Strategic Planning and Delivery Lead

• locations
• Manchester
• London
• Milton Keynes

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Yesterday

• job requisition id
• R7741

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.

Strategic Planning & Delivery Lead

Permanent

London / Milton Keynes: £60,600 - £80,000Manchester: £58,200 - £77,900Hybrid – typically 2 days per week in the office

Introduction

You will play a pivotal role at a time of significant ambition and change. As Strategic Planning & Delivery Lead, you will sit at the heart of AQA’s vocational strategy, helping to turn big-picture priorities into real, delivered outcomes by personally owning and delivering priority pieces of work, not just coordinating others. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys taking ownership of complex work, driving it through delivery, and being accountable for results.

Purpose of the role

In this role, you will help drive AQA’s vocational agenda by bringing together planning, governance and delivery while personally owning a portfolio of strategic initiatives and seeing them through end‑to‑end across our vocational subsidiaries. You will provide a single, joined-up view of what is happening, alongside direct responsibility for delivering agreed priorities as a business owner. Your work will directly support AQA’s mission to deliver trusted qualifications and support learners of all abilities by ensuring our vocational strategy is well planned, well governed and well delivered.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

• Owning and delivering a portfolio of strategic projects across the vocational portfolio, taking a hands-on approach to project management and ensuring priorities are delivered on time and to a high standard

• Leading planning and governance across the department, while retaining direct accountability for delivery of agreed priorities

• Holding a holistic view of delivery across subsidiaries, intervening directly where required to unblock issues and recover delivery at risk

What we are looking for

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Have proven experience delivering complex projects and programmes, with the confidence to take ownership and see things through

• Are comfortable working with senior stakeholders, able to influence, challenge and build strong, trusted relationships

• Bring strong organisational skills and experience of planning, risk or governance processes in a complex environment

• Are curious, pragmatic and comfortable navigating ambiguity while keeping sight of the bigger picture

What’s in it for you

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and deliver work that really matters. You will benefit from:

• The chance to work on high-impact strategic initiatives that influence the future of vocational education

• Exposure to senior leaders and opportunities to broaden your experience across AQA Group

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and additional closure days at Christmas.

• A 35hour working week with flexible working arrangements.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution).

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. Applications close on Wednesday 22nd April. 

First stage will be held via MS Teams w/c 27th April

Second stage interviews will be held in-person w/c 4th May

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

Vocational Partnership & Project Delivery:

Lead and deliver discrete and at times complex ,strategic projects (e.g., Vocational Strategy implementation), providing hands-on management rather than just tracking.

Lead and co-ordinate projects to deliver key initiatives on time and within budget and scope, specifically identifying and leveraging commercial opportunities across subsidiaries to grow market share.

Drive collaboration between subsidiaries to optimise resources and capabilities, ensuring alignment with AQA Group objectives.

Develop and maintain project plans, track progress, and manage risks and dependencies for discrete strategic projects.

Hold project sponsors and delivery leads, including senior stakeholders, to account for agreed outcomes, timelines and decisions, providing constructive challenge and escalation where delivery is at risk

Departmental Planning & Governance:

Own and manage the department’s general planning requirements, including the Annual Business Plan, Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and Risk Logs.

Track post-acquisition integration plans and workstreams to ensure milestones are met.

Develop frameworks for consistent reporting and performance monitoring to track the department's delivery plan.

Operational Support & Best Practice:

Act as the single point of contact for operational initiatives, ensuring subsidiaries receive the necessary support from AQA Group functions (e.g., IT, Finance, Marketing).

Promote and share best practices across subsidiaries and the wider Strategy team to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Provide regular updates to AQA Group leadership, including at times the Board, on key initiatives, progress, and challenges.

Maintain clear communication channels between subsidiaries and AQA Group to foster a culture of transparency.

Liaise with functional leads to align outcomes and unblock barriers to delivery.

Essential Experience & Skills:

Proven experience in project management and delivery (Prince2, Agile, or equivalent).

Strong organisational skills with experience managing business planning processes (Risk, BCP).

Ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders

Ability to work autonomously and drive projects to conclusion ("hands-on" approach).

Experience of working with senior stakeholders

Excellent communication skills including the ability to work collaboratively, negotiate, influence and provide constructive challenge

Assertive and resilient to be able to challenge stakeholders when they are not delivering on their accountabilities

Experience managing timelines and tracking workstreams in a complex environment.

Desirable:

Previous experience in the education, public, or not-for-profit sectors.

Values & Behaviours:

Demonstrates AQA’s values and leadership behaviours.

Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Curious, collaborative, and forward-thinking.

Able to think about the big picture.