Quality Assurance and Testing Lead

AQA; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational assessment organization is seeking a Quality Assurance & Testing Lead to unify QA processes and ensure quality across various digital platforms. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in digital testing, strong leadership skills, and the ability to guide teams towards a self-service approach. This hybrid role offers competitive salary options based on location and numerous benefits including a generous pension and collaborative work culture.

Benefits

Fantastic pension (up to 11.5% employer contributions)

25 days annual leave plus additional time off

Extensive online learning platform

Opportunities for volunteering days

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in quality assurance and testing in a digital environment.
• Strong leadership skills for unifying and guiding a collaborative team.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the consolidation of QA processes into a single, streamlined function.
• Oversee testing across a wide range of devices and browsers.
• Develop and implement comprehensive QA strategies and standards.

Skills

Deep experience in digital QA and testing

Strong leadership and communication skills

A strategic mindset with a sharp eye for detail

Confidence in cross-device/browser testing environments

Job description

Overview

Quality Assurance & Testing Lead

Fixed Term Contract until April 2026

Location and salary: Guildford £36,500 - £40,000; Manchester £35,000 - £38,000. Hybrid Working.

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and our people. We mark over 10 million exam papers each year, and it’s our people who make this happen.

Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming how quality assurance is done? If you’re a QA expert who thrives on structure, strategy, and solving complex problems — this is your moment. You don’t just test software—you elevate it.

Responsibilities

• Lead the consolidation of QA processes into a single, streamlined function.
• Design and implement testing strategies that support our shift to self-service platforms.
• Oversee testing across a wide range of devices and browsers.

What you’ll bring

• Deep experience in digital QA and testing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A strategic mindset with a sharp eye for detail.
• Confidence in cross-device/browser testing environments.
• Bonus points if you’ve worked with sanity.io or self-service platforms.

Benefits and culture

There are lots of company benefits, including a fantastic pension (up to 11.5% employer contributions), a 35 hour working week, 25 days annual leave with additional office closure in December and bank holidays on top, the opportunity to join many network groups (LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, parents and carers, disAbility, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic diversity and more), an extensive online learning platform, days for volunteering, free parking and good transport links, and more. 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.

You’ll gain exposure to impactful work that shapes the future of digital education and will have opportunities for growth and development in a truly collaborative environment.

Eligibility and deployment

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the consolidation of QA processes into a single, cohesive function.
• Developing and implementing comprehensive QA strategies and standards.
• Testing oversight across devices and browsers to ensure quality and consistency as we move toward self-service.

Need to know

• Extensive experience in quality assurance and testing in a digital environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Proficiency in testing across various devices and browsers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in developing and implementing QA strategies and standards.

Desirable skills

• Familiarity with self-service platforms and the QA challenges they present.

Application details

Please note that the role is hybrid and you will need to live within a commutable distance of either the Manchester or Guildford offices.

Application deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 30th September

Interviews will be over two stages — a Teams call followed by a face-to-face interview at the beginning of October 2025.

EEO and recruitment

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. 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.

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 Quality Assurance & Testing Lead at AQA is a transformative role that consolidates quality assurance efforts across the team into a singular, cohesive position. This role oversees comprehensive testing across various devices and browsers, ensuring quality and consistency as AQA advances towards a more self-service oriented approach. The Quality Assurance & Testing Lead is pivotal in establishing robust QA processes and standards, enhancing the reliability and performance of AQA’s digital experience.

Landscape

This role is a key position within the Web Operations Team, centralising the quality assurance function. The QA Lead will be responsible for unifying the QA processes, bringing together different aspects of testing under one umbrella. This role involves close collaboration with development teams and stakeholders to ensure that all digital products meet the highest quality standards.

Activities

A Process Consolidation and Leadership: Unify and lead the QA processes across the team. Develop and implement comprehensive QA strategies and standards. Testing Oversight: Oversee testing on various devices and browsers. Responsible for ensuring quality and consistency in line with AQA’s move towards self-service. Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with development teams to integrate QA processes. Communicate effectively with stakeholders about QA standards and outcomes. Continuous Improvement: Continually assess and improve QA processes and methodologies.

Need to Know

Extensive experience in quality assurance and testing in a digital environment. Strong leadership skills with the ability to unify and guide a collaborative team. Strong communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement. Proficiency in testing across various devices and browsers. Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Experience in developing and implementing QA strategies and standards.

Desirable Skills

Familiarity with self-service platforms and the unique QA challenges they present.