Description
Summary
To help deliver research and innovation projects ensuring strategic alignment, efficient resource management and timely delivery of outcomes. This role enables innovation by embedding robust project structures, fostering collaboration, and supporting the translation of research into practice, policy, or product development.The post holder will sit in the AI for Assessment Innovation team. The team works with AQA teams and external partners to leverage AI to innovate assessment. This includes using AI to assist question authoring and marking of exams and classroom assessments, helping associates, teachers and learners.
The AI for Assessment Innovation team is one of the teams in the Assessment Research and Innovation business area, which provides expertise to deliver industry-leading innovative assessment for all learners.
We are achieving this through being at the centre of AQA’s strategic programmes – e.g. AI, numeracy and digital exams – and carrying out important day-to-day work supporting series delivery, including copyright, quality of marking, BI reporting, awarding, and research and evaluation of our products. We work collaboratively with colleagues within AQA and in partner organisations.
Activities:
Develop and maintain detailed project plans for research and innovation initiatives, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including researchers, technologists, and external collaborators to ensure project objectives are achieved.
Facilitate project initiation, planning, and review meetings, ensuring clarity of scope, deliverables, and innovation goals.
Monitor progress against plans, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
Support the integration of innovation frameworks and agile methodologies into project planning.
Produce clear and insightful reporting for internal and external stakeholders, including funders, partners, and senior leadership.
Manage dependencies across multiple innovation projects and ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
Collaborate with finance, legal, and procurement teams to support budgeting, commissioning, and contract management.
Continuously improve planning processes and tools to enhance project delivery, scalability, and impact.
To be successful in this role, you will need to have:
Proven experience in project and planning management within research, innovation, or technology development environments.
Strong understanding of research and innovation lifecycles, including ideation, prototyping, evaluation, and implementation.
Familiarity with innovation methodologies (e.g., design thinking, agile, TRLs) and research governance.
Proficiency in project planning tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent).
Excellent organisational and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with academic, industry, or public sector partners.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Desirable
Degree or equivalent qualification in project management, innovation, research, or a related field.
Understanding of budgeting, funding mechanisms, and financial tracking in research and innovation contexts.
Understanding of the educational assessment environment and awareness of key debates, players and influencers.
Broad understanding of the political, educational and business context within which AQA works