AI Asset Manager

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

AQA is seeking an AI Asset Manager in Manchester to own the roadmap and management of AI assets, tools and IP within the AI for Assessment Innovation team. You’ll work with AI researchers, developers and stakeholders across AQA to deliver innovative AI-enabled assessment solutions.

You will lead strategic AI initiatives, use customer insights to shape value, and oversee continuous improvement while balancing delivery with quality and pedagogy.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of AI development and management in a research/innovation setting.
• Degree-level education or equivalent experience is required.
• Strong communication, influencing and analytical skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects and assets in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Define the strategy and roadmap for AI assets and ensure value delivery.
• Collaborate with developers, engineers and stakeholders to manage AI tools and IP.
• Lead strategic AI initiatives using customer insight and market trends.

Skills

AI management

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Technical collaboration

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Tools

AI tools

IP management

Job description

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: AI Asset Manager
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester
Salary: £43,700 - £49,700
Working Arrangements: Hybrid working, 2 days per week in the office

Introduction

AI is transforming the future of education, and this is an opportunity to take ownership of innovative AI tools and technology that will shape how assessment products and services evolve. If you’re passionate about managing AI products, working with technical experts and turning ideas into practical solutions, this role offers the chance to make a real impact.

Purpose of the Role

As an AI Asset Manager, you’ll be responsible for the development, management and continuous improvement of AI assets that support new assessment products and services. Working within AQA’s AI for Assessment Innovation team, you’ll help define the future direction of AI-enabled solutions, ensuring they deliver value to customers, support innovation and remain fit for purpose.

You’ll work closely with AI researchers, developers and stakeholders across AQA to turn emerging technologies into practical solutions that improve outcomes for learners, teachers and education providers.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

• Defining and owning the roadmap for AI assets, ensuring they deliver value, remain relevant and support AQA’s long-term innovation strategy.
• Working with technical teams, stakeholders and external partners to develop, enhance and manage AI tools, software and intellectual property.
• Leading strategic AI initiatives, using customer insight, market trends and business analytics to influence decision-making and improve assessment solutions.

What’s in it for you?

This is your opportunity to work at the forefront of AI innovation in education while building a career in an organisation committed to learning, development and flexibility.

• Play a key role in shaping AI solutions that could impact millions of learners and educators.
• Work alongside AI researchers, developers and innovation specialists on cutting-edge projects and emerging technologies.
• Benefit from a competitive pension scheme, private healthcare and a generous annual leave allowance, helping you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Enjoy hybrid working with flexibility to balance office collaboration and home working.
• Access ongoing professional development, learning opportunities and the chance to influence the future direction of AI within a nationally recognised organisation.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience managing technology products, AI tools, software assets or digital solutions within a research, innovation or technology-focused environment.
• The ability to work confidently with developers, engineers and technical specialists while translating complex concepts for wider stakeholders.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with experience building relationships across a complex organisation.
• Experience developing roadmaps, prioritising activity and managing multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously.
• An analytical and commercially minded approach, with the ability to use data and insight to support decision-making and continuous improvement.

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.

Full Job Description

Summary

Accountable to the Head of AI for Assessment Innovation, the overall purpose of this role is to ensure the successful development and ongoing management of specific AI assets (tools, software, proprietary code etc.) that are required by new assessment products and services.

The post holder will identify and steer the development of AI capabilities that can enable new assessment products, increase the breadth of assessment services on offer and help shape long-term tech innovation and solutions. They will manage AI assets to ensure they remain updated, relevant and fit-for-purpose. Research, development and evaluation of AI solutions for assessment are key enablers in a range of diversification, digitisation and customer programmes. The AI for Assessment Innovation team is AQA’s in-house AI for assessment lab, providing services and solutions alongside and in collaboration with contractors and partners. The team’s responsibilities are:
Research and development of AI features for new products or as part of contracted services
EdTech partnership support through targeted evaluations and testing of third‑party AI tools
Providing AI for assessment expertise to the whole AQA group and advancing AQA’s knowledge and know‑how

The role sits within the AI for Assessment Innovations team, in the Assessment Research and Innovation business area. Reporting to the Head of AI for Assessment, the role collaborates with a team of AI researchers, developers and managers and will have line management responsibility for the Data Share Administrator.

Activities:
Customer Focus:Lead and act as the face of AQA’s new AI for assessment solutions, both internally and externally.
Define the strategy and roadmap for your assigned set of new AI assets, working with teams across AQA to generate ideas for improvements to the design, development and delivery of AI for assessment prototypes and supporting services. Collate and prioritise these and ensure that the approach enhances the end‑to‑end customer experience and meets stakeholder needs.
Use assessment knowledge and expertise to ensure any new assets and prototypes meet customer and stakeholder needs and align with pedagogical approaches
Work collaboratively with the wider AQA teams to drive continuous improvement of AQA’s customer value proposition, ensuring customer insight is at the heart of the proposition
Manage and deliver strategic projects relevant to AI asset development, management or withdrawal in collaboration with the rest of the team.
Develop an understanding of actionable insights into what our customers (teachers/schools and government in both the UK and internationally) want and need from an AI perspective and an understanding of AQA’s competitive position and customer reputation in the market

Financial Management:Work with assessment product teams to define the value of our AI assets and IP and the factors affecting such value, and steer AI for assessment work balancing the need to add value to AQA products with customer, quality and stakeholder interests.
Produce evidence‑based proposals and business cases for new and enhanced AI tools and services in line with AQA’s strategy.

Internal ProcessesAct as the focal point for activity across AQA for AI for assessment assets, when monitoring operational performance and delivery.
Analyse and interpret data and information to inform sound strategic and operational decisions and priorities.

People and Culture:Demonstrate commercial flexibility by undertaking other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile as business needs change.
Comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements, including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.
Work with colleagues in the team to create and embed good practice in AI for assessment development, evaluation and management
Utilise the available range of digital tools for communication, content creation and information processing in order to work effectively and efficiently. Maintain digital skills to meet business need.

Technology:Apply business analytics to transform data from research and understanding of the customer environment into customer, market and policy insights and use this to influence stakeholders.

Government and External Relations:Ensure that all AI related regulatory and compliance activities, records and risk management processes are maintained and managed in collaboration with the rest of the team.

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Knowledge: An understanding of AI development and management in a research and innovation environment, and the educational landscape in which AQA operates.
Qualification: Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
Skills: communication, influencing, negotiation, creative thinking, analysis, problem solving, prioritisation, strategic planning and interpersonal abilities.
Experience: AI management experience in a research and innovation environment, working with developers and engineers in a complex matrix environment to build and manage assets and IP, managing multiple projects, complex tasks and consistently delivering on time.