Assessment Design Lead
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4 hours ago
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1 Vacancy
Job Summary
At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.
Job title: Assessment Design Lead
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester Milton Keynes or London
Salary: North South
Working arrangements: Hybrid typically two days in an AQA office each week which can include your base office or other AQA sites to collaborate with colleagues and drive innovation
Have you designed new assessment products frameworks or specifications that ensure validity reliability and fairness whilst being innovative in the market If so wed love to hear from you.
Shape the future of assessment
Were building something new and we want you to be part of it. AQA Assessment Services Ltd is creating a dedicated team to develop innovative assessment products that go beyond the traditional 1418 space. These roles are at the heart of our ambition to transform how learners interact with learning and assessment both in the UK and internationally.
As an Assessment Design Lead youll bring expertise in assessment theory and design to create products that meet diverse learner needs and uphold the highest standards of validity and reliability. Youll lead the development of assessment specifications models and frameworks that are robust innovative and aligned with AQAs strategic objectives.
Why join us
Collaboration at the core: Youll work face-to-face with a newly formed department shaping its culture and influencing its direction. While we encourage two days a week in an AQA office this can be at your base location or another AQA site to work with colleagues and lead innovation.
Make your mark: Be part of a team driving AQAs growth strategy and creating assessments that change the way learners experience education.
Professional development: Access internal programmes and opportunities to grow your expertise in assessment design and leadership.
Inclusive culture: We value diversity collaboration and innovation and were committed to creating an environment where differences are celebrated.
Purpose of the role
This role exists to ensure our new products are underpinned by rigorous assessment design principles. Youll lead the development of assessment specifications and models that guarantee validity reliability and fairness. Your work will influence how learners are assessed globally and help AQA deliver innovative solutions that meet diverse market needs.
What youll be doing
Designing assessment specifications and models that meet regulatory and pedagogical standards.
Embedding principles of validity reliability and fairness into all assessment products.
Working closely with Product Managers to integrate assessment design into product roadmaps.
Collaborating with learning designers policy teams and external experts to ensure compliance coherence and quality.
Driving innovation by applying research and assessment insights to improve design.
Youll thrive in this role if you have:
Experience in assessment design and development including specifications and models.
Demonstrable understanding of validity reliability and regulatory frameworks.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Project management experience in complex environments.
A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
Whats in it for you
Exposure to high-impact projects shaping the future of assessment and education.
A collaborative inclusive team culture that values your ideas and wellbeing.
Flexible working a 35-hour week and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure).
A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions.
Private medical insurance health cash plan EV leasing volunteering days and modern offices with gym.
Opportunities to influence assessment strategy across diverse markets and education models.
Access to learning and development including leadership and strategic thinking.
Diversity and inclusion
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 everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis 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 cover letter by Sunday 7th December 2025 at 23:59
First stage: Virtual Interviews will take place between 10th and 17th December 2025
Second and Final stage: Face to Face interviews week commencing 5th January 2026 and will involve a structured interview and a task.
Reference code: #CRE23
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:AQA Assessment Services Ltd (ASL) is driving a new programme of work to successfully implement its ambitious Business Plan to double the size of the business within the next five years. The Assessment Design Lead will form part of our team developing and leading a new range of innovative assessment products designed to meet the needs of learners at different stages of their learning experience. The role combines expertise in general technical and vocational education to ensure the successful development of specific assessment products within the wider portfolio under guidance of the Head of Assessment Products. Were looking for an experienced and dynamic assessment design manager with a passion for academic technical and vocational education both in the UK and :
AQA is the leading exam board in the United Kingdom. Were an independent education charity with over 120 years of assessment expertise and purpose is to support education teachers and learners. We reinvest any surplus into research and innovation to improve the quality and reliability of assessments and contribute to policy and practice Global Assessment Services combines this expertise with skills from across the wider AQA group. We work in partnership with education ministries exam boards and education providers to understand their needs and develop customised end-to-end assessment solutions. ASL will be driving forward strategic initiatives by developing new partnerships enterprise customers and large delivery contracts. To be successful in these we will need to develop programmes of work which ensure different parts of AQA are connected in support of the customer requirements.
The Assessment Design Lead is accountable for leading the development and management of a set of products in new assessment areas. This role is crucial in ensuring AQA maintains and expands its market share in these new assessment areas. Key responsibilities include:
Activities:
Customer Focus:Engage with internal and external stakeholders on new assessment design issues to support new assessment product design
Represent ASL to meet wider business needs support delivery and input assessment expertise to strategic projects
Champion how new assessment products should reflect customer needs whilst focussing on high quality (validity reliability practicality and impact)
Financial Management:Calculate and review authoring fees for assessments
Contribute to pricing models for new assessment products
Product and Internal ProcessesLead assessment design activities for a range of new assessment products to ensure quality budget control and timely delivery
Keep up to date with latest thinking best practice and policy on assessment design and put this into practice
Analyse assessment performance data and create with key stakeholders a shared understanding of strengths and weaknesses of our assessments and recommend / implement improvements
Recruit and manage associates by working with other teams within both AQA and ASL
Communicate clear expectations to associates when commissioning/planning assessments
Create and maintain accurate records related to assessments to ensure strategy and approach is clear and conformed to
Quality assure assessments in production focussing on quality (validity reliability practicality and impact)
Contribute to any standard setting and maintenance processes to ensure valid reliable and comparable outcomes
Manage the creation of reports on the assessments
People and Culture:Demonstrate commercial flexibility by undertaking other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile as business needs change.
Comply with all AQAs policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
Work with colleagues both in the team and in the wider AQA assessment team to create and embed good practice in assessment design and development
Utilise the available range of digital tools for communication content creation and information processing in order to work effectively and efficiently. Maintain digital skills to meet business need.
Technology:Work with external partners and stakeholders within AQA to ensure successful outcomes in what will be innovative new approaches with technology to support assessment products
Government and External Relations:Ensure that all product related regulatory and compliance activities records and risk management processes are maintained and managed.
To be successful in this role you will need to know:
Knowledge: Assessment design and development and the ability to apply this knowledge to various assessment products (summative/formative/diagnostic) as well as to a range of subjects data analysis including statistical data developing assessment products to deadlines and meeting commercial objectives the UK and International education context the regulatory environment in which AQA works and the importance of compliance
Qualification: Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
Skills: communication influencing negotiation creative thinking analysis problem solving prioritisation strategic planning and interpersonal abilities.
Experience: assessment design and development designing digital assessments in a design for digital context designing assessment products for a range of different learners working in a complex matrix environment
Key Skills
- Administrative Skills
- Facilities Management
- Biotechnology
- Creative Production
- Design And Estimation
- Architecture
About Company
AQA provides qualifications that enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives. We also support teachers to develop their professional skills.
