Job Description

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.

Product Manager

12-month Fixed Term Contract
Manchester: £68,987 - £78,832

Milton Keynes: £71,832 - £82,082

Hybrid – 2 x days a week in the office

Introduction

You’ll join AQA at a pivotal moment as we redefine the future of digital assessment at national scale. As part of a world‑leading education organisation, the work you lead will underpin mission‑critical systems that support GCSEs and A‑levels across the country. You’ll join a rapidly growing Assessment Technology function during a period of genuine transformation, where your leadership will help shape modern, resilient and accessible digital assessment solutions for years to come. This is an opportunity to drive change with real impact, influencing how teachers, schools and learners experience assessment across the UK.

Purpose of the role

You’ll play a pivotal leadership role in defining the vision, strategy and long‑term roadmap for a portfolio of Assessment and Ed‑Tech products. Working at the intersection of user needs, organisational strategy and technical feasibility, you’ll set the direction for future‑ready, innovative solutions that reflect AQA’s mission to support learners of all abilities. You’ll guide discovery activities, interpret market trends, and champion responsible innovation—including ethical, purposeful use of AI. You’ll also collaborate closely with Product Owners, providing clear strategic intent and ensuring delivery remains aligned to the broader product portfolio.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Defining and communicating a compelling product vision and long‑term strategy that inspires teams and stakeholders.

• Translating strategic objectives into an actionable roadmap that balances ambition, innovation and delivery.

• Leading discovery, market research and insight‑driven activities to shape future product direction.

What we are looking for

You’ll thrive here if you’re a strategic thinker who enjoys shaping bold ideas and turning them into high‑impact, deliverable solutions.

• Product management experience, managing products end‑to‑end across the full lifecycle.

• Experience overseeing significant products or programmes, ideally with budgets of £1 million or more.

• Proven ability to manage multiple products—and/or guide Product Owners—within a broader portfolio.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to flex communication style for technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Ability to translate complex technical solutions into clear, accessible language for diverse stakeholders.

What’s in it for you

You’ll join a growing function built on autonomy, trust and shared purpose, with the chance to shape the future of digital assessment.

• Work on nationally significant digital products with real‑world impact.

• Opportunities for progression in a scaling product organisation.

• 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

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 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.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter before the role closes on Monday 8th June Interviews will be a two stage process.

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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

As a Product Manager within the Product Team of Assessment Technology, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the vision, strategy, and roadmap for a portfolio of Assessment and Ed Tech products. Your leadership and insights will be instrumental in transforming the assessment experience for learners, educators, and external stakeholders. You will be expected to think boldly, challenge the status quo, and carve new pathways for product innovation—while balancing visionary ambition with pragmatic decision-making to deliver impactful, future-ready solutions that customers love to use.The Product Manager role is positioned within the Assessment Technology department, with a focus on defining and driving the strategic direction of our product offerings. You will work closely with Product Owners and cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between business goals, customer needs, and technical feasibility. As a visionary leader, you will identify emerging opportunities, anticipate market shifts, and champion transformative ideas—while remaining grounded in the realities of delivery, risk, and resource constraints.
Activities:
Define and communicate a compelling product vision and long-term strategy that inspires teams and stakeholders
Translate strategic objectives into a clear, actionable roadmap that balances innovation with delivery
Identify and explore new market opportunities, technologies, and user needs to shape the future of our product portfolio
Collaborate with Product Owners to ensure execution aligns with strategic intent and customer value
Lead discovery efforts, including market research, user interviews, and trend analysis, to inform product direction
Make informed trade-offs between short-term priorities and long-term goals, balancing ambition with feasibility
Act as a thought leader and advocate for innovation, while ensuring decisions are grounded in data, insight, and business value
Monitor product performance and iterate based on feedback, analytics, and evolving market dynamics
To be successful in this role, you will need:
Proven experience in product management with a track record of delivering visionary, high-impact products
Strategic mindset with the ability to think big, challenge assumptions, and drive innovation
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-informed approach to decision-making
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organisation
Experience working with third-party suppliers and technical specialists
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to align diverse perspectives
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and experience delivering successful products in fast-paced environments
Knowledge of Ed Tech and the education landscape would be advantageous