Platform Services and Support Manager

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

Job summary

An education assessment organization in Milton Keynes is looking for a Platform Services & Support Manager to lead a team responsible for the deployment and support of critical infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have expertise in managing Azure platforms and a strong capability in problem-solving. This role offers flexible working, excellent pension contributions, and a meaningful impact on the education sector.

Benefits

25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays + Christmas shutdown

Flexible working

Private Medical Insurance

Excellent pension (6% - 11.5% employer contribution)

Qualifications

• Strong experience managing Azure platforms in complex environments where uptime matters.
• Enough technical depth to lead credible conversations about platforms and infrastructure.
• A structured approach to solving problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a skilled team responsible for deploying, supporting, and improving infrastructure.
• Set direction, motivate the team, and ensure delivery targets are met.
• Collaborate with senior management to translate strategy into departmental goals.

Skills

Managing Azure platforms

Technical depth

Structured problem-solving

Continuous improvement mindset

Working knowledge of ITIL

Job description

Overview

Platform Services & Support Manager

18 Month FTC

Hybrid

Milton Keynes

£66,185 - £74,841 + Benefits

Are you a hands-on leader who enjoys working in a purpose-driven organisation where your expertise makes a real difference? Do you thrive on guiding technical teams, solving complex challenges, and helping shape the future of critical digital services?

At AQA, we’re looking for someone who brings both people leadership and technical depth to our Platform Services and Support team. This is a senior role in our Assessment Technology group – the team behind the platforms that deliver GCSE and A-level results to millions of students every year.

You’ll lead a skilled team responsible for deploying, supporting, and improving our infrastructure and platforms. You’ll set direction, motivate your team, and ensure delivery targets are met – all while keeping a close eye on the technical detail and helping shape the future of our services.

Summary

This role is accountable for leading platform services and support team members (and 3rd party resources where required) to deploy, monitor, manage, and support the infrastructure & products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio. Turning vision and priorities from senior management into achievable departmental goals, this role is responsible for providing clear direction to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues towards meeting objectives. Inspiring a culture of trust, learning, innovation, continuous improvement, collective ownership and technical excellence. This role reports to the Head of Software Delivery (HoSD).

Responsibilities

• Lead a skilled team responsible for deploying, supporting, and improving infrastructure and platforms within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio.
• Set direction, motivate the team, and ensure delivery targets are met while maintaining technical focus.
• Collaborate with senior management to translate strategy into departmental goals and actionable plans.
• Drive a culture of trust, learning, innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

What you’ll bring

• Strong experience managing Azure platforms in complex environments where uptime matters.
• Enough technical depth to lead credible conversations about platforms and infrastructure, and to challenge where needed.
• A structured approach to solving problems.
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• A working knowledge of ITIL.

What’s in it for you

• A meaningful role in a nationally important organisation.
• 25 days’ holiday + Bank Holidays + Christmas shutdown.
• Flexible working and genuine investment in your development.
• 35-hour week.
• Excellent pension (6% - 11.5% employer contribution).
• Private Medical Insurance
• …and more.

What next?

Apply via our portal. Every applicant gets a written response.

Closing date for applications will be Wednesday 8th October. We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to close the role early.

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&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is 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.

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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

This role is accountable for leading platform services and support team members (and 3rd party resources where required) to deploy, monitor, manage, and support the infrastructure & products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio.