Shift team Leader

AQA; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning & development

Annual leave 25–30 days + Christmas

11.5% pension contribution

BUPA healthcare support

Wellbeing programmes

Volunteering opportunities

Overtime & shift premium

Job summary

AQA in Milton Keynes is seeking an Operations Shift Team Leader to oversee a team of Operations Coordinators year-round and a larger seasonal workforce during peak exam periods. You will ensure processes are efficient, accurate and timely, while shaping a high-performing team culture.

The role offers leadership development within a major UK examination processing operation and opportunities to influence cross-functional improvements across the business.

Qualifications

• Experience leading, supervising a team in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to interpret data to support decision making and performance improvement.
• Proactive approach to problem solving and driving positive change.

Responsibilities

• Leading, developing and supporting a team of Operations Coordinators and a larger seasonal workforce during peak periods.
• Managing operational performance, ensuring productivity, quality and service targets are achieved.
• Using data and operational insight to identify trends, solve problems and improve performance.
• Supporting workforce planning, training and resource management to meet operational demand.
• Creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing team environment where colleagues can thrive.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality and colleague experience.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Data interpretation

Problem solving

Change management

Performance coaching

Job description

Looking for a leadership role where you can make a real impact?

At AQA, we don't just process examination scripts, we help millions of learners receive the qualifications that shape their futures. As an Operations Shift Team Leader, you'll lead teams, improve processes and play a key role in delivering one of the UK's largest examination processing operations. At AQA, this role is known as a Shift Team Leader.

What's in it for you?

By joining AQA, you'll make a genuine difference to the lives of millions of learners while developing your own career.

Our benefits include:

• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• 25 days' annual leave rising to 30, plus Christmas closure days.
• A comprehensive benefits package including up to 11.5 percent pension contribution, BUPA healthcare support, wellbeing programmes and volunteering opportunities.
• Overtime and shift premium opportunities during peak operational periods
• Employee networks supporting wellbeing, disability, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ and women's development

What makes this role particularly exciting?

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build on their leadership experience within a unique operation. You'll lead a team of Operations Coordinators year-round and support a larger seasonal workforce during peak exam periods, helping ensure examination scripts are processed accurately, securely and on time

You’ll have the opportunity to influence operational performance, improve processes and work with colleagues across the business to deliver successful exam series. For approximately six weeks each year, between May and July, the operation runs extended hours, including day and night shifts, Monday to Saturday, offering valuable experience leading larger teams during our busiest period.

In this role, you will be responsible for:

• Leading, developing and supporting a team of Operations Coordinators and a larger seasonal workforce during peak periods.
• Managing operational performance, ensuring productivity, quality and service targets are achieved.
• Using data and operational insight to identify trends, solve problems and improve performance
• Supporting workforce planning, training and resource management to meet operational demand.
• Creating a positive, inclusive and high-performing team environment where colleagues can thrive.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality and colleague experience.

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience leading, supervising a team in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong people leadership and communication skills
• The ability to interpret data and use information to support decision making and performance improvement.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and driving positive change.
• Experience managing performance and developing others.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive team environment.
• Experience identifying and implementing improvements to processes, systems or ways of working.

Diversity and inclusion statement

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 experience

Closing date for applications is Sunday 20th September

The selection process will include two stages:

An initial online interview w/c 28th September 2026

A face-to-face interview in Milton Keynes w/c 5th October 2026