Permanent

Manchester: £84,200 - £93,000

Working Arrangements: Hybrid (two days per week in the office)

Introduction

You’ll play a pivotal role in delivering large-scale, technology-enabled change that directly supports learners and educators across the UK. As a Programme Manager at AQA, you’ll operate at a senior level, shaping and delivering complex programmes that cut across multiple business areas and modern cloud-based platforms. This is a role for someone who enjoys working at pace, influencing at the highest levels, and turning strategic intent into practical, high-quality delivery.

Purpose of the Role

In this role, you’ll lead the delivery of major technology programmes within AQA’s wider change portfolio. Your work will support the organisation’s mission to provide fair, reliable assessments and qualifications for learners of all abilities. You’ll be accountable for ensuring programmes deliver clear outcomes, balancing time, cost, and quality, while helping the organisation adapt its business processes to new and evolving technology.

Key Responsibilities

Leading and delivering large-scale technology-enabled programmes, ensuring outcomes are achieved to agreed timescales, budgets, and quality standards while managing risk, issues, and dependencies.

Shaping programme direction and solutions, working with senior stakeholders and delivery partners to define scope, priorities, governance, and delivery approaches that align with AQA’s strategy.

Providing senior-facing leadership and oversight, engaging confidently with executive and director-level stakeholders while overseeing integrated teams and supporting the development of project managers through matrix leadership and coaching.

What We Are Looking For

A strong track record of leading complex, technology-enabled change programmes.

Excellent programme leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Strong technical awareness, including IT architecture and integrations.

Flexible use of agile, hybrid or traditional delivery methods.

A relevant programme or project management qualification.

What’s in It for You

A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working

Exposure to high-profile, business-critical programmes.

25 days’ annual leave (rising to 30), plus Christmas closure days

Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)

Private medical insurance, life assurance and wellbeing benefits

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

Application deadline: Sunday 17th May

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