Operations Lead - Scheduling Team
14 mth Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover
Guildford
Salary: £39,700 - £44,000
Hybrid Working
Do you want your work to genuinely matter - not just to an organisation, but to millions of learners across the country? As our Operations Lead - Scheduling Team (known as Scheduling Lead within AQA), you'll play a pivotal role in shaping how exams are planned, delivered and experienced. This is a role at the heart of the assessment cycle, where smart planning, strong leadership and continuous improvement come together to ensure high‑quality, on‑time delivery that people depend on.
You will balance hands‑on operational delivery with forward‑looking change. You'll bring clarity to complexity, confidence to decision‑making and momentum to improvement, ensuring our scheduling activity continues to underpin reliable exam delivery today while evolving for tomorrow.
What's in it for you
Your work will directly influence how operational activity (exams) is planned and delivered, giving you real visibility and a strong sense of purpose. You'll have the space and support to shape future ways of working, introducing smarter, more efficient processes. This maternity cover role offers stretch, influence and the chance to create meaningful impact. You will have the opportunity to develop your leadership, planning and change‑management skills in a fast‑paced operational environment.
AQA benefits also include a fantastic pension which could see combined contribution of 18.5%, 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) and additional office closure of up to 4 days at Christmas, a variety of employee networks (including LGBTQ+, DisAbility, InterFaith, Parents and Carers, Neurodiversity, Empowering Women) and up to 4 days for volunteering with charities and causes that are important to you.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you'll
ensure scheduling activities are planned, resourced and delivered to a high standard across multiple workstreams.
lead your team through clear priorities, helping them navigate conflicting demands while keeping delivery on track.
own key outputs, manage risks, and use data and insight to anticipate issues before they arise.
drive continuous improvement - challenging existing ways of working, embedding better processes, and supporting the use and development of systems and tools that make scheduling more efficient and reliable
line manage two team members, creating an environment where people feel supported, accountable and motivated to perform at their best.
Alongside this, you'll gain exposure across AQA's end‑to‑end delivery cycle, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders.
You'll thrive in this role if
You enjoy bringing order to complexity and feel energised by being at the operational heart of delivery.
You're someone who looks ahead, spots risks early and brings others with you through clear communication and thoughtful prioritisation.
You're experienced in leading knowledgeable teams, providing direction while encouraging challenge, curiosity and continuous improvement.
You're confident working with data, turning analysis into insight that drives better decisions, and you're motivated by the opportunity to improve systems, processes and ways of working.
Most of all, you care about making things work well - for your team, for your stakeholders and for the people who ultimately rely on what AQA delivers.
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
Please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter.
Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 19 April
Interviews will be in person in the week beginning 27 April
All applications will be responded to.
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