Assistant Manager Research & Psychometrics - VQ

at  Pearson

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To oversee the effective management of the data analysis of Vocational Qualifications. Ensure that processes are documented, reviewed, updated and communicated effectively.
• To ensure that TSI requirements are planned and data is provided in a timely manner to support the awarding process. To build in quality assurance, delivery assurance and relationship management.
• To lead discussions within Pearson, and with other Awarding Bodies, Regulators and other external stakeholders, relating to technical analysis and other data requests, implementing inter-board agreements and changes in procedures in line with Pearson policy.
• Ensuring that sufficient resource is available in the team with effective forward planning and delegation of tasks. Managing resources including recruitment and induction.
• To manage the monitoring and evaluation of assessment data on a regular basis.
• To contribute to the development of TSI team members to enable them to respond to the wide range of demands placed on the team.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Expertise in the data analysis required for standard-setting and maintenance, and assessment measurement
• Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Work flexibly to manage changing and competing priorities
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas and information to a range of audiences and stakeholders
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex statistical data and technical information
• Manage effectively people and resources to achieve objectives and develop staff, including where they are not direct reports
• Knowledge of the UK education landscape

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of or experience in psychometric measurement techniques

The Technical and Statistical Intelligence Team is responsible providing data and intelligence to other internal teams for the purpose of awarding, monitoring and developing qualifications. We support the business and assist in strategic decision-making, and implementing regulatory and Pearson policy. We work closely with other awarding organisations through the JCQ and Ofqual to participate in, challenge and critique research and reform. We also provide training, advice and guidance to other teams on technical and statistical issues. The responsibilities of the team are subject to change as the requirements of the Government and the Regulator inevitably change. Team members must, therefore, be flexible in their approach to the role.
The role of the Assistant Manager Research and Psychometric Services will be instrumental in the efficient running of the team. This role will have key responsibilities for the oversight of technical solutions and policy related to Pearson’s Vocational Qualification portfolio.

As agreed and directed by the Senior Manager, the Assistant Manager Research and Psychometric Services will:

• Take responsibility for the overview of all vocational qualification suites and work with the vocational qualification assessment and product teams related to the design and delivery of these qualifications, providing technical expertise as required;
• Collaborate with representatives from other awarding organisations and/or other stakeholders to communicate the priorities for the business;
• Lead on the manipulation, analysing and interpretation of complex examination data sets including statistical and psychometric analyses of outcomes and performance;
• Oversee the TSI deliverables for awarding in line with regulatory compliance as necessary;
• Develop statistical modelling and research;
• Explain complex statistical outputs to a non-technical audience;
• Make recommendations for planning and strategic direction and develop processes to identify and manage risk as it pertains to vocational qualification data analysis and awarding;
• Line manage and develop staff and others, as appropriate.