Head of Strategic Innovation

AQA; London; Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

AQA is seeking a Head of Strategic Innovation to lead the development and execution of forward-looking strategies that respond to changing trends in the education sector. This influential role requires deep knowledge of educational policy and the ability to engage with senior stakeholders. The successful candidate will help shape AQA's impact as a thought leader while embedding a culture of innovation within the organization.

Benefits

35-hour work week

25 days of holiday, rising to 30

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Comprehensive health coverage

Access to eco-friendly transport schemes

Commitment to personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in education policy, innovation, and strategic leadership.
• Strong understanding of the UK education policy landscape.
• Proven track record in delivering complex strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic innovation and develop new ideas and products.
• Monitor policy developments and identify opportunities and risks.
• Represent AQA externally and influence sector thinking.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Analysis

Communication

Influencing Skills

Education

Experience in Education Policy

Understanding of UK Education System

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.

Head of Strategic Innovation

Permanent

London: £73,650 - £80,800

Manchester: £70,733 - £77,600

Hybrid – 2x days a week in the office - flexible working/ part-time/ job share requests can be considered

AQA is looking for a senior strategist and education policy expert to shape the future of education and assessment.

This is a new and influential role, created at a pivotal time for AQA and the wider education sector. As Head of Strategic Innovation, you’ll work directly with the Executive Director and senior colleagues across the organisation to identify and deliver forward-looking strategies and projects that respond to emerging trends, external policy shifts, and innovation opportunities.

We're looking for someone with deep knowledge of the UK education landscape, combined with the strategic thinking and credibility to influence internal and external stakeholders at the highest levels. You’ll be comfortable leading cross-functional initiatives, developing robust business cases, and contributing to decisions that shape AQA’s future direction.

This role is about big-picture thinking, strategic insight, and providing expert leadership on complex issues – from qualification reform and AI to diversification and digital transformation. It also requires the ability to deliver projects of strategic importance, working across the organisation to achieve demonstrable results.

Working alongside the Strategy and Policy and Public Affairs teams, you will be responsible for:

• Driving strategic innovation across AQA, supporting the development of new ideas, products and approaches.
• Monitoring policy developments and horizon scanning to identify opportunities and risks.
• Representing AQA externally – influencing thinking across the sector through thought leadership and collaboration.
• Leading the development of strategic proposals and business cases aligned to our mission and objectives.
• Embedding a culture of innovation and forward-thinking across the organisation.

What you'll bring:

• Significant experience in education policy, Hiinnovation, and strategic leadership.
• A strong understanding of the UK education system and its policy landscape, ideally with existing networks in the education sector.
• A track record of shaping and delivering complex strategic initiatives.
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills.
• Confidence working across functions and with senior stakeholders, internally and externally.

What’s in it for you?

We take flexibility and wellbeing seriously. Our benefits include:

• A 35-hour week and a flexible working culture.
• 25 days’ holiday, rising to 30 with service – plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.
• An enhanced contributory pension scheme – you could pay in 7% and AQA contributes 11.5% (other options available).
• Comprehensive health coverage from day one – including Bupa PMI, Health Cash Plan, and Life Assurance.
• Access to eco-friendly transport schemes, including cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing.
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development.

If you're looking for a role with purpose, influence, and impact – and you have the sector expertise to match – we’d like to hear from you.

Apply now to be part of something meaningful.

How do I apply?

Click the apply link on our careers site and submit your application.

Closing date for applications will be Tuesday 1st July. First stage interviews will be held on the 10th July. Second stage interviews will be held on 16th & 17th July.

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive

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.

Full Job Description

Summary

The Head of Strategic Innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering AQA’s strategic innovation agenda. This role will support the development and execution of forward-looking strategies that respond to external policy shifts, emerging trends, and innovation opportunities, including the development of new products. Working across departments and with external stakeholders, and bringing a significant understanding of education policy and the sector, the postholder will help position AQA as a thought leader in assessment and education policy. The success of the role will depend on extensive prior experience in education, including policy development or teaching.The Head of Strategic Innovation sits within AQA’s Corporate Affairs and Strategy directorate, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This is a senior expert role with significant influence across the organisation. The role is designed to operate cross-functionally, working closely with teams such as Policy & Public Affairs, Strategic Assurance, Customer and Product, and Research and Innovation to drive forward strategic initiatives. These initiatives are shaped by AQA’s core priorities, including qualification and assessment reform, diversification through the growth of our vocational and global services offerings, the digital transformation of assessment, and the development of innovative tools to support teachers and students. It plays a key part in shaping AQA’s response to external policy shifts and emerging trends, positioning the organisation as a thought leader in education and assessment. While not accountable for a specific budget or team, the role contributes to strategic investment decisions through the development of business cases and innovation proposals. Externally, the postholder will engage with policy makers, sector leaders, and working groups to influence the broader educational landscape. This role is critical in embedding a culture of innovation and strategic thinking across AQA.
Strategic Innovation, Planning and Delivery
Support the Corporate Affairs and Strategy leadership team in identifying and embedding innovative approaches to tackle complex issues. This could include applying sector expertise to product development, external policy positions or unblocking barriers on projects of strategic importance.
Facilitate and lead innovative cross-functional collaboration to ensure strategic initiatives have clear direction and positions that meet the external policy context.
Work alongside the Strategy Assurance team to undertake horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, policy developments, and innovation opportunities, using prior knowledge of the sector and intelligence gathering.
Develop strategic proposals and business cases for new initiatives aligned with AQA’s mission and strategic objectives.
Work at pace to lead the delivery of strategic innovation projects, ensuring alignment with AQA’s broader strategy.
External Policy Influence
Monitor and analyse policy developments in education and assessment, providing insight and recommendations to senior leaders.
Support the development of AQA’s external positioning on key policy issues, working closely with the Policy & Public Affairs team.
Represent AQA in external forums, consultations, and working groups as appropriate, helping to shape the policy environment.
Insight & Analysis
Lead collaboration with other teams, such as Customer and Product and Research and Innovation to generate evidence that informs strategic decision-making. On topics such as assessment reform readiness, that will include taking a high level view of key strategic issues and positions.
Produce high-quality briefings, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences, including senior stakeholders such as the Executive Team, Board of Trustees and key education figures.
Stakeholder Engagement
Establish strong relationships across AQA and build on relationships with external partners to foster a culture of innovation and strategic thinking.
Work with Customer and Product and other teams to support the launch and promotion of innovative initiatives and thought leadership.
Essential Experience & Skills
Proven experience in delivering significant strategic projects, innovation, or policy development in a complex organisation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and translate complex data and policy landscapes into clear recommendations and positions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders.
Experience leading cross-functional projects or programmes.
Significant understanding of the UK education policy environment and its implications for assessment.
Demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management, including facilitation of large groups.
Desirable
Previous experience in the education, public, or not-for-profit sectors, ideally with teaching experience.
Previous experience working in or with public affairs, strategy, policy, or external relations teams.
Familiarity with innovation methodologies (e.g. design thinking, agile strategy).
Previous experience of developing strategies in a commercially driven environment
Well-established professional networks and standing in the sector.
Values & Behaviours
Demonstrates AQA’s values and leadership behaviours.
Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Curious, collaborative, and forward-thinking.
Able to think about the big picture.