Overview
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 ensure change is delivered on time, to a high standard, and with continuous improvement at the heart of how you work.
Key responsibilities
* Lead cross-functional delivery teams to plan, develop, and support software products
* Encourage collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement across the teams
* Increase quality through continuous improvement of: processes, people, and technology
* Facilitate Product Increment (PI) planning and execution
* Run Scrum of Scrums meetings and keep workflows efficient
* Escalate issues, manage risks, and ensure governance is in place
* Agree the scope and frequency of software releases
* Ensure delivery aligns with ISO9001, ISO27001, and AQA policies
* Manage supplier delivery contracts and relationships
* Provide clear reporting on progress and performance
* Support financial, risk, business continuity, and information security processes
* Keep your own professional development up to date
What we’re looking for
* Strong experience 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
* 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.
Further 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 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, people, and technology
* Provide progress and performance reporting against agreed targets for all delivery areas
* Work with other members of the leadership team to develop consistent processes and standards
* Facilitating Product Increment (PI) planning to define near-term roadmap
* Driving PI execution, managing performance, tracking and communicating progress
* Driving Scrum of Scrums meetings to ensure product delivery teams are aligned
* Optimising the flow of work to maximise value
* Escalating impediments, managing risk, and driving delivery improvement
* Agreeing scope and frequency of releases
* Deliver software in accordance with ISO9001 / ISO27001, regulatory requirements and AQA policies
* Stakeholders: Provide confidence to customers and stakeholders through consistent, timely, high-quality delivery and communication
* Work with Product Managers and Product Owners who own and prioritise the product backlog
* Manage 3rd party delivery contracts when required
* Other Responsibilities: Financial management, risk management, business continuity and incident management, information security, and continuous professional development
Need to know
* Excellent experience delivering software in various agile/lean and scaled agile structures with an outcome-focused approach
* Demonstrable technical knowledge to create, drive, innovate and assess technical solutions
* Structured thinking to lead groups in breaking down and resolving complex problems
* Significant experience delivering in high-stakes and regulated environments
* High level of curiosity and passion for using technology to solve business problems
* Commitment to continuous improvement to increase delivery quality, reliability, and dependability
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