Qualifications Product Development Manager

Overview

At AQA we are committed to advancing education and 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.

Qualifications Product Development Manager – Portfolio

7‑month Fixed Term Contract (Parental Leave Cover)

Manchester, London / Guildford – Hybrid working: typically two days per week in the office with flexible arrangements considered.

Working in a wider team of 15 you’ll lead the development and delivery of product plans for a defined portfolio, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, customer needs and AQA’s strategic objectives. This role is critical to maintaining qualification development processes and preparing for upcoming assessment reform, including digital exams.

You'll work closely with subject experts and stakeholders across AQA to ensure our products meet the needs of teachers and learners while influencing decisions at a national level. Using project‑management tools such as Air Table is expected, although prior experience is not a pre‑requisite.

• Own and improve AQA’s product development process and toolkit.
• Use data and insights to inform decisions and deliver strategic projects on time and within budget.
• Scope and contribute to digital exam product development and roadmap.
• Build strong trust‑based relationships across AQA and with external partners.
• Represent AQA at events and conferences where needed.

• Knowledge of product management and marketing, and awareness or involvement in qualification development.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness with experience in strategic planning and delivery.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation skills with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Confidence in interpreting data and navigating complexity in a collaborative environment.

• Competitive pension (up to 11.5% employer contribution)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (prorated) and additional closure days at Christmas.
• Volunteer leave.
• Ongoing professional development including product‑ and leadership training.

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. Our EDI 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.

An Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your skills and motivation. We will keep you updated on timelines and next steps throughout the process.

Final date to receive applications: Sunday 9th November 2025 23:59

In‑person Interviews: Expected to take place mid‑November 2025, with offers expected end of November 2025.

Lead the development of an assigned portfolio or product within AQA, prioritising and overseeing activity to deliver on time and within budget. You will work under the guidance of a Head of Product or Product Portfolio head to support AQA’s strategic objectives and balance quality, customer, commercial and stakeholder considerations.

• Act as the face of AQA’s product, both internally and externally.
• Define strategy and roadmap for a defined area of responsibility; generate ideas for improvement and prioritise them.
• Use subject knowledge to ensure products and supporting services meet customer needs and align with pedagogical approaches.
• Collaborate with Customer & Product teams to drive continuous improvement and place customer insight at the heart of the proposition.
• Plan customer engagement campaigns, events and activities for maximum impact.
• Deliver strategic projects related to product development or withdrawal.
• Develop actionable insights into customer needs and AQA’s…