Product Owner at AQA

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

05 Jun, 26

Salary

61343.0

Posted On

07 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Product Backlog Management, User Stories, Stakeholder Management, Sprint Planning, Release Activities, Product Management, Cross-functional Team Collaboration, Prioritization, User Needs Understanding, Agile Methodologies, Problem-Solving, Data-driven Decision-making, Influencing

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 Owner 3 x Permanent 2 x 24-month Fixed Term Contract Manchester: £52,763 - £58,913 Milton Keynes: £54,938 - £61,343 Hybrid – 2 x days a week in the office Introduction You’ll join AQA at a pivotal moment as we reshape the future of digital assessment at a national scale. Our work underpins GCSEs and A‑levels across the country, meaning the products you help deliver have a real and immediate impact on learners, teachers and schools. You’ll be part of a world‑leading education organisation that’s investing in modern, resilient and accessible digital assessment solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team that’s helping to define how assessment evolves for years to come. Purpose of the role You’ll play a central role in developing digital products that directly support teachers and schools, ultimately improving outcomes for learners. As part of the rapidly expanding Assessment Technology team, you’ll help deliver mission‑critical systems that sit at the heart of AQA’s strategic transformation. You’ll work closely with cross‑functional teams to shape solutions that are reliable, intuitive and grounded in real user needs. You’ll also contribute to AQA’s responsible approach to innovation, particularly around AI, ensuring that new technology enhances the assessment experience in an ethical and sustainable way. Key responsibilities In this role, you'll be responsible for: • Prioritising and managing the product backlog to deliver meaningful outcomes. • Working closely with development teams to provide clear, actionable user stories and requirements. • Maintaining a strong understanding of user needs and incorporating feedback into product improvements. • Partnering with stakeholders to align delivery with organisational strategy and goals. • Supporting sprint planning, refinement and release activities to ensure high‑quality delivery. What we are looking for You’ll thrive here if you enjoy collaborating with cross‑functional teams and delivering meaningful outcomes in a technology‑focused environment. • Strong understanding of product management within a software or technology context. • Confidence working with cross‑functional teams and technical stakeholders. • Ability to plan, organise and prioritise effectively. • A collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering value. What’s in it for you You’ll join a collaborative team built on autonomy, trust and shared purpose, with opportunities to shape the future of digital assessment. • Meaningful impact through work on nationally significant digital assessment systems. • Opportunities for career progression within a growing function. • 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 2 x 24 month FTC positions and 3 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 Purpose: As a Product Owner within the Product Team of Assessment Technology, you will play a crucial role in driving the development and delivery of our Assessment and Ed Tech products. Your contributions and insights will be critical to impacting how we revolutionise the assessment experience for learners, educators, and external stakeholders, delivering quality products that customers love to use.Landscape: The Product Owner role is positioned within the Assessment Technology department, with a focus on ensuring the successful implementation of innovative solutions in line with our strategic objectives. The role works closely with the Product Manager, translating their product vision into key deliverables. The Product Owner will hold strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, acting as a crucial bridge between the business areas, customers and development teams. Activities: Work closely with the Product Manager to support translation of their product vision, strategy and roadmap Prioritise and manage the product backlog, incorporating feedback and new requirements Manage the product backlog, sprint planning, and release cycles in an agile environment Work closely with development teams, providing clear direction and actionable guidance Monitor market trends and user feedback to inform product enhancements Communicate product status, key milestones, and risks to relevant stakeholders Deliver quality products and outcomes – as recognised by the customer To be successful in this role, you will need to know: Proven experience in product ownership within a technology-driven environment Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and data-driven decision-making Proven track record in working with third party suppliers and technical specialists Ability to effectively communicate and influence cross-functional teams, with exceptional stakeholder management capabilities Familiarity with Agile methodologies and a track record of delivering high-quality products at a fast pace 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 Owner will prioritize and manage the product backlog, working closely with development teams to provide clear user stories and requirements for digital products supporting teachers and schools. They will also partner with stakeholders to align delivery with organizational strategy and support release activities.