Policy and Research Manager

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.

Job title: Policy and Research Manager

Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester or London
Salary: Manchester £44,000 - £47,000 | London £45,000 - £50,000 
Working arrangements: Hybrid, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office

Help shape the future of education policy through evidence, insight and influence

If you're motivated by turning research into meaningful change and want your work to influence national conversations about qualifications, assessment and education reform, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. You'll play a key role in developing AQA's policy positions, engaging senior stakeholders across the sector and ensuring evidence and insight sit at the heart of decision-making.

Your work will help shape thinking that affects learners, teachers and the wider education system.

Purpose of the role

You'll be at the centre of AQA's policy and public affairs activity, helping to develop evidence-based positions on qualifications, assessment, curriculum and wider education reform. Working as part of a high-profile Policy and Public Affairs team, you'll monitor emerging policy developments, commission and analyse research, and build relationships with policymakers, regulators and sector leaders. You'll help ensure AQA remains an influential and trusted voice in education, while providing colleagues with clear recommendations and insight that support strategic decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining AQA's policy positions, ensuring they remain evidence-based, relevant and responsive to policy changes.

• Leading the production of policy papers, consultation responses, briefings and thought leadership content.

• Monitoring political, regulatory and educational developments, identifying risks, opportunities and implications for AQA.

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulators, education organisations, think tanks and other key stakeholders.

• Commissioning and managing research projects, including surveys, polling and data analysis, to inform policy recommendations.

• Translating complex research, evidence and policy developments into clear, actionable insight for a range of audiences.

• Representing AQA at sector events, policy forums, roundtables and stakeholder meetings.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience working in policy, public affairs or a regulatory environment with significant stakeholder engagement responsibilities.

• Experience building productive relationships with government, civil service, regulatory or employer stakeholders.

• The ability to analyse information from multiple sources and develop clear, evidence-based recommendations.

• The ability to translate policy thinking into practical outcomes, partnerships or initiatives that deliver measurable change.

• Knowledge of technical and vocational education policy.

• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities while delivering high-quality outputs independently.

What’s in it for you

• A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events

• Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity

• Hybrid working and flexibility to support work-life balance

• Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous combined pension contributions up to 18.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas

• An inclusive culture that welcomes new perspectives, values collaboration and encourages innovative thinking to improve how we support teachers and students

Diversity and inclusion

At AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision-making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Make your mark on Policy and Research - join AQA and help shape the future.

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

• Application deadline:  Sunday 4th October 23:59

• Short application questionnaire

• Interview Process:

• First stage: Teams Interviews 14th and 15th October 2026

• Second stage: Face to Face with a short interview task which will be shared in advance. Interviews will take place on 23rd October 2026 in either Manchester or London.

Onboarding expectations: Please note that an Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.

Reference code: #MCRE

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

Purpose: The Policy and Research Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping AQA’s policy positions and strengthening the organisation’s influence across the education and assessment landscape. The role leads the development of evidence-based policy analysis and insight to inform and shape AQA’s approach to qualifications, assessment, curriculum, and wider education reform, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of sector debate.
The successful candidate will contribute to AQA’s strategic objectives by building trusted relationships with policymakers, regulators, sector bodies, think tanks, and education leaders. The role is responsible for translating complex policy developments into clear, actionable recommendations, helping to position AQA as an authoritative and influential voice on issues affecting learners, teachers, and the education system more broadly.
To lead on areas of AQA’s proactive and reactive public affairs and policy strategy as required and to support the Senior Manager – Policy and Public Affairs and Head of External Affairs in handling significant political and policy developments, as well as general stakeholder engagement.Landscape:
This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-profile Policy and Public Affairs team of five, working within a wider External Affairs function that also encompasses PR and Media Relations and Customer Communications. Operating at manager level, this role does not include line management or budget responsibility, allowing the successful candidate to focus on delivering strategic influence and impact. The post offers the opportunity to shape policy positions, build relationships with key stakeholders, and influence decision-making both internally across the organisation and externally across the wider education and policy landscape.
Activities:
Developing AQA’s policy positions
You will hold the responsibility for helping shape and deliver AQA’s policy positions, formulating policy recommendations that are comprehensive, evidence-based, and kept updated to reflect any changes in the policy and political landscape.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:
Identify and leverage opportunities to expand the AQA’s influence and partnerships
Work closely with colleagues, across AQA, particularly those in Assessment Reform and Assessment Research to ensure policy positions remain updated and accurate.
Contribute to positioning the organisation as a thought leader across key agendas, supporting engagement activity, external communications and influencing efforts.
Lead on writing and contributing to AQA policy and research papers, including formulating recommendations for policy change.
Work with external partners and agencies to commission new research and insights including data analysis, polling and large-scale surveys.
Lead on gathering expert feedback on policy recommendations, including from internal and external stakeholders, and revising/updating messaging and policy positions where appropriate.  
Digest and communicate the implications of policy developments internally and externally, as required, such as through blog posts, position papers and presentations,
Lead on the AQA’s policy consultations as well as maintaining and updating the consultation tracker, planning the responses accordingly.
Represent AQA in policy forum, events and roundtables.
Leads as required on monitoring and analysing publications and announcements from the Department for Education, Ofqual, Parliament and other relevant bodies to anticipate impact on AQA and identify necessary responses.
To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
Experience in policy, or a related field, with strong stakeholder engagement exposure.
A track record of building and managing relationships with government, civil service or employers
The ability to translate policy thinking into practical outcomes, partnerships or initiatives that deliver measurable change.
The ability to tailor messaging and engagement to different audiences.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to manage multiple work streams independently.
Understanding of and interest in the contemporary political environment and the workings and decision-making structures of government and UK policymaking processes
Analytical, able to synthesise information from a variety of sources and identify key issues in complex problems
Numerate, with the ability to analyse data and interpret statistics
Excellent understanding of different types of evidence and research methods, how different types of evidence are evaluated and can be used to inform policy development and design
Desirable Criteria
Experience of working in a regulatory environment
Knowledge and understanding of technical and vocational policy.