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Senior Manager - Policy and Public Affairs

External
aqa logoAqa · London, UK
Full-timeHybrid3w ago
Leadership
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Responsibilities

  • Leading and developing a policy and public affairs team of 4 across London and Manchester
  • Shaping policy positions and overseeing high-quality outputs including reports and consultation responses
  • Leading external engagement across government and the wider education sector
  • Briefing senior leaders and contributing to strategic decision making
  • Identifying policy risks and opportunities through horizon scanning
  • Your impact in this role
  • Success in this role will be defined by your ability to:
  • Position AQA as a leading assessment organisation that delivers for today and helps shape what comes next
  • Produce high-quality, insight-led policy analysis and engage effectively with government and education stakeholders
  • Lead a high-performing team that works collaboratively to the benefit of AQA
  • You will provide expert counsel at senior level and represent AQA with stakeholders across government, regulators, media and the wider education sector.
  • You'll thrive in this role if you have:
  • Experience of operating in a policy-rich or highly regulated environment
  • Strong understanding of education policy across general and vocational education
  • Good knowledge of government and political processes
  • Experience of public affairs approaches and tools
  • The ability to think strategically and connect complex policy areas
  • Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders
  • Experience of translating insight into clear, compelling messaging
  • A collaborative approach and a focus on continuous improvement
  • Why join AQA
  • You'll be part of a team shaping how AQA engages with the education system, helping to deliver better outcomes for students and teachers.
  • We focus on culture add, valuing different perspectives and encouraging thoughtful challenge and continuous improvement.
  • What Next? The Application process
  • Closing date: Thursday 11th June 2026
  • First stage: Teams interviews, week commencing 20th June 2026
  • Final stage: Face-to-face interviews, week commencing 29th June 2026 (London or Manchester)
  • Diversity and inclusion statement
  • #STEC
  • Recruitment Agencies
  • We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.
  • Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gi

Benefits

This is a senior leadership role where you will directly influence AQA's approach to policy and public affairs at a time of significant change across the education sector.Reporting into the Head of External Affairs and being an integral part of the senior leadership teamThe opportunity to shape strategy and influence decision making at organisational levelA high-profile role engaging with government, regulators and key education stakeholdersAutonomy to lead and develop AQA's public affairs and policy approachThe opportunity to lead a multi-location team across London and ManchesterYou'll also benefit from a strong overall package, including:A generous pension scheme, with employer contributions of up to 11.5%Private medical insuranceA 35-hour working week and 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional closure over ChristmasAccess to staff networks, learning opportunities and volunteering daysHybrid working with 2 days per week in the officePurpose of the roleYou'll lead AQA's policy and public affairs function, ensuring we produce high-quality policy insight and engage effectively with government and key stakeholders.Equity / stock options

Additional Information

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. Senior Manager - Policy and Public Affairs Permanent Location: London or Manchester Salary: Manchester £57,000 - £64,500 | London £59,000 - £67,500 Working arrangement: Hybrid, with 2 days per week in the office Work at the heart of education policy and public affairs at a pivotal moment for both general and vocational education. You are already operating in a high-profile, policy-rich environment and are looking for the opportunity to shape and steer public affairs activity in a way that delivers real impact. From assessment reform and digital exams to core skills and the impact of artificial intelligence, you will play a key role in ensuring AQA is at the forefront of the debates that matter to young people, teachers and parents.

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