Product Manager at AQA

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

05 Jun, 26

Salary

82082.0

Posted On

07 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Product Management, Vision Definition, Strategy Development, Roadmap Creation, Discovery Activities, Market Research, Stakeholder Management, Product Ownership Guidance, Innovation, User Needs Analysis, Technical Feasibility Assessment, Data-Informed Decision Making, Agile Methodologies, Budget Oversight, Cross-functional Team Leadership, Communication

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. Product Manager 1 x 12-month Fixed Term Contract 2x Permanent 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 Sunday 22nd March. Interviews will be held w/c 6th & 13th April. Please note that we have 1 x 12 month FTC position and 2 x Permanent. At application you will be asked to express your interest in either or both. 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 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 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 Product Manager will define the vision, strategy, and long-term roadmap for a portfolio of Assessment and Ed-Tech products, working at the intersection of user needs, organizational strategy, and technical feasibility. Key responsibilities include defining a compelling product vision, translating strategic objectives into an actionable roadmap, and leading discovery activities to shape future product direction.