Assessment Design Lead

AQA and AQA Affiliates; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading assessment organization is seeking an Assessment Design Lead to shape innovative products that enhance learner experiences. This role focuses on designing robust assessment specifications that meet diverse learner needs while ensuring validity and reliability. The ideal candidate will have experience in assessment design, project management skills, and a passion for continuous improvement. Join a collaborative team and contribute to high-impact projects in education with flexible working arrangements and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Access to professional development opportunities

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Proven experience in designing and developing assessment specifications and models.
• Demonstrated understanding of regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage projects in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Design assessment specifications that meet regulatory standards.
• Embed principles of validity and reliability in assessments.
• Collaborate with Product Managers on product integration.
• Drive innovation through research applications.

Skills

Experience in assessment design and development

Understanding of validity and reliability

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder engagement skills

Project management

Passion for innovation

Job description

Have you designed new assessment products, frameworks or specifications that ensure validity, reliability, and fairness whilst being innovative in the market? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Shape the future of assessment 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 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 an Assessment Design Lead, you'll bring expertise in assessment theory and design to create products that meet diverse learner needs and uphold the highest standards of validity and reliability. You'll lead the development of assessment specifications, models and frameworks that are robust, innovative, and aligned with AQA's strategic objectives.

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 assessments that change the way learners experience education.
• Professional development: Access internal programmes and opportunities to grow your expertise in assessment 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

This role exists to ensure our new products are underpinned by rigorous assessment design principles. You'll lead the development of assessment specifications and models that guarantee validity, reliability, and fairness. Your work will influence how learners are assessed globally and help AQA deliver innovative solutions that meet diverse market needs.

What you'll be doing

• Designing assessment specifications and models that meet regulatory and pedagogical standards.
• Embedding principles of validity, reliability, and fairness into all assessment products.
• Working closely with Product Managers to integrate assessment design into product roadmaps.
• Collaborating with learning designers, policy teams, and external experts to ensure compliance, coherence and quality.
• Driving innovation by applying research and assessment insights to improve design.

What you bring

• Experience in assessment design and development, including specifications and models.
• Demonstrable understanding of validity, reliability, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• 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 assessment and education.
• 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 assessment strategy across diverse markets and education models.
• Access to learning and development, including leadership and strategic thinking.