Lead CIS Administrator

• locations
• Guildford

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• R7706

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.

Lead Administrator

Maternity Cover Contract – 14 months

Guildford

Salary: £25,000 - £27,900

Hybrid Working

Are you an organised, detail‑driven administrator who thrives in a busy environment where no two days are the same? One of our team is going to have a baby! While we are thrilled, it means we’re looking for a Lead Administrator in the Central Inspection Services team to continue their work while they are busy. You will play a vital role in supporting the successful delivery of the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) and international inspection process across UK and overseas centres. If you enjoy work that is meaningful, varied, and at the heart of operational excellence, this could be your next step.

In this role, you’ll join a supportive and highly collaborative team responsible for planning, coordinating and monitoring inspections for UK and international centres. You’ll act as a key point of contact for awarding bodies and exam officers, helping ensure inspection activity runs smoothly and on time.

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Work autonomously, using both manual and digital systems to manage your workload effectively

• Oversee temporary workers during peak periods

• Support inspector training and contribute to the creation of high‑quality training materials

• Identify and manage risks linked to international inspections

• Design and refine administrative processes that support contractual delivery

What’s in it for you?

• A small, dedicated team of 8 core colleagues who all work together to ensure consistency of approach

• The satisfaction of knowing that you are ensuring students are treated fairly in the course of their examinations

• A hybrid working arrangement with an average of 2 days a week in the office

• The ability to pay up to 18.5% into your pension including employer contributions

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service) with Christmas and bank holidays on top

• Ample Free Parking and an office with great views over Guildford!

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, solving problems, and bringing structure to a fast‑moving operational environment.

You'll succeed here if you’re someone who:

• Communicates clearly and professionally at all levels

• Works with accuracy and consistency, even when priorities shift quickly

• Takes pride in improving processes and finding better ways of working

• Enjoys supporting colleagues, stakeholders and external partners

• Is confident managing your own workload while contributing to team goals

While the pace is lively, you’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, strong communication and continuous improvement — and you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Diversity and inclusion 

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.

How to apply

If you're ready to take the lead in a role where your organisational skills and attention to detail truly make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining your motivations for this Lead Administrator role at AQA.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Monday 6 April

Interviews will be in the Guildford office in the week beginning 13 April 2026Apply now and help shape a smooth and successful inspections experience for centres worldwide.

Every application will receive a written response

#CRE23

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

Supporting the deovery of the Inspection Process for JCQ centres and/or Overseas/OxfordAQA/International

Centres.Landscape:

You will work mainly within the wider JCQ Centre Inspection team made up of 8 members but will be required to work autonoumsly

You may be required to oversee temporary workers in the peak series delivery time

The key stakeholders you will work with are JCQ exams officers. JCQ awarding bodines and International Exams officers for AQA international and OxfordAQA, AQA approvals teams and OxfordAQA approval teams.

You will need to engage with Awarding body Exams officer engagement team and the OxfordAQA regional teams Activities:

Be the identified point of contact for the Awarding Bodies.

Assist the Team Manager with the arrangements for the appointment of Inspectors and the despatch of material required by Inspectors in order to undertake visits to centres, both in person and on line

Plan, control and monitor the work of the department efficiently within the constraints of the budget, with the support of the Team Manager

Design and deliver processes to deliver the contractual inspections .

To plan, allocate and report on inspections forJCQ centres and centres overseas with all its associated tasks on behalf of AQA International and OxfordAQA.

Identify, manage and control any risks associated with the delivery of international inspections

Follow-up communications with Awarding Bodies and inspectors to timely inform progress and outcomes from inspections and to support the production of summary reports of Inspections for Awarding Bodies.

Assist Inspection Services Manager in the delivery of inspector training and production of training materials To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

Demonstrated understanding of a range of manual and electronic administrative systems.

Sound knowledge of office procedures and administrative best practice.

Strong literacy and numeracy skills.

Ability to work effectively with limited supervision and manage own workload.

Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to identify, recommend and implement improvements to systems and administrative procedures.

Desierable Criteria

Experience supporting senior leaders or working in a fast-paced operational or regulatory environment.

Experience coordinating projects or contributing to process improvements.

Experience training or mentoring colleagues. •

Experience managing or supporting small teams in a supervisory capacity.

Experience working with sensitive or confidential information.