AI Governance Manager

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A national education organization in Manchester seeks an AI Governance Manager to lead the development of governance frameworks for AI, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. The role involves assessing AI-related risks, training stakeholders, and collaborating with technical teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in AI ethics and compliance, along with strong stakeholder management skills. This permanent position offers a hybrid working model and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive training

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience developing and managing governance frameworks for AI.
• Proven ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML principles and related risks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement AI governance frameworks.
• Conduct audits and compliance reporting.
• Provide training on responsible AI for business stakeholders.

Skills

AI ethics

Risk management

Compliance strategies

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Relevant certifications (AIGP, CIPP/E, CIPM)

Tools

Bias detection software

Model monitoring solutions

Explainability tools

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.

AI Governance Manager

Permanent

Manchester

£50,379 - £60,178

Hybrid – 2 x days a week in the office

Introduction

Are you ready to shape the future of ethical AI? This is your chance to lead AI governance in an organisation where your expertise ensures compliance, mitigates risks, and drives ethical AI adoption. If you thrive on creating frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility, you’ll make a lasting impact here.

Purpose of the Role

You’ll develop and implement AI governance frameworks that align with legal, regulatory, ethical, and international standards. Working across the organisation with technical teams, projects, legal experts, and business stakeholders, you’ll embed responsible AI practices and compliance into our AI‑driven future.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and mitigate AI‑related risks, ensuring transparency, fairness, explainability, privacy and accountability.
  • Assess and mitigate risks related to AI transparency, fair use, explainability, bias, safety and misuse.
  • Ensure compliance with AI under ISO 27001, ISO 27701 and ISO 42001 standards and contribute to audits as required.
• Conduct audits, compliance reporting and drive AI‑related governance initiatives, including incident management.
  • Manage day‑to‑day AI compliance, advising on AI requirements and best practice.
  • Define AI accountability structures and processes across the organisation.
  • Prepare and present reporting to senior leadership on AI Governance, Risk and Compliance with measurable KPI.
• Provide training and guidance on responsible and ethical AI for business stakeholders and leadership.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive AI governance framework.
  • Deliver governance, risk management and related performance monitoring/reporting.
  • Deliver a high‑quality service to all customers, colleagues, associates and third parties.
• Collaborate with technical teams, legal and business units to embed ethical AI practices into all operational processes.
  • Lead cross‑functional teams in implementation of AI governance practices.
  • Oversee regular audits of AI systems to identify and promote potential ethical or regulatory risks.
  • Assist in coordinating investigations and responses to regulatory authorities.
• Monitor compliance with international, regional and industry‑specific AI regulations.
  • Keep up to date with the latest AI technologies and regulations.
  • Proactively promote AI best practice.

What We Are Looking For

• Experience in AI ethics, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Experience implementing AI governance, policies, risk mitigation and compliance strategies.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively.
• A proactive, problem‑solving mindset with a commitment to responsible AI.
• Relevant certifications such as AIGP, CIPP/E, CIPM.

Required Experience

• Two to three years of experience in a data or similar governance role.
• Experience of developing and maintaining effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Experience of successfully delivering organisational‑wide governance programmes and/or frameworks.
• Proven experience working with senior level stakeholders, including third‑party suppliers, auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Experience in delivering change through collaborative matrix management.

Desired Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Certifications in data protection (CIPP/E, CIPM, PC.dp) or AI ethics/governance (AIGP).
• Experience in a similar governance or compliance role.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of AI/ML principles, algorithms, technologies and related risks.
• Proficiency in tools and platforms for AI governance (explainability tools, bias detection software, model monitoring solutions).
• Knowledge of AI lifecycle management including data collection, model training and deployment.
• Operating systems and digital tools required for communication, content creation and information processing.
• Compliance with AQA IT security policies.

Subject Matter Expertise

• In‑depth knowledge of ethical AI principles and regulatory frameworks (UK GDPR, EU AI Act, ISO 42001).
• Working knowledge of Data Protection governance, risk and compliance.
• Stakeholder‑focused strategy and guidance for AI governance across the organisation.
• Awareness of societal, ethical and cultural implications of AI technologies.
• Excellent knowledge of managing, advising and monitoring all key aspects of AI risk.
• Broad understanding of the political, educational and business context within which AQA works.
• Up‑to‑date with domestic and international legislation.

People Management

• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams on AI Governance implementation.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Mentor and develop wider team members to foster a culture of responsible AI use.
• Conduct workshops and training programmes to educate employees about responsible AI use.

Skills

• Experience creating and implementing governance frameworks, risk management and compliance strategies.
• Analytical mindset for assessing compliance and ethical implications of AI systems.
• Ability to manage audits and compliance reporting.
• Excellent change management skills, tools and techniques.
• Ability to design, plan, deliver and measure the impact of compliance programmes.
• Innovative problem‑solving and persuasive communication skills.
• Strong communication skills, both oral (groups) and written.
• Strong IT competence, especially MS Office (Excel) and other systems.

Leadership Skills

• Inspire and motivate wider team members and colleagues.
• Work flexibly and adapt management style to achieve performance.

Behaviours

• Model leadership behaviours with clarity, feedback, coaching and development.
• Collaborative: work with others to achieve the organisation and team vision.
• High integrity and commitment to ethical practices.
• Proactive and innovative approach to problem‑solving.
• Excellent communication skills to translate complex technical issues for non‑technical audiences.

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

Read the full job description and upload your most recent CV and Cover Letter by following the link provided. Application deadline: Sunday 4th January. Interviews will take place w/c 12th & 19th January 2026.

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.