Overview
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.
Job title: Subject Lead – Geography
Contract type: 24 months Fixed Term Contract
Location: Manchester, Milton Keynes or London
Salary: Manchester £46,500–£53,300; Milton Keynes or London £48,000–£55,500
Working arrangements: Hybrid – at least one day a week in the office, regular customer visits with national travel and occasional overnight stays
Lead people with clarity, purpose and impact, helping your team thrive while shaping the future of education.
Purpose of the role
You will lead the Geography subject area, combining subject expertise with strategic leadership to strengthen customer engagement, influence product growth and deliver clear, measurable outcomes that demonstrate impact on engagement and growth in a competitive market. You’ll be a visible ambassador for AQA Geography, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders. You will work with teachers and communities across diverse regions, ensuring Geography reflects the experiences and needs of all learners.
Key responsibilities
* Setting and delivering measurable plans for Geography that align with AQA’s strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for engagement, retention and growth.
* Leading and developing a small team of Geography specialists to build capability, foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
* Designing and executing customer engagement strategies using insight and data and representing AQA externally at conferences and stakeholder events.
* Building long-term relationships with schools and stakeholders.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have
* Demonstrable and recent experience leading a Geography or Humanities department, with a strong understanding of both GCSE and A Level specifications and assessment practice, with credibility among teachers.
* Proven leadership experience, including coaching and building team capability at scale.
* Commercial awareness and a customer-centric mindset, with examples of turning insight into action that delivers measurable outcomes.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills, adapting your style under pressure and in ambiguous situations.
* Confidence in using data and metrics to define success, monitor progress and adjust plans at pace.
* Ability to engage and inspire external stakeholders, building confidence with diverse audiences.
What’s in it for you
* A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events
* Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity
* Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous company pension contributions up to 11.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
* An environment that values culture, inviting new perspectives and innovative approaches to improve how we support teachers and students
Diversity and inclusion
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Application deadline: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Selection and interview process
* Short application questionnaire
* First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario – 16th and 18 February 2026
* Second stage: Face to Face with a presentation – 23rd and 24th February 2026 in Manchester or 20th February 2026 in London. Train travel reimbursement is available for those applying for other locations
Onboarding expectations: The expected start date will align with teacher notice periods or earlier if feasible. Please note that an Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.
Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.
Reference code: Pro22
Recruitment agencies
We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be considered with terms and conditions of the agency as applicable.
Full Job Description
Summary
Supporting customers retaining and growing market share through subject expertise. You will also be responsible for using your subject expertise to provide internal consultancy, providing customer insight plus building and managing relationships with external stakeholders where needed.
In addition to subject expertise, leadership will be a key part of this role. You will be part of the leadership of the Subject Support Team. Your role will be to ensure all activities for your subject(s) are planned, monitored and managed effectively to deliver to customers and achieve Customer and Product and organisational objectives. Where relevant you will line manage the subject delivery support team for your subject area and will be responsible for the performance of this team and ensuring effective deployment of this resource to deliver key priorities.
The role will require extensive national travel to represent AQA, deliver to customers and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
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