QMS 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.

• QMS Manager
• Permanent
• Manchester

Working Arrangements; Hybrid - 2 days per week in the office.

Introduction

This is a senior quality role with real organisational influence.

As QMS Manager, you'll own and shape AQA's ISO 9001 compliant Quality Management System, helping to protect confidence, consistency and quality across work that matters to learners, schools and colleges.

Purpose of the Role

You’ll lead the design, maintenance and continual improvement of AQA's QMS, making sure quality processes, controls, documentation and governance are clear, effective and audit ready.

Acting as the organisational expert for ISO 9001, you’ll maintain external certification, lead the transition to ISO 9001:2026 and give senior leaders clear assurance that quality and document control arrangements are robust and proportionate.

Key Responsibilities

• Owning and improving AQA's ISO 9001 compliant QMS, including certification, external audit preparation, findings, corrective actions and senior reporting.
• Leading the ISO 9001:2026 transition programme, including impact assessment, planning and influencing senior leaders, process owners and cross-functional teams to deliver required changes.
• Providing expert leadership on corporate document management, controlled documents, quality performance indicators and QMS assurance while line managing, coaching and prioritising work for the QMS Coordinator.
• Leading and developing the QMS Coordinator, providing day-to-day direction, coaching and support to ensure delivery of team objectives and continued professional growth.
• What We Are Looking For
• This role will suit an experienced quality leader who can combine technical expertise with clear communication, strong judgement and the confidence to influence across a complex organisation.
• Expert knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality management systems, with significant experience managing certification and external audits.
• Strong document governance and document control experience, including ownership, versioning, review and approval arrangements.
• Proven ability to lead organisation-wide change through influence, matrix working and constructive challenge.
• Clear communication skills, with the ability to explain complex quality concepts to non-specialists and senior stakeholders.
• Line management, coaching and stakeholder influencing experience, with a supportive, accountable approach to developing colleagues.
• What's in It for You

You’ll have the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact on how quality is owned, governed and improved across AQA.

• Lead meaningful improvement across quality and document management in a high-stakes, purpose-led environment.
• Build capability and develop others by line managing the QMS Coordinator and creating a positive, accountable quality function.
• 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) etc
• 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
• Application deadline: Wednesday 5th August

Interview stages and timeline: First stage interviews will he held on MS Teams 19th & 20th August. Second stage will be in person at our Manchester office on 26th & 27th August.

• Full Job Description
• Summary
• Purpose & Context

The Quality Management Systems Manager is responsible for the design, maintenance and continual improvement of AQA's ISO 9001‑compliant Quality Management System (QMS).

The role operates across the organisation, providing expert leadership and assurance over the effectiveness of quality processes, controls, documentation and governance arrangements, ensuring consistency, compliance and continuous improvement in a high‑stakes, zero‑error environment.

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