing all test activities across functional, non-functional, automated and manual testing.
• Driving continuous improvement in testing processes and tools aligned to agile principles.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery of software solutions.

• Significant experience in leading functional and non-functional testing teams, including automation.
• Strong understanding of agile software development lifecycle and testing methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor and develop technical teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with tools such as JIRA, MTM, TFS or similar.

• 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).
• Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.
• Access to professional and personal development whenever you need it.

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.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by Monday 12th January. First stage interviews will take place w/c 26th January.

Purpose: To ensure the predictable and successful delivery of software for AQA’s key operational systems, through providing leadership and hands‑on support in the area of test for programmes/projects as required. Ensuring that all software delivered is tested in line with defined requirements, industry best practices, departmental standards and wider AQA policies/procedures. Helping to complete AQA’s ongoing transition to a single, consistent set of cloud‑based technologies (technology re‑platform) and move to an agile delivery model in line with current software development best practices (Scrum/Kanban; continuous delivery) – and automation to continually improve and enhance that technology for new and changing business needs.

The role of the Test Manager is to support the Head of Test to ensure all test activities both functional and non‑functional are planned, resourced and delivered to time and quality. Tracking and reporting test delivery and progress, identifying and managing risks, issues and dependencies, and holding all team members to account for their areas of delivery. Through strong leadership and technical skills, the purpose of the role will be to engender a culture of trust, openness, collective ownership, efficiency and technical excellence.

• Support the Head of Test in implementing and continuously improving software and test practices, processes and tools aligned to agile and lean principles.
• Ensure the successful delivery of software solutions projects in line with agreed timescales and priorities.
• Mentor and coach other team members, driving personal and professional development to facilitate cross skilling in the team.
• Identify ways to continually improve team processes and ways of working, and support the Head of Test in the creation of a centre of excellence for Test in AQA.
• Drive the continuous improvement of ways of working in Software Solutions and of wider departmental practices.
• Ensuring a delivery focused approach to testing, whilst maintaining a proportionate balance between the need for quality vs. delivery in the context of the high stakes nature of AQA’s business.
• Work with the business, other technical teams and external partners (third parties) to design, plan and deliver software solutions and software solution integrations.
• To build and foster strong working relationships with colleagues, key business stakeholders, 3rd party partners and throughout AQA.
• Undertake appropriate mitigation and avoidance actions as assigned, in accordance with identified Issues and Risks.
• Provide regular, simple, clear and accurate reporting and tracking on test activities.
• Line manage Test team members to get the best outcomes for individuals and AQA in line with AQA’s practices, policies and procedures.
• To model leadership behaviours with confidence and to get the very best from direct reports and teams by providing clarity, feedback, coaching and development, while continuously seeking to enhance performance in line with business objectives.
• To comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
• Where business needs change, to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile.

• A broad understanding of testing and its role, relevance and application in either a commercial or an educational environment.
• Excellent understanding of different types of testing, e.g. functional, non‑functional and user acceptance including relevant artefacts associated and suitable application.
• A strong understanding of the use of technology to improve the efficiency, reliability and repeatability of the testing discipline.
• A good understanding of the software development lifecycle in an agile setting.
• Skilled at leading a team, with individuals across a range of geographical locations.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor and develop a team to achieve personal and business success.
• Experienced in working with third party suppliers and vendors.
• Excellent planning and reporting skills.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues to meet deliverables and adhere to agreed processes and ways of working.
• Ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation, leading by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to work collaboratively, negotiate, influence and provide constructive challenge.
• Able to solve problems and unblock challenges that may hinder progress.
• Assertive and resilient to be able to challenge project members and stakeholders when they are not delivering on their accountabilities.
• Data savvy and able to analyse, interpret and report back complex information in a meaningful way.
• Ability to resolve problems and adapt to change in a fast‑moving environment.
• Regularly displays courage and calmness under pressure; and actively encourages others to do the same.
• Ability to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues.
• Ability to take ownership of both software solution delivery and continuous improvement activities, delivering through self and others.
• Ability to coach and mentor individuals to support individual development and wider departmental continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders.

Significant experience as a successful Test professional, with evidence of delivering tasks at a high level of quality, at all stages of the project lifecycle, from requirements gathering and clarification through to successful implementation. Experience of leading functional and non-functional testing teams including use of automation. Demonstrable experience in successfully leading small Software Solutions teams to achieve personal and business success. Experience of line managing teams of technical staff, including active performance management. Demonstrable experience in using one or more testing tools in supporting implementation of agile practices, e.g. MTM, TFS, JIRA, ALM etc.