Head of Strategic Innovation

AQA; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AQA is seeking a Head of Strategic Innovation to lead educational innovation and policy development. This senior role involves working closely with executive leadership to shape strategic directions and influence key educational agendas, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration and strategic project delivery.

Benefits

Flexible working culture

35-hour week

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced contributory pension scheme

Comprehensive health coverage

Eco-friendly transport schemes

Personal and professional development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in education policy and innovation.
• Strong understanding of the UK education system.
• Track record of delivering strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic innovation across AQA.
• Monitor policy developments and identify opportunities.
• Represent AQA in external engagements.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Experience in education policy

Degree in Education or related field

Job description

Join to apply for the Head of Strategic Innovation role at AQA

Join to apply for the Head of Strategic Innovation role at AQA

This range is provided by AQA. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Head of Strategic Innovation

Permanent

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, innovation, 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.

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

#PRO22

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Education

• Industries

  Education

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