At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and supporting our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year, thanks to our dedicated team.
Subject Sector Lead – Science
Permanent
Manchester Salary: £62,000 - £72,000
Milton Keynes and London Salary: £65,000 - £75,000
Hybrid with flexible and part-time options available
This is a new opportunity to shape the future of education. Are you ready?
If you have demonstrable expertise in science and want to influence how it’s taught and assessed across the UK, this role offers a chance to make a national impact. As a Subject Sector Lead, you will bring your subject expertise to the heart of curriculum and assessment reform, influencing policy, shaping qualifications, and ensuring assessments meet the needs of students, teachers, and employers.
What will you be doing?
You will be the subject expert in Science, shaping qualifications and influencing national education policy. You will stay ahead of curriculum changes and sector trends, guiding AQA’s strategies. You will collaborate with colleagues across product, policy, research, and marketing, and build relationships with schools, MATs, professional bodies, and government contacts. Your voice will matter as you represent AQA in national conversations, contribute to reform, and help shape the future of education.
AQA Science qualifications are used in over 4000 centres—your insights will help keep them relevant and inspiring.
What’s in it for you?
* Purpose and profile: Play a visible role in shaping the future of qualifications in your subject.
* Flexible working: Hybrid, part-time, and flexible options to support your lifestyle.
* Generous leave: 25 days rising to 30 days, plus voluntary service days and discretionary leave over Christmas and New Year.
* Wellbeing support: Access to staff networks, mental health resources, BUPA healthcare, and an inclusive culture.
* Pension: Up to 11.5% employer contributions.
* Professional growth: Collaborate with policy experts, researchers, and product leaders in a dynamic environment.
What will help you succeed?
* Strong subject knowledge and understanding of the education landscape.
* Experience in curriculum development, assessment, education policy, or subject leadership.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strategic, collaborative mindset with influence and consensus-building skills.
* A passion for shaping the future of education.
Interested in shaping assessment and education reform?
We value diversity of thought and experience—especially from those with backgrounds beyond classroom teaching, such as curriculum design, policy, or sector advocacy. Bring your fresh perspectives and strategic mindset to lead meaningful change.
To apply, send your CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation and transferable skills. If you seek flexible or part-time options, please specify this in your application.
Closing date: Sunday 22nd June 2025 - 23.59
Every application will receive a response.
Process: Initial pre-screening call, followed by a first-stage interview via Microsoft Teams, then a final face-to-face interview. Interviews are scheduled for July, with onboarding between September and early 2026, depending on notice periods.
AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, 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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Recruitment Agencies
We have a preferred supplier list. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift and will not incur agency fees.
Full Job Description
Summary
The Subject Sector Lead plays a key role in shaping AQA’s influence within the subject sector. Working with the Head of Product, this role gathers and applies sector insights to inform product development, policy engagement, and strategic positioning. It aims to establish AQA as a thought leader and ensure our qualifications meet evolving needs. The role involves influencing curriculum and assessment reforms to create a more inclusive, relevant, and high-standard system that responds to social, technological, and economic changes.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic Collaboration & Insight Development: Collaborate to identify emerging trends and lead influencing strategies.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with educators, institutions, industry, and regulators to gather market intelligence.
* Thought Leadership & Innovation: Produce insights, papers, and presentations; promote innovative approaches.
* Policy & External Affairs Alignment: Support campaigns influencing government and regulatory policies; contribute to external positioning.
* Product Development Support: Provide sector insights to enhance qualification design and market relevance.
To succeed, you need proven experience in sector research, education policy, or curriculum development, along with strong stakeholder engagement, communication skills, and a strategic, collaborative mindset.
Desirable Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent; experience in product development or assessment is advantageous.
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