Strategy and Business Development Manager (M&A)

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.

Strategy and Business Development Manager (M&A)

Fixed term (9 months maternitycover)

Location; London

Salary: 79100 - 93600

Hybrid (minimumtwo days per week in the office)

Introduction

Youllstep into a high-impact role at thecentreof AQAs future growth. As Strategy and Business Development Manager (M&A)youllhelp shape how AQA expands into new markets products and partnerships through mergersacquisitionsand strategic deals.

This is a hands-on senior role whereyoulltake the lead on real opportunities working alongside senior leaders and external advisers to assess shape and deliver complex transactions. Ifyouresomeone who can bring immediateexpertise thrive in fast-movingenvironmentsand enjoys working on high-profile commercially critical work this is a unique opportunity to make a visible impact.

Purpose of the role

In this roleyoullsupport AQAs corporate development activity byidentifyingevaluatingand progressing new growth workstreams across mergersacquisitionsand partnerships building evidence shaping investmentcasesand supporting decision-making at Executive and Board level.

Youllwork across a range of opportunities partnering with senior stakeholders across theorganisationand with external advisers to ensure robust analysis clearrecommendationsand effective delivery. Your work will playa central rolein AQAs diversification strategy and future direction.

Key responsibilities

In this roleyoullbe responsible for:

• Driving M&A and partnership workstreams through due diligence financialanalysisand decision points working with Finance Legal and external advisers.
• Developing high-quality business casespapersand presentations to support Executive and Trustee decision-making.
• Supporting Executivesin identification and assessment of acquisition and partnership opportunities including strategicfit marketattractivenessand commercial potential.

What we are looking for

Youllsucceed in this role if you:

• Have strong experience in M&A corporate development transactionadvisoryor strategy with the ability to step in and deliver from day one.
• Bringdeepunderstanding of the end-to-end M&A process including due diligence negotiationsupportand working with advisers.
• Can build clear evidence-based investment cases and translate complex analysis into compelling recommendations.
• Are confident working with senior stakeholders influencing decisions and preparing materials for Executive and Board audiences.

Whatsin it for you

This is a role that offers real exposurepaceand :

• The opportunity to work on live M&A and strategic opportunities that shape AQAs future direction.
• A 35hour working week with flexible hybrid working
• Exposure to highprofile businesscriticalprogrammes.
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30) plus Christmas closure days
• Excellent pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)

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 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 pleasesubmityour CV and a short supporting for applications is Sunday 7thJune.

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.

Summary

Purpose

This role provides senior-level corporate development support to the Head of Strategic Planning
and the Executive Director with a primary focus on identifying progressing and shaping new
strategic opportunities for growth.

The postholder leads discrete opportunity workstreams across mergers acquisitions and
partnerships developing robust evidence analysis and recommendations to inform Executive
and Trustee decision-making. The role coordinates and oversees the delivery of new opportunity development mobilising and directing a virtual team of functional specialist leads across the


The role sits within the Strategy team and reports directly to the Head of Strategic Planning. It operates at Group level and works in close partnership with the Chief Strategy and Vocational Officer senior functional leads Finance Legal senior leaders in AQA subsidiaries and external advisers. The focus of the role is on new opportunities including acquisitions and strategic partnerships.

Activities
New Opportunity Identification and Development
Lead the identification and initial shaping of potential acquisition and partnership opportunities aligned to group strategy.
Develop early-stage opportunity assessments including strategic fit market attractiveness and indicative financial returns.
Work with the Head of Strategic Planning to prioritise opportunities and agree progression routes.

M&A and Partnership Delivery
Lead assigned workstreams within live M&A or partnership opportunities from initial assessment through to transaction decision points.
Conduct commercial due diligence and coordinating with Finance Legal Tech DD workstream and external advisers.
Work with the Finance team to develop valuation models scenario analysis and investment logic to support decision-making.

Executive and Trustee Decision Support
Draft clear high-quality papers and presentations for Executive Team and Trustee consideration ensuring complex information is translated into clear options and implications.
Support the Head of Strategic Planning and/or Chief Strategy and Vocational Officer in preparing for Executive and Board discussions including briefing notes and supporting analysis.

Business Case Development
Lead the development of investment cases for new opportunities ensuring strategic rationale financial evidence and risk articulation are robust and proportionate.
Challenge assumptions and test scenarios escalating issues or uncertainties appropriately.

Ways of Working and Collaboration
Build effective working relationships across AQA entities to ensure opportunity development reflects operational and regulatory realities.
Model disciplined pragmatic and delivery-focused ways of working.


Need to know (to be successful in this role you will need to know):
Essential experience and skills

Strong experience in corporate development M&A transaction advisory or strategy roles.
Proven ability to evaluate new growth opportunities and develop evidence-based investment cases.
Strong financial modelling and commercial analysis capability.
Experience working directly with senior executives on complex strategic decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including drafting papers for senior audiences.

Desirable
Experience operating within regulated environments.
Exposure to education skills assessment or adjacent markets.
Experience supporting M&A transactions through to completion.

Values and behaviours
Demonstrates AQAs values and behaviours.
Exercises sound professional judgement and discretion.
Comfortable working with ambiguity and incomplete information.
Collaborative credible and able to influence without formal authority.