Job title: Learning Design Lead

Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester
Salary: North £52,750-£58,900
Working arrangements: Hybrid - typically two days in an AQA office each week, which can include your base office or other AQA sites to collaborate with colleagues and drive innovation

Have you designed curriculum frameworks, learner journeys, or formative assessment products that make learning engaging and inclusive? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Shape the future of learning

We're building something new - and we want you to be part of it. AQA Assessment Services Ltd is creating a dedicated team to develop innovative learning and assessment products that go beyond the traditional 14-18 space. These roles are at the heart of our ambition to transform how learners interact with learning and assessment, both in the UK and internationally.

As a Learning Design Lead, you'll bring expertise in how learners learn and apply that knowledge to create products that support progression-not just end-point assessment. You'll lead the design and delivery of engaging, evidence-based learning products that are pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligned with AQA's strategic goals.

Why join us?

• Collaboration at the core: You'll work face-to-face with a newly formed department, shaping its culture and influencing its direction. While we encourage two days a week in an AQA office, this can be at your base location or another AQA site to work with colleagues and lead innovation.

• Make your mark: Be part of a team driving AQA's growth strategy and creating digital products

• Make your mark: Be part of a team driving AQA's growth strategy and creating products that change the way learners experience education.

• Professional development: Access internal programmes and opportunities to grow your expertise in learning design and leadership.

• Inclusive culture: We value diversity, collaboration, and innovation - and we're committed to creating an environment where differences are celebrated.

Purpose of the role

You'll lead the design and delivery of learning products that support learners at every stage. Your work will ensure these products are pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligned with AQA's strategic objectives. This role is about bringing learning science into product development-helping us create solutions that go beyond end-point assessment and truly support progression.

What you'll be doing

• Designing learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies for new products.

• Creating learner journeys and support materials that make learning engaging and inclusive.

• Embedding accessibility and usability principles into digital learning experiences.

• Working closely with Product Managers to integrate learning design into product roadmaps.

• Collaborating with assessment designers, digital content teams, and external partners to ensure quality and relevance.

• Driving innovation by applying research and learner insights to improve design.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience in learning design and development, including curriculum and assessment design.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Understanding of accessibility in learning design.

• Project management experience in complex environments.

• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

What's in it for you

• Exposure to high-impact projects shaping the future of learning and assessment.

• A collaborative, inclusive team culture that values your ideas and wellbeing.

• Flexible working, a 35-hour week, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure).

• A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions.

• Private medical insurance, health cash plan, EV leasing, volunteering days, and modern offices with gym.

• Opportunities to influence learning strategy across diverse markets and education models.

• Access to learning and development, including leadership and strategic thinking.

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.

Application process

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by Sunday 7th December 2025 at 23:59

• First stage: Virtual Interviews will take place between 10th and 17th December 2025

• Second and Final stage: Face to Face interviews week commencing 5th January 2026 and will involve a structured interview and a task.

Reference code: #CRE23