Learning Design Lead

AQA Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational assessment organization in the UK is hiring a Learning Design Lead to spearhead the development of innovative learning and assessment products. This role requires expertise in learning design, curriculum frameworks, and strong project management skills. You'll lead a collaborative team, working in a hybrid model to create engaging educational experiences. The ideal candidate will thrive on driving innovation and shaping the future of learning, complemented by a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme with employer contributions

Private medical insurance

Health cash plan

Gym and modern office facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in learning design and development including curriculum and assessment design.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understanding of accessibility in learning design.
• Project management experience in complex environments.
• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies.
• Create engaging and inclusive learner journeys.
• Embed accessibility principles into digital learning experiences.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to integrate design into product roadmaps.
• Drive innovation using research to improve design.

Skills

Learning design

Curriculum development

Strong communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Innovation

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

Job description

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Job title : Learning Design Lead

Contract type : Permanent

Location : Manchester Milton Keynes or London

Salary : North South

Working arrangements : Hybrid typically two days in an AQA office each week which can include your base office or other AQA sites to collaborate with colleagues and drive innovation

Have you designed curriculum frameworks learner journeys or formative assessment products that make learning engaging and inclusive If so wed love to hear from you.

Shape the future of learning

Were building something new and we want you to be part of it. AQA Assessment Services Ltd is creating a dedicated team to develop innovative learning and assessment products that go beyond the traditional 1418 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 a Learning Design Lead youll bring expertise in how learners learn and apply that knowledge to create products that support progressionnot just end-point assessment. Youll lead the design and delivery of engaging evidence-based learning products that are pedagogically sound accessible and aligned with AQAs strategic goals .

Why join us

Collaboration at the core : Youll 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 AQAs growth strategy and creating digital products

Make your mark : Be part of a team driving AQAs growth strategy and creating products that change the way learners experience education.

Professional development : Access internal programmes and opportunities to grow your expertise in learning design and leadership.

Inclusive culture : We value diversity collaboration and innovation and were committed to creating an environment where differences are celebrated.

Purpose of the role

Youll lead the design and delivery of learning products that support learners at every stage. Your work will ensure these products are pedagogically sound accessible and aligned with AQAs strategic objectives . This role is about bringing learning science into product developmenthelping us create solutions that go beyond end-point assessment and truly support progression.

What youll be doing

Designing learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies for new products.

Creating learner journeys and support materials that make learning engaging and inclusive.

Embedding accessibility and usability principles into digital learning experiences.

Working closely with Product Managers to integrate learning design into product roadmaps.

Collaborating with assessment designers digital content teams and external partners to ensure quality and relevance.

Driving innovation by applying research and learner insights to improve design.

Youll thrive in this role if you have :

Experience in learning design and development including curriculum and assessment design.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Understanding of accessibility in learning design.

Project management experience in complex environments.

A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

Whats in it for you

Exposure to high-impact projects shaping the future of learning and assessment.

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 learning strategy across diverse markets and education models.

Access to learning and development including leadership and strategic thinking.

Diversity and inclusion

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&AI strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis 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

To apply please submit your CV and cover letter by Sunday 7th December 2025 at 23 : 59 .

UPDATED :

First stage : Virtual Interviews Thursday 8th January 2026

Second and Final stage : Face to Face interviews week commencing Tuesday 13th January 2026 and will involve a structured interview and a task.

Reference code : #CRE23

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

Purpose :

AQA Assessment Services Ltd (ASL) is driving a new programme of work to successfully implement its ambitious Business Plan to double the size of the business within the next five years. The Learning Design Lead will form part of the team developing and managing a new range of innovative assessment products designed to meet the needs of learners at different stages of their learning experience.

Theyll combine expertise in general technical and vocational education to ensure the successful development specific assessment products within the wider portfolio under guidance of the Head of Assessment Products. Were looking for an experienced and dynamic Learning Design Lead with a passion for academic technical and vocational education both in the UK and :

AQA is the leading exam board in the United Kingdom. Were an independent education charity with over 120 years of assessment expertise and purpose is to support education teachers and learners. We reinvest any surplus into research and innovation to improve the quality and reliability of assessments and contribute to policy and practice Global Assessment Services combines this expertise with skills from across the wider AQA group. We work in partnership with education ministries exam boards and education providers to understand their needs and develop customised end-to-end assessment solutions. ASL will be driving forward strategic initiatives by developing new partnerships enterprise customers and large delivery contracts. To be successful in these we will need to develop programmes of work which ensure different parts of AQA are connected in support of the customer requirements.

The Learning Design Lead is accountable for leading the development and management of a set of products in new assessment areas. This role is crucial in ensuring AQA maintains and expands its market share in these new assessment areas. Key responsibilities include :

Activities :

Customer Focus : Engage with internal and external stakeholders on new learning design issues to support new product development

Represent ASL to meet wider business needs support delivery and input learning expertise to strategic projects

Champion how new assessment products should reflect customer needs whilst focussing on high quality (validity reliability practicality and impact)

Financial Management : Calculate and review authoring fees for products

Contribute to pricing models for new assessment products

Product and Internal Processes Lead learning design activities for a range of new assessment products to ensure quality budget control and timely delivery

Oversee the end-to-end design of engaging inclusive and evidence-based learning products

Align learning design strategies with AQAs strategic goals and educational best practices

Ensure the new products are pedagogically sound accessible and meet the needs of diverse learners.

Keep up to date with latest thinking and policy on curriculum and assessment design and put this into practice

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in learning design practices

Analyse assessment performance data and create with key stakeholders a shared understanding of strengths and weaknesses of our products and recommend / implement improvements

Recruit and Lead associates by working with other teams within AQA

Communicate clear expectations to associates when commissioning / planning learning and assessment products

Create and maintain accurate records related to products to ensure strategy and approach is clear and conformed to

Establish and maintain quality standards for all learning products

Manage the creation of reports on the products

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 AQAs 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 learning and assessment design and development

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 : Work with external partners and stakeholders within AQA to ensure successful outcomes in what will be innovative new approaches with technology to support learning and assessment products

Government and External Relations : Ensure that all product related regulatory and compliance activities records and risk management processes are maintained and managed.

To be successful in this role you will need to know :

Knowledge : Learning design and development and the ability to apply this knowledge to various learning and assessment products as well as to a range of subjects. Curriculum design and its impact on assessment strategies developing educational products to deadlines and meeting commercial objectives UK and International education context the regulatory environment in which AQA works and the importance of compliance

Qualification : Degree-level education or equivalent experience.

Skills : communication influencing negotiation creative thinking analysis problem solving prioritisation strategic planning and interpersonal abilities.

Experience : curriculum learning and assessment design and development curriculum and or support material development working in a complex matrix environment managing multiple projects complex tasks and consistently delivering on time

Key Skills

Administrative Skills,Facilities Management,Biotechnology,Creative Production,Design And Estimation,Architecture

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 54900 - 61300