Software Delivery 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.

12 month fixed term

Manchester

Salary: £63,000 - £72,800 + Excellent Benefits

Working Arrangements:
Hybrid (2 days a week in the office)

You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of AQA’s assessment technology. This is your chance to lead impactful software delivery that supports millions of learners every year. At AQA, you’ll join the assessment technology group in Manchester. This team manages the systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE and A-level results every year. You’ll oversee software that supports the full lifecycle of exams, from entries through to post-results services, as well as an integration product built on Azure Integration Services that keeps data secure and reliable across all AQA systems and third parties.

You’ll lead the delivery of change for software products within AQA’s Assessment Technology portfolio. Your work will ensure our systems remain reliable, innovative, and aligned with our mission to deliver world-class assessments. Working with internal teams and trusted suppliers, you’ll make sure change is delivered on time, to a high standard, and with continuous improvement at the heart of how you work.

• Leading delivery teams to develop and support strategically aligned software products, driving agile and lean practices.
• Facilitating PI planning and Scrum of Scrums to ensure alignment and optimise workflow.
• Managing risks, escalating impediments, and driving continuous improvement across delivery processes.

• Strong experience in software delivery within agile and scaled agile environments.
• Technical knowledge to assess and innovate across diverse software technologies.
• Ability to lead teams through complex, time-sensitive challenges.
• Experience delivering in high-stakes, regulated environments.
• A passion for continuous improvement and innovative problem-solving.

At AQA we value your contribution and we’ll make sure you feel supported and rewarded. You’ll get:

• 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 through our careers portal. Closing date for applications is Monday 5th January. Interviews will be held F2F in Manchester w/c 15th January.

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.

This role is accountable for leading the delivery of change for software products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio, both planned and as a result of production support, using internal and 3rd party software development teams.

Inspiring a culture of trust, learning, innovation and continuous improvement, this role will promote collective ownership and delivery excellence.

This role reports to the Head of Software Delivery…