Alpha Plus - Director of Research at AQA

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Jul, 26

Salary

115000.0

Posted On

26 Apr, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic leadership, Educational research, Psychometrics, Data analysis, Research design, Methodology, Pedagogy, Project management, Bid development, AI/ML applications, Statistical techniques, Regulatory compliance, Thought leadership, Adaptive testing, Digital assessment

Industry

Education Administration Programs

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. **Application Instructions: Please apply directly to Training Qualifications UK – Director of Research Applications submitted to AQA will be referred back to the sender** For any queries relating to this role, please contact the Alpha plus directly on the following email address: romy.short@alphaplus.co.uk Director of Research Salary range: £100,000 to £115,000 depending on qualifications and experience Closing date for applications: Tuesday 12 May 2026 AlphaPlus is globally recognised for excellence in the design, development and deployment of qualifications and assessments, and in the evaluation of their performance and impact. We work with schools, universities and professional organisations. AlphaPlus is part of AQA Global Assessment Services. We currently have an excellent opportunity to join us as Director of Research, to lead innovative research activities and drive evidence based strategies in shaping the company’s future in pursuit of excellence in educational research. You will be a commercially focused, dynamic and inspirational leader, possessing an excellent pedagogy track record, expertise in qualitative and quantitative psychometrics and a thorough understanding of emerging technologies and their application in educational research and assessment. You will: Act as a member of the management board Deliver a coherent research vision and provide strategic leadership and direction for high quality, impactful research activity Lead, oversee and be accountable for the research functions of the company Report to the management board, providing an oversight of the company’s educational research activities, leading discussions on matters relating to the research function and ensuring the provision of relevant management information to the board Lead and have overall accountability for all aspects of research services to clients from project implementation to project closure Ensure the appropriate application of emerging technologies while maintaining the highest standard of academic rigour Contribute directly to the growth, sustainability and external impact of AlphaPlus’ research portfolio through seeking out and leading the development of high-quality competitive bids and proposals, You will have the following: A relevant PhD An established track record of thought leadership Data analytical skills A demonstrable track record in research design and methodology Familiarity with automated scoring systems and adaptive testing algorithms A high level of competence with statistical techniques and tools A thorough understanding of ethical standards and regulatory compliance Working knowledge of statistical analysis software/literature review platforms Excellence in pedagogical expertise and educational research Several years’ demonstrable track record in research design and methodology Demonstrable successful track record identifying opportunities and developing bids Senior leadership experience leading research teams, overseeing and managing their performance Leadership of large-scale projects from end to end Experience ofAI/ML applications in assessment or education Large-scale data environments Digital assessment platforms AlphaPlus currently has a core team of over 60 staff primarily based in our Manchester head office, and in addition draw upon a team of approximately 800 associates. The role will involve national and occasional international travel, potentially including working in customer offices. Benefits include: NEST workplace pension scheme – tier 1 enhanced sick pay cover enhanced maternity/parental leave 25 days paid leave plus the eight statutory bank holidays commitment to developing the expertise of our employees. For an informal discussion about the vacancy please email Romy Short, romy.short@ who will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time for a call. Please note that AlphaPlus is not licensed to offer sponsorship under the UK government’s skilled worker sponsorship scheme. To apply: Application is via the AlphaPlus online application form located on its website Opportunities pages here: Director of Research | AlphaPlus Applications submitted to AQA will be referred back to the sender. 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 Summary For more information please contact: opportunities@aqa.org.uk AQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally. Reasonable Adjustments If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on 07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk Smart Working We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England. Equality, diversity and inclusion AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive. Conflict of Interest Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations. Safeguarding AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly. For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here. Contact Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk Privacy Policy

Responsibilities

The Director of Research will provide strategic leadership for the company's research vision and oversee all research functions and client services. They are responsible for driving evidence-based strategies, managing large-scale projects, and securing new business through competitive bids.