Test 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.

Test Manager

Permanent

Hybrid - 2x days a week in the office

Salary: £63,866 - £72,000

You’ll play a key role in shaping how AQA delivers high-quality software solutions. This is an opportunity to lead testing practices that make a real impact on learners and education. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping AQA’s approach to software testing, ensuring that every solution we deliver meets the highest standards of quality and reliability. This role offers the chance to influence strategic decisions, collaborate with talented teams, and make a tangible impact on education outcomes across the UK.

You’ll ensure predictable and successful delivery of software for AQA’s key operational systems. Your leadership will drive best-in-class testing practices, supporting AQA’s transition to cloud technologies and agile delivery models. You’ll lead initiatives that enhance AQA’s technology landscape, championing agile practices and automation-first approaches. By driving innovation and continuous improvement, you’ll help us deliver solutions that empower learners and educators, while positioning AQA as a leader in digital transformation.

• Leading and managing all test activities across functional, non-functional, automated and manual testing.
• Driving continuous improvement in testing processes and tools aligned to agile principles.
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery of software solutions.

• Significant experience in leading functional and non-functional testing teams, including automation.
• Strong understanding of agile software development lifecycle and testing methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor and develop technical teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience with tools such as JIRA, MTM, TFS or similar.

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
• a 35‑hour working week with flexible working arrangements.
• an excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution).
• life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan.
• enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.
• access to professional and personal development whenever you need it.

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.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by Monday 12th January. First stage interviews will take place w/c 26th January.

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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.

Purpose:

To ensure the predictable and successful delivery of software for AQA’s key operational systems, through providing leadership and hands‑on support in the area of test for programmes/projects as required.

Ensuring that all software delivered is tested in line with defined requirements, industry best practices, departmental standards and wider AQA policies/procedures.

Helping to complete AQA’s ongoing transition to a single, consistent set of cloud‑based technologies (technology re‑platform) and move to an agile delivery model in line with current software development best practices (Scrum/Kanban; continuous…