At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Business, Economics and Accounting subject area, shaping education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, a leading education charity committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with national travel and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while working with a vibrant network of experts.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading a Business/Economics department and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47895 - 57000 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Manchester: £47,895 - £55,000, Guildford, Milton Keynes or London: £49,900 - £57,200
Working arrangements: Hybrid - at least one day a week in the office, regular customer visits with national travel and regular overnight stays.
Lead people with clarity, purpose and impact, helping your team thrive while shaping the future of education. Ready to lead with impact? This is your opportunity to take Business, Economics and Accounting beyond the classroom and shape how thousands of teachers and learners experience the subject.
With over 60 Subject Matter Experts in our Subject Support department, you'll join a vibrant network of colleagues to work with, learn from and share ideas with. 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.
Purpose of the role
You will lead the Business, Economics and Accounting 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 Business, Economics and Accounting, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders. You will work with teachers and communities across diverse regions, ensuring Business, Economics and Accounting reflects the experiences and needs of all learners.
Key responsibilities
- Setting and delivering measurable plans for the subject that align with AQA's strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for engagement, retention and growth.
- Leading and developing a small team of specialists to build capability, foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
- 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.
You'll thrive in this role if you have:
- Demonstrable and recent experience leading a Business/Economics department, with a strong understanding of both GCSE and A Level specifications and assessment practice, with credibility among teachers.
- Proven leadership experience, including coaching and building team capability.
- Commercial awareness and a customer-centric mindset, with examples of turning insight into action that delivers measurable outcomes.
- Excellent 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 external stakeholders, building confidence with diverse audiences.
What's in it for you
- A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events.
- Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity.
- Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous company pension contributions up to 11.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
- An environment that values culture, inviting new perspectives and innovative approaches to improve how we support teachers and students.
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.
Make your mark on Business, Economics and Accounting - join AQA and help shape the future.
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Application deadline: Wednesday 2nd September 23:59
Interview Process:
First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario - 9th, 10th or 11th September 2026
Second stage: Face to Face with a presentation - 23rd or 24th September 2026 in either Manchester or London or Milton Keynes offices.
(* Train travel for those applying for other locations will be reimbursed)
Onboarding expectations: 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.
Reference code: #MCRE TPBN1_UKTJ
Subject Lead - Business, Economics and Accounting in Surrey 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.
