Subject Lead - Science in Milton Keynes

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.

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Manchester, Milton Keynes or Guildford

Salary: Manchester £46,500–£53,300; Milton Keynes or Guildford £48,000–£55,500

Working arrangements: Hybrid – at least one day a week in the office, regular customer visits with national travel and occasional overnight stays.

Ready to lead with impact? This is your opportunity to take Science beyond the classroom and shape how thousands of teachers and students experience the subject. With assessment reform on the horizon, you will influence the future of education and make a national impact with AQA. You will be joining the market leader for Science at GCSE and A Level, supporting hundreds of thousands of learners each year. Combined Science is the most widely taken Science qualification, and the A Level portfolio spans Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science.

We’re looking for someone who brings fresh ideas and perspectives to enhance our culture and thrives in an environment where priorities shift and adaptability is key.

You will lead the Science subject area, combining subject expertise with strategic leadership to strengthen customer engagement, influence product growth and deliver clear, measurable outcomes that demonstrate impact on engagement and growth in a competitive market. You’ll be a visible ambassador for AQA Science, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders.

• Setting and delivering measurable plans for Science that align with AQA’s strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for engagement, retention and growth.
• Leading and developing a small team of Science specialists to build capability, foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
• Work closely with product and sales teams to provide customer insight for the business and support retention and growth of our market position across the science suite of qualifications.
• Designing and executing customer engagement strategies using insight and data, and representing AQA externally at conferences and stakeholder events.
• Building long‑term relationships with schools and stakeholders.
• Responsible for setting and meeting challenging goals and milestones for delivery of your subject(s).
• Planning, monitoring and delivering Customer and Product priorities within your subject(s) (e.g., creation, monitoring and delivery of subject focused annual plans).
• Managing and monitoring performance of a small team (e.g., talent spotting, development opportunities and driving high performance).
• Using relevant systems, reports and dashboards to plan and record delivery for your subject to meet delivery targets.
• Leading and supporting projects or workstreams within Customer and Product which are of a commensurate level to your role, maximising development opportunities.
• Engaging with key stakeholders to support effective planning and delivery of priorities.
• Identifying and managing risks and dependencies.
• Ensuring work supports continuous improvement in process and delivery, to drive customer experience and satisfaction levels.
• Working with other teams to reduce failure demand from customers in your subject(s).
• Promoting customer centricity, acting as an advocate for the customer across the business and providing subject‑based customer insight.
• Being a brand advocate for AQA with customers and associates.
• Representing the team, subject(s) and Customer & Product as part of wider organisational projects and priorities.
• Contributing to business‑wide processes where needed to support customer‑facing activity.
• Recruiting and managing associates to support delivery to customers within your subject(s) in line with the AQA associate strategy.
• Engaging with and influencing subject‑level stakeholders such as subject associations and learned societies to build advocacy and support and to provide stakeholder and customer insight.
• Presenting at stakeholder events in collaboration with the Product Management team to influence stakeholder views and decisions.
• Aligning with contextual opportunities: supporting reforms and demonstrating AQA's relevance.

• Recent experience leading a Science department or equivalent, with a strong understanding of the GCSE and A Level syllabus and deep knowledge of Science specifications and assessment practice, with credibility among teachers.
• Proven leadership experience, including coaching and building team capability at scale.
• Commercial awareness and a customer‑centric mindset, with examples of turning insight into action that delivers measurable outcomes.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, adapting your style under pressure and in ambiguous situations.
• Confidence in using data and metrics to define success, monitor progress and adjust plans at pace.
• Ability to engage and inspire stakeholders, building confidence with diverse audiences.
• Excellent understanding of the subject, specifications and current pedagogy.
• People leadership skills.
• Former teaching experience or ability to demonstrate credibility with teachers.
• Excellent communication, presentation and training skills in line with AQA brand and tone of voice.
• Basic project leadership skills.
• Operational management skills.
• Stakeholder management and collaborative working.
• Influencing and brand advocacy.
• Organisation, planning and prioritisation skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• A big‑picture mindset.
• The ability to have robust conversations with customers and stakeholders, own and deliver corporate messages.
• The ability to interpret data to inform decision making, monitor delivery and impact to customers.
• Modelling of organisational leadership habits and values and behaviours.
• Understanding of AQA’s assessment products, processes and practices relevant to your subject(s).

A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events. Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity. Hybrid working and flexibility to support work‑life balance. Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous pension contributions up to 11.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas. A culture that values new perspectives and innovative approaches to improve how we support teachers and students.

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 a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Application deadline: Sunday 8th February 2026.

Short application questionnaire. Interview Process: First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre‑set scenario – Week commencing 16th February 2026. Second stage: Face‑to‑face in either Manchester or Milton Keynes with a presentation – Monday 24th or Tuesday 25th February 2026.

The expected start date will align with teacher notice periods or earlier if feasible. Please note that an Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.

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.