Assessment Leader - A Level Maths Specialist
Pearson, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Overview
The Assessment Leader (AL) is responsible for managing the qualification and the assessment process within their designated specification(s) from the General Qualifications portfolio. The AL reports to the Head of Subject, works as part of a subject team, and collaborates with Subject Coordinators to deliver a professional and customer-focused service. The role involves cross-collaboration with other subjects when support is required and may deputise for the Head of Subject when appropriate.
Purpose
* Manage the entire assessment process from approval of assessment materials (e.g., question papers) to completion, award and review of the examination series.
* Ensure assessments for all qualifications are carried out to a high standard in line with internal policies and external regulations, and are defensible under internal audit and stakeholder scrutiny (regulators, students, parents).
* Maintain a focus on customer experience, support, engagement and insight.
* Support continuous refinement and improvement of assessments by evaluating performance data and applying a customer-centric approach to decision making.
* Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the specification and support customers in understanding the qualification.
* Develop an understanding of good assessment and interpret/analyses assessment data to evaluate assessment performance.
Key Accountabilities
Customer Support
* Manage personal performance against internal and external service levels, including timely resolution of customer queries and high-quality customer communication.
* Develop a customer-first mindset with a focus on retention.
* Produce customer-friendly assessment support to help customers understand assessment processes as appropriate.
* Support the Head of Subject with customer-facing research and support (e.g., teacher training packs, support sessions, focus groups, surveys).
* Support contingency arrangements implemented generally or for specific customers.
Assessment Excellence and Functioning
* Adhere to regulatory and internal procedures; ensure documentation meets high standards and assessment criteria; ensure assessments meet learner needs.
* Award secure, defensible grade boundaries.
* Run standardisation and awarding meetings.
* Analyse and interpret assessment data to ensure comparability across the question papers series.
* Use assessment data to ensure questions are written at the appropriate level.
* Support assessment initiatives across the department (e.g., digital assessments, mock service).
* Develop New Examiner Training and refreshers for AAs.
* Adapt and develop understanding of digital assessment.
* Support production of other assessment content (e.g., Examiner Reports, on-screen material).
* Ensure assessment material reflects Pearson’s global DE&I principles and is inclusive of learners.
Planning, Project and Information Management
* Update and report key management information to the Head of Subject; ensure data is up-to-date (e.g., monitoring marking quality).
* Support scheduling and forecasting to maximise efficiency for series-based activities, considering cost and budget.
* Ensure online marking setup activities are completed on time; review series to maintain marking consistency.
* Escalate issues and risks to the Head of Subject with potential solutions.
* Lead cross-department projects with clear briefing and timely delivery.
Quality Management
* Maintain good practices to maximise accuracy, efficiency and security; ensure high marking quality and timely delivery.
* Take responsibility for quality and standards for a specific set of subjects.
* Ensure awards meet regulatory and standards requirements and are error-free.
* Conduct annual subject reviews to identify and implement improvements in assessment delivery.
* Ensure content quality through the continuous improvement cycle of assessments (e.g., 10-stage process).
* Engage with DE&I principles during QPEC meetings and ensure adherence to regulations and error-free processes.
Relationship Management
* Motivate and lead subjects and Senior AAs through change; drive improvements in quality and efficiency of the assessment process.
* Manage Senior AAs with regular feedback and annual appraisals (e.g., Senior AA Review).
* Build and maintain effective relationships with Senior AAs and internal stakeholders; develop mutually acceptable SLAs.
* Support AA recruitment; collaborate with subject advisors and customer-facing teams to identify opportunities to support customers and retention.
* Support training and development of Subject Coordinators.
Key Challenges
* Working to tight, immovable deadlines
* Operating within a regulated framework
* Attention to detail with repetitive tasks
* Flexible working patterns during peak periods
* Adapting to change and different qualifications
* Adapting to different IT systems
* Supporting Assessment Associates in using new technologies
* Influencing and collaborating with Assessment Associates and internal stakeholders
* Managing tasks for multiple examination series concurrently
Working Pattern
* 37.5 hour core working week
* Hybrid working
* Overtime/TOIL available subject to policy
* Flexible working patterns
* During peak periods, some leave restrictions may apply
* Some weekend work may be required
Core Competencies - Managing Others
* Provide a customer-focused service
* Excellent time management and organisation
* Communicating with influence
* Working with others to achieve goals
* Delivering goals in a changing environment
* Creative and innovative approach to work
* Maximising potential in self and others
Education, Qualification & Training
We welcome applications from any background. Assessment Leaders may have a range of experience in assessment roles such as a teacher or departmental lead in a School or College, or other roles in the education sector.
Previous Experience
* Strong subject knowledge in A-Level Mathematics is essential
* Experience in a customer-facing role
* Experience of assessment desirable but not essential
* Teaching experience or experience in an educational environment desirable but not essential
Personal Style & Behaviour
* Highly motivated with personal drive and energy
* Able to prioritise and manage own workload
* Actively seeks information and handles it appropriately
* Flexible in approach to problem solving
* Able to problem solve
* Works collaboratively with others
* Your rewards & benefits: We offer benefits and programs to support diverse teams and families; see Pearson UK benefits
Who We Are
At Pearson, our purpose is to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We are the world\'s lifelong learning company. For more information, visit Pearson. Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other protected group. If you require accommodations due to disability, email TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Job: Learning Subject Matter Experts | Job Family: LEARNING & CONTENT_DEVELOPMENT | Organization: Assessment & Qualifications | Schedule: FULL_TIME | Workplace Type: Hybrid | Req ID: 21369
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