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.

People and Performance Manager Research Team
Permanent
Manchester: 49000 - 55000

Guildford: 51000 - 57000

Hybrid Working

Do you want to help shape the future of educational assessment and empower teams to deliver impactful research At AQA your leadership will drive innovation and excellence in education influencing how assessments support learners of all abilities.

As People and Performance Manager in the Research Team youll guide and develop a talented team of researchers ensuring projects align with AQAs mission to be the UKs pre-eminent educational assessment organisation. Your work will help deliver high-quality research that informs policy improves assessment design and benefits millions of learners. (Within AQA this role is called Research Management Lead)

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and developing researchers to achieve high performance and growth

• Planning and monitoring research programmes to meet strategic goals

• Building strong collaborative relationships across AQA and with external stakeholders

What We Are Looking For

• Exceptional people management skills and ability to inspire others

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills

• Experience in project management and delivering to milestones

• Open-minded adaptable and ready to champion new ways of working

• Understanding of educational research or assessment

Whats in It for You

• Being part of a team who truly make a difference in the world of education and part of the assessment research community with national and international networking

• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance - days per week in the office working a 35 hour week 25 days annual leave with additional closure in December

• A collaborative inclusive culture that values your ideas - the opportunity to join lots of network groups (LGBTQ neurodiversity disAbility empowering women wellbeing ethnic diversity parents and carers and more)

• Wellbeing programmes including private health insurance and a health care cash reward plan subscription to Headspace volunteering days

• An excellent pension

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 a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role by 23:59 on Tuesday 27 January 2026

Interviews will take place in the Manchester and Guildford offices in the week beginning 09 February.

All applications will receive a written response

#PRO22

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: To support the Head of Research and Evaluation in the line management growth and development of researchers and in guiding the team towards the delivery of short and medium-term plans that are in line with business area strategy and AQAs corporate : AQA is a leading exam board and education charity. The work of our business area (Assessment Research & Evaluation) plays a major role in the development delivery and evaluation of high quality assessment. This role supports our work in the delivery of a range of assessment research projects which in turn supports AQAs mission to become the UKs pre-eminent educational assessment organisation.


Activities:
Model AQA behaviours with confidence and get the very best from direct reports by providing clarity feedback coaching and development.
Setting and monitoring SMART performance goals that are aligned to the research programme and working with other managers to unblock issues.
Monitoring and planning team capacity within R&E and across R&I to ensure the programme of work can be delivered while protecting colleagues time
Regularly sharing and communicating people development plans and progress against those plans
Being accountable for the project planning documentation across R&E
Working with the Head of Research and Evaluation and Research and Evaluation Manager to help plan the research programme and input into the overall R&I programme of work
Role modelling a one R&I collaborative approach to planning communications and ways of working and in doing so build effective and strong working relationships within the business area and across the wider business.


To be successful in this role you will need to have:
Exceptional people management skills and ability to inspire high levels of performance.
Excellent inter-personal and relationship management skills and ability to develop and maintain effective and impactful working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders.
Some understanding of educational assessment and/or research in educational settings and the policy and regulatory context in which AQA operates
Experience of successful project management and delivering to milestones
Open minded flexible approach; ability to be responsive to changing demands and willingness to challenge the thinking of others and champion new ways of working.
Proactive approach to own development and constructive response to feedback and challenge