Platform Services and Support Manager

AQA; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Milton Keynes is looking for a Platform Services and Support Manager to lead their team responsible for the operation and enhancement of platforms. The ideal candidate will manage Azure platforms, have a strong understanding of ITIL practices, and promote continuous improvement. This role offers competitive compensation and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Flexible working arrangements

Excellent pension scheme

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• Strong experience managing Azure platforms in complex, high-availability environments.
• Knowledge of ITIL practices, preferably beyond the Foundation level.
• Technical credibility to lead discussions on platforms and infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Manage platforms effectively, guiding a team through complex challenges.
• Collaborate closely with Architecture and Software teams.
• Balance daily stability with strategic improvements.

Skills

Managing Azure platforms

Knowledge of ITIL practices

Structured problem-solving

Continuous improvement mindset

Job description

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and supporting our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year, driven by our dedicated team.

Platform Services and Support Manager

FTC ending March 2027 | Hybrid | Milton Keynes

£66,185 - £74,841 + Benefits

We are seeking a leader who can manage platforms effectively, guiding a team through complex challenges while maintaining focus on both the technical details and the bigger picture.

This senior role in our Assessment Technology group involves leading a team (and sometimes third-party suppliers) responsible for the operation, support, and enhancement of our platforms and infrastructure. Your role will be to balance daily stability with strategic improvements, setting clear goals and ensuring they are achieved.

You will collaborate closely with Architecture and Software teams and play a pivotal role in delivering system changes that are central to AQA’s mission.

What you’ll need to bring:

• Strong experience managing Azure platforms in complex, high-availability environments.
• Knowledge of ITIL practices, preferably beyond the Foundation level.
• Technical credibility to lead discussions on platforms and infrastructure and to challenge assumptions when necessary.
• A structured problem-solving approach.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement and innovation.

What you’ll get in return:

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays and Christmas shutdown.
• Flexible working arrangements and commitment to your professional development.
• 35-hour workweek.
• Excellent pension scheme with 6% - 11.5% employer contributions.
• Enhanced family leave and additional benefits.

What next?

Apply via our portal. Every applicant will receive a written response. The closing date for applications is Thursday, 21st August.

Recruitment Agencies

We work with a preferred supplier list (PSL). Unsolicited CVs will be considered a gift; we are not liable for agency fees under your terms and conditions.

Full Job Description

Summary

This role is responsible for leading the platform services and support team, including third-party resources, to deploy, monitor, manage, and support infrastructure and products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio.

It involves translating senior management’s vision into achievable departmental goals, providing clear direction, and fostering a culture of trust, learning, innovation, continuous improvement, collective ownership, and technical excellence.

This position reports to the Head of Software Delivery (HoSD).