Overview
At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and fostering a collaborative working environment. The Head of Qualification Quality & Accreditation leads the work that ensures GCSEs and A-levels are approved first time. This role is based in Manchester, with hybrid working (two days per week in office) and a salary range of £72,000 – £80,000.
What you’ll be doing
* Lead the quality assurance and accreditation support function across qualification development.
* Review and quality‑assure specifications, assessment strategies and Specimen Assessment Materials, identifying risks, inconsistencies and gaps, and provide clear, actionable feedback.
* Ensure complete alignment across all materials before submission and steer a “right first time” approach to accreditation, reducing rework.
* Design, implement and continuously refine quality assurance approaches that are robust, proportionate and scalable to support qualification development at scale.
* Collaborate closely with qualification development, assessment design, product and compliance teams to maintain a joined‑up approach.
* Engage with Ofqual and support accreditation activity where required.
* Lead and develop a small specialist team, influencing more widely across the organisation.
Qualifications
* Proven experience working within regulatory frameworks, ideally in a qualification development or accreditation environment.
* Subject‑matter expertise in qualification design, quality and accreditation, demonstrated through experience of developing or assuring qualification materials.
* Experience designing and implementing quality assurance approaches, rather than operating within established processes.
* Track record of working with specifications, assessment strategies and specimen materials within a regulated environment.
* Demonstrable attention to detail, with evidence of identifying and resolving misalignment across complex documentation.
* Ability to review materials critically and provide feedback that is clear, practical and actionable.
* Sound judgment in applying quality standards consistently, with a capacity to take a proportionate approach when appropriate.
Benefits
* Impact and influence on the development and accreditation of national qualifications.
* Opportunity to establish and evolve a new quality and accreditation function.
* Exposure to senior stakeholders across AQA and external regulatory bodies.
* Hybrid working with approximately two days per week in the office.
* 35‑hour working week supporting a sustainable and balanced approach to work.
* 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and a Christmas closure.
* AQA pension contribution of 6% to 11.5% (depending on personal contribution).
* Private medical insurance, life assurance and a health cash plan.
* Ongoing development opportunities and access to learning and progression.
* Inclusive employee networks: LGBTQ+, Empowering Women, Interfaith, Parents and Carers, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity.
Equal Opportunity Statement
AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone – regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background – is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.
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