Product Owner
- locations
- Milton Keynes
- Manchester
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted Yesterday
- time left to apply
- End Date: September 26, 2025 (12 days left to apply)
- job requisition id
- R6957
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
Permanent
Locations: Manchester or Milton Keynes
Hybrid – 2 days per week in the office
North: £52,700 - £58,900
South: £54,900 - £61,300
Ready to shape the future of assessment technology?
Join our Assessment Technology team as a Product Owner. This position will sit within our GradeMaker business area, shaping the next generation of digital solutions for learners, educators, and stakeholders across the UK.
You’ll work in a small, agile team on a fast-evolving product with multiple exciting workstreams—where your ideas will be visible, valued, and impactful.
More than managing backlogs, you’ll turn strategy into intuitive, user-focused products that make a real difference.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in Agile, has a sharp eye for detail, and collaborates confidently across disciplines.
If you're passionate about Ed Tech and driven to improve the assessment experience, this is your chance to lead from the front.
The role will require travel to our office in Cheltenham and other AQA sites.
What you’ll do
- Partner with the Product Manager to bring product vision, strategy, and roadmap to life.
- Own and prioritise the product backlog, ensuring it reflects evolving user needs and business goals.
- Collaborate on sprint planning and release cycles, keeping delivery focused and agile.
- Collaborate with development teams, providing clear direction and actionable guidance
- Communicate progress, key milestones, and risks to stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
- Champion quality at every stage—delivering product that are not only functional, but genuinely valued by users.
What you’ll bring
- Proven experience as a Product Owner in a tech-driven environment, ideally within Ed Tech.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented mindset.
- Proven track record in working with third-party suppliers and technical specialists.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills—you know how to influence and align.
- A solid grasp of Agile methodologies and a track record of delivering at pace.
- A passion for education and technology, with a user-first approach to product development.
What’s in it for you?
- Enjoy a flexible work environment with a 35-hour week and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.
- Access to an enhanced contributory pension scheme which could see you paying in 7% and AQA contributing 11.5% (Other options are available).
- 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas office closure.
- Comprehensive health coverage from day one, including Bupa PMI, Health Cash Plan, and Life Assurance.
- Participate in eco-friendly transport schemes, including electric vehicles and cycle-to-work options.
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.
Ready to help shape the future of assessment technology?
How do I apply?
Read the full job description below, then upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for.
Applications close Thursday 25th September
Interviews will be conducted in our Cheltenham office on Monday 6th October
#PRO22
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 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
About Us
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:
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