Project Manager

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: Project Manager
Contract type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Manchester
Salary: 54,300 to 60,700
Working Arrangements: Hybrid working – 2 days a week in office

Do you want to lead technology projects that improve how learners experience education and assessment?

As our Project Manager you’ll play a key role in driving change that supports colleagues and improves outcomes for learners. You’ll lead the delivery of technology-enabled projects across AQA, working across IT and business teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, to the right quality and with clear impact. Your work will help improve systems and services that support fair and accessible assessment for learners of all abilities.

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Leading project delivery end to end, ensuring milestones are achieved and outcomes are delivered
• Managing risks, issues and dependencies while keeping stakeholders aligned and informed
• Working across IT and operational teams to drive progress and hold delivery to agreed plans

You will thrive if you:

• Are confident leading change and working with a wide range of people across an organisation
• Have experience delivering technology or business change projects
• Bring communication skills with the ability to influence and provide constructive challenge
• Are confident working with senior stakeholders and building effective relationships
• Can analyse information and make decisions in complex situations
• Have a resilient and a calm approach when managing competing priorities

What’s in it for you

You will have the opportunity to deliver meaningful change and grow your experience in a supportive environment.

• Work on projects that have a real impact across AQA
• Opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career
• Flexible working to support work life balance
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• Exposure to senior leaders and cross organisation teams

Diversity and inclusion statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 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 by 23.59 on Sunday 14 June.
• First stage interviews will take place remotely on the week of 22 June, second stage interviews will take place in our Manchester office on the week of 29 June.

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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

Purpose
Responsible for managing and delivering a range of key operational small/medium sized projects in the strategic and core portfolios. Working with internal and external stakeholders and senior leadership to ensure delivery of project meeting time, cost and quality requirements.Landscape
Customer (external or internal)
Being trusted and reliable in assessment design and delivery.  
Effectively influence and build relationships with a range of senior stakeholders, ensuring engagement and support across all aspects of project delivery.  
Demonstrates commercial flexibility by undertaking other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level as business needs change.
Activities
Cash (finances)
Ensuring sound financial management and a robust asset base.    
Work with colleagues in Operations and key stakeholders elsewhere in AQA to ensure that project plans are in line with wider capacity plans and resources are available to meet needs. 
Ensure projects are delivered within agreed budgets.
Product and internal processes
Delivering quality products and outcomes – as recognised by the customer.    
Ensure that project outputs and outcomes are clearly articulated and that progress to their achievement is effectively managed. 
Produce core project components as appropriate to the size of the project, such as business cases, project plans, PIDs, etc., in a way that facilitates understanding and decision making and develop supporting products as required. 
 Plan effectively for the whole project lifecycle - with approved clear migration from project initiation to embedding within delivery teams.
Proactively identify risks and issues as early as possible to take corrective action. When necessary escalate early, with recommended mitigation activity.
Support the Operations teams and stakeholders in process review and continuous improvement activities.
Ensures AQA is safe and legally compliant by applying AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
People and culture
Ensuring we have great people achieving their potential , coach and motivate the project teams, delivering support, driving best practice, developing skills and ensuring learnings are captured.
 In conjunction with the management team across Operations, drive effective and seamless working across the Operations Group, ensuring a ‘one team’ approach, with coherent and consistent aims, objectives and actions, and supporting initiatives as required.
Produces high levels of performance from direct reports and teams by modelling leadership behaviours with confidence and providing clarity, challenge, feedback, coaching and development in line with business objectives.
Key relationships and performance
Key internal relationships:
•    Operations Leadership Team
•    Operations Management Team
•    Chief Operating Office 
•    Assessment Directorate
•    Risk and Compliance Directorate
Key external relationships:
•    Third party consultants and suppliers where the nature of the project requires such support.
Key performance indicators:
•    Delivery of projects to required time, cost and quality requirements.