Head of Assessment Products

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.Head of Assessment ProductsContract type: PermanentLocation: Manchester Milton Keynes or LondonSalary: North: .00 South:.00Working arrangements: Hybrid typically two days in your base office with regular travel to other AQA sites for collaboration and innovation.Shape the Future of AssessmentJoin AQA at a pivotal moment for education. This brand-new role comes as we position ourselves for global growth and respond to government curriculum reform. Importantly this is not part of our traditional General Qualifications (GQ) portfolio youll lead innovation beyond GCSEs and A-levels creating new products for emerging markets and diverse learners.Youll define AQAs next chapter in assessment build a department from the ground up and lead a new team of five specialists to deliver innovative products and embed best practice.Purpose of the RoleAs Head of Assessment Products youll set the direction for a diverse portfolio of assessment products ensuring they meet the needs of learners and support AQAs ambitious growth plans. Youll play a key role in connecting teams driving operational excellence and delivering on AQAs mission to support education for all.To achieve this youll work across multiple AQA sites building relationships and fostering collaboration to embed best practice and generate innovative solutions. While we encourage two days a week in your base office this role will involve regular travel to other locations to collaborate with colleagues and lead innovation.Youll define AQAs next chapter in assessment build a department from the ground up and lead a new team of five specialists to deliver innovative products and best practice.Key ResponsibilitiesLeading the strategic management and development of assessment products beyond traditional GQ qualifications ensuring alignment with AQAs goals and market needs.Building and embedding a high-performing collaborative team from the ground up.Driving innovation exploring new product ideas beyond traditional assessments including integrated learning and assessment solutions.Engaging and influencing internal and external stakeholders to secure buy-in and support delivery and growth.Youll thrive in this role if you have:Proven experience in product development and management within education or assessment this is essential.Demonstrable people leadership skills with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams.Excellent communication and influencing abilities with experience working in complex matrix environments.Commercial acumen and the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery.A collaborative mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.Whats in It for YouImpact: Play a visible role in shaping the future of innovative assessment products.Flexibility: Hybrid working plus opportunities to travel across AQA locations to collaborate and innovate.Generous Leave: 25 days rising to 30 with service plus voluntary service days and discretionary leave over Christmas and New Year.Wellbeing Support: Access to staff networks mental health resources BUPA healthcare and a supportive inclusive culture.Pension: Up to 11.5% employer pension contributions.Professional Growth: Work alongside policy experts researchers and product leaders in a forward-thinking environment.Diversity and InclusionAt 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 everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis 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 ProcessSubmit your CV and cover letter by Sunday 7th December 23:59.Interview process:Stage 1: Phone screening with Recruitment LeadStage 2: Virtual interview via Teams Friday 12th December 2025Stage 3: Face-to-face interview in London Thursday 18th December 2025Interviews will include a structured discussion and a task relevant to the role.#PRO22Recruitment AgenciesWe 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.Full Job DescriptionSummaryPurpose: AQA Assessment Services Ltd (ASL) is driving a new programme of work to successfully implement its ambitious Business Plan to double the size of the business within the next five years. The Head of Assessment Products will lead our team in driving developing and managing a new range of innovative assessment products designed to meet the needs of learners at different stages of their learning experience. Theyll combine expertise in general technical and vocational education to lead the successful development and ongoing management of a range of assessment products. Were looking for an experienced and dynamic leader with a passion for academic technical and vocational education both in the UK and :AQA is the leading exam board in the United Kingdom. Were an independent education charity with over 120 years of assessment expertise and purpose is to support education teachers and learners. We reinvest any surplus into research and innovation to improve the quality and reliability of assessments and contribute to policy and practice Global Assessment Services combines this expertise with skills from across the wider AQA group. We work in partnership with education ministries exam boards and education providers to understand their needs and develop customised end-to-end assessment solutions. ASL will be driving forward strategic initiatives by developing new partnerships enterprise customers and large delivery contracts. To be successful in these we will need to develop programmes of work which ensure different parts of AQA are connected in support of the customer requirements.The Head of Assessment Products is accountable for the strategic management and development for a portfolio of AQAs products. This role is crucial in ensuring AQA maintains and expands its market share in these new assessment areas. Key responsibilities include:Strategic Leadership: Lead portfolio developing and executing strategies to build grow AQAs new product lines.Product Coordination: Act as the focal point for the assigned portfolio overseeing the coordination prioritisation and supervision of related activities in line with AQAs strategic objectives.Product Development and Delivery: Lead the development and delivery of annual and medium-term product roadmaps balancing quality customer needs commercial viability and stakeholder interests.Representation: Serve as the lead both internally within AQA and externally with the aim of achieve growth targets and customer retention.Strategic Planning: Identify and define strategic activities necessary for meeting AQAs targets and lead their implementation.Product life cycle management: The post holder is accountable and responsible for the assigned portfolio across its entire life cycle.People management: setting SMART objectives for your team offering consistent guidance and support mentoring coaching and developing team members fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. You will be responsible for ensuring your team achieves high performance and meets its goals aligned to AQAs overarching strategyActivities:Strategic Leadership:Provide strategic direction within AQA and represent these products to external stakeholders in partnership with stakeholders across the AQA group of companies.Collaborate with stakeholders in the AQA Product Management team in Customer and Product to identify synergies in product management approaches and practices identify when differences are needed and identify opportunities and risks across product portfolios Business Process Management: Oversee the business case process and manage related budgets ensuring cost effectiveness.Profitability and Accountability: Focus on maximising the profitability of these products through strategic planning and oversight.Customer Focus:Lead initiatives to enhance product quality customer experience and stakeholder satisfaction through continuous Improvement.Represent AQA at external events and develop commercial strategies for product improvement.Manage team to align delivery with AQAs priorities.Develop customer value propositions based on deep customer insights.Engage in planning and quality assurance of customer engagement campaigns and collaborative projects.Financial Management:Optimise product profitability balancing financial targets with broader interests.Act as the product portfolio leader within AQA setting and communicating priorities.Update and manage financial targets in collaboration with the Finance department.Advise on pricing policies and generate business cases for new developments.Product and Internal ProcessesOversee the development and maintenance of product plans ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.Analyse data for informed decision-making and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration.Regularly review product strategy and plans for ongoing relevance and effectiveness.Ensure compliance with all AQAs policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE Equal Opportunities and ISMS.People and Culture:Lead and develop team members promoting and role modelling a high-performance culture.Provide feedback coaching and development aligned with business objectives.Ensure compliance with AQA policies and demonstrate adaptability to changing business needs.Work collaboratively with a range teams and roles in AQA specifically the Research and Innovation team and the Product Management team in Customer and Product.Technology:Identify and manage external partnerships working closely with stakeholders within AQA to ensure successful outcomes in what will be innovative new approaches with technology to support assessment productsEmploy digital tools for efficient and effective communication and content management.Government and External Relations:Apply business analytics for insight-driven policy development and stakeholder engagement.Oversee regulatory and compliance aspects of product management.To be successful in this role you will need to know:Knowledge: Product development and management marketing with financial and commercial acumen.Qualification: Degree-level education or equivalent experience.Skills: Leadership communication influencing negotiation creative thinking analysis problem solving prioritisation strategic planning and interpersonal abilities.Experience: Educational or commercial product development and management experience working in a complex matrix environment people managementRequired Experience:Director Key Skills Marketing & Promotions,Attorney At Law,Jni,Airlines,Art Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 78000 - 85500