Quality Assurance and Testing Lead
- locations
- Guildford
- Manchester
- time type
- Full time
- posted on
- Posted 2 Days Ago
- time left to apply
- End Date: October 1, 2025 (11 days left to apply)
- job requisition id
- R6846
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.
Quality Assurance & Testing Lead
Fixed Term Contract until April 2026
Guildford: £36,500 - £40,000
Manchester: £35,000 - £38,000
Hybrid Working
Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming how quality assurance is done? If you’re a QA expert who thrives on structure, strategy, and solving complex problems—this is your moment. You don’t just test software—you elevate it.
As our Quality Assurance & Testing Lead, you’ll be the driving force behind a unified QA function. You’ll lead the development and implementation of robust testing strategies across devices, browsers, and platforms—ensuring every digital experience we deliver is seamless, consistent, and built to last. You are also a team player – we are currently a team of 9 who all work together to do what is necessary to get the job done (which may mean supporting in other areas within the team at times).
This isn’t just another QA role—it’s an opportunity with real impact.
There are lots of company benefits, including a fantastic pension (up to 11.5% employer contributions), a 35 hour working week, 25 days annual leave with additional office closure in December and bank holidays on top, the opportunity to join lots of network groups (LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, parents and carers, disAbility, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity and more) an extensive online learning platform, days for volunteering, free parking and good transport links and more. 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
You’ll gain exposure to impactful work that shapes the future of digital education and will have opportunities for growth and development in a truly collaborative environment.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading the consolidation of QA processes into a single, streamlined function.
- Designing and implementing testing strategies that support our shift to self-service platforms.
- Overseeing testing across a wide range of devices and browsers.
You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:
- Deep experience in digital QA and testing.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- A strategic mindset with a sharp eye for detail.
- Confidence in cross-device/browser testing environments.
- Bonus points if you’ve worked with sanity.io or self-service platforms.
If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and make your mark—apply now with your most recent CV and a cover letter to outline why you are the best person for the job.
Please note that the role is hybrid and you will need to live within a commutable distance of either the Manchester or Guildford offices.
Application deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 30th September
Interviews will be over two stages - a Teams call followed by a face to face interview at the beginning of October 2025
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.
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
This role is a key position within the Web Operations Team, centralising the quality assurance function. The Quality Assurance & Testing Lead will be responsible for unifying the QA processes, bringing together different aspects of testing under one umbrella. This role involves close collaboration with development teams and stakeholders to ensure that all digital products meet the highest quality standards.
The Web Operations Team works alongside the Marketing Propositions & Delivery Team, Marketing Operations Team and the Customer Training & Events Teams.
Activities:
A Process Consolidation and Leadership:
Unify and lead the QA processes across the team.
Develop and implement comprehensive QA strategies and standards.
Testing Oversight:
Oversee testing on various devices and browsers.
Responsible for ensuring quality and consistency in line with AQA's move towards 'self-service'.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work closely with development teams to integrate QA processes.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders about QA standards and outcomes.
Continuous Improvement:
Continually assess and improve QA processes and methodologies.
Need to Know:
Extensive experience in quality assurance and testing in a digital environment.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to unify and guide a collaborative team.
Strong communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
Proficiency in testing across various devices and browsers.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Experience in developing and implementing QA strategies and standards.
Desirable Skills:
Familiarity with 'self-service' platforms and the unique QA challenges they present.
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