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. Software Delivery Manager Permanent Manchester: £63,000.00–£72,800.00 plus excellent benefits Hybrid (2 days a week in the office) Introduction Are you an experienced software delivery manager with an outcome-focused approach? Do you want to use your skills to make a real difference in people’s lives? At AQA, you’ll join the assessment technology group in Manchester. This team manages the systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE and A-level results every year. You’ll oversee software that supports the full lifecycle of exams, from entries through to post-results services, as well as an integration product built on Azure Integration Services that keeps data secure and reliable across all AQA systems and third parties. Purpose of the role You’ll lead the delivery of software products that are critical to AQA’s mission. Working with internal teams and trusted suppliers, you’ll make sure change is delivered on time, to a high standard, and with continuous improvement at the heart of how you work. Key responsibilities You’ll be responsible for: leading cross-functional delivery teams to plan, develop, and support software products encouraging collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement across the teams increasing quality through continuous improvement of: processes, driving agile / lean good practice, people, through modelling leadership behaviours, coaching, and technology, ensuring systems reflect good practice facilitating product increment (PI) planning and execution running scrum of scrums meetings and keeping workflows efficient escalating issues, managing risks, and ensuring governance is in place agreeing the scope and frequency of software releases making sure delivery aligns with ISO9001, ISO27001, and AQA policies managing supplier delivery contracts and relationships providing clear reporting on progress and performance supporting financial, risk, business continuity, and information security processes keeping your own professional development up to date What we’re looking for To succeed in this role you’ll need: strong experience of delivering software in agile and lean environments, including scaled agile evidence of driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve delivery outcomes solid technical knowledge across a range of software technologies, processes, and platforms a structured approach to problem solving, with the ability to help teams tackle complex challenges in time-pressured situations experience working in high-stakes or regulated environments curiosity and a genuine interest in using technology to solve business problems a passion for making delivery better, more reliable, and more dependable What’s in it for you At AQA we value your contribution and we’ll make sure you feel supported and rewarded. You’ll get: 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 Diversity and inclusion AQA is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all colleagues have equal opportunities to thrive. This isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to how we serve teachers and students across the country. We’ve set ambitious goals, and now we need someone like you to help us meet them. Application process Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd September 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and the role may close early. F urther information To apply, please use our online portal. Every applicant will receive a written response. Recruitment Agencies 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. Full Job Description Summary This role is accountable for leading the delivery of change for software products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio, both planned and as a result of production support, using internal and 3rd party software development teams. Inspiring a culture of trust, learning, innovation and continuous improvement, this role will promote collective ownership and delivery excellence. This role reports to the Head of Software Delivery – EP&I (HoSD – EP&I).Landscape The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments. The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE and A-level results annually. It includes the technology for assessment design and production, and the full lifecycle of exams series delivery from entry to post-results services. Given the seasonal nature and criticality of the Summer exams series, the role may also be required to provide hands-on leadership through critical issues during the Summer series on occasions. Team Whilst this role may not provide direct line management, through matrix management the Software Delivery Manager will work closely with business analysts, developers, test analysts, and other roles, both internally and from suppliers, who are responsible for the delivery of planned change and software support for the strategic and mission-critical systems that underpin AQA’s core assessment proposition. Key relationships Regular stakeholder engagement across all levels and all locations is required, with national and international travel where necessary. Activities Software Delivery Leading delivery teams to develop and support strategically aligned software products, reducing time to market, and increasing quality through continuous improvement of:processes, driving agile / lean good practice, people, through modelling leadership behaviours, coaching, and technology, ensuring systems reflect good practice Provide progress and performance reporting against agreed targets for all delivery areas to the HoSD – EP&I and other relevant stakeholders. Work with other members of the leadership team to develop consistent processes and standards between teams. Facilitating Product Increment (PI) planning to ensure that the near-term roadmap is clearly defined Driving PI execution, managing performance, tracking and communicating progress Driving Scrum of Scrums meetings to ensure all product delivery teams are aligned Optimising the flow of work, to maximise value to the organisation Escalating impediments, managing risk, and driving delivery improvement. Agreeing scope and frequency of releases. Deliver software in accordance with relevant standards such as ISO9001 / ISO27001, regulatory requirements and AQA policies. Stakeholders Provide confidence to customers and stakeholders through; consistent, timely, high quality delivery, excellent communication, and wider services. Work close with Product Managers and Product Owners who own and prioritise the product backlog Manage 3rd party delivery contracts when required. Other Responsibilities Financial management – working with the HoSD – EP&I and other stakeholders to prepare business cases for ongoing product resourcing and change activities. Risk management – participating in the identification, assessment, planning and management of threats and opportunities. Business continuity and incident management – participating in identification, assessment, planning, testing and implementation of incident management processes to support recovery of key business processes. Information security – taking an active part in the preservation of security, confidentiality, availability and integrity of information assets. Continuous professional development – responsible for ensuring own ongoing professional development to meet existing and future organisational needs. Need to know Excellent experience of software delivery in a variety of agile / lean and scaled agile delivery structures, with an outcome-focussed approach. Demonstrable technical knowledge to be able to create, drive, innovate and assess technical solutions across a wide range of software technologies, processes and platforms. Structured thinking approach, able to lead groups of people to break down and resolve complex and ambiguous problems in time-pressured environments, recognising and balancing technical against operational and commercial factors. Significant experience delivering in high-stakes and regulated environments. High level of curiosity, with a genuine passion for finding and implementing innovative solutions for business problems through technology. Passion for continuous improvement in practice, to increase delivery quality, reliability, and dependability.