Account Management Associate

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

Job title: Account Management Associate 
Contract type: Permanent 
Location: Home based – Multiple roles across England available (see territories listed below)

Salary band (North): £52,300 to £58,900
Salary band (South): £54,400 to £61,300
Working arrangements: Home based with daily field travel

You will play a key part in helping schools and colleges choose AQA as their trusted assessment partner. This is a sales role where you’ll promote AQA’s qualifications, support offer and insight tools across your geographical territory. 

As part of this role, you will build meaningful relationships with centres, understand what matters to teachers and leaders and position AQA’s value with clarity and confidence. You will also take ownership for activity and delivery across your territory, working independently day to day, in step with structured campaigns to engage centres in ways which strengthen their confidence in choosing AQA. 

Purpose of the role 

To deliver market share across the portfolio during Assessment reform within your allocated geographical territory.

You will build long term, trust based relationships with centres, helping them make informed choices about AQA’s qualifications, training and wider support offer. You’ll focus on understanding customer and centre needs, bringing insight into conversations and connecting educators with the right support. 

You’ll also guide centres through AQA’s support and analytics tools, helping teachers and leaders make well‑informed decisions during reform and beyond.

What’s in it for you 

You will join a team that values curiosity, collaboration and supporting teachers and learners. In this role, you will have:

• A 35‑hour working week and 25 days’ holiday (increasing with service), plus bank holidays and Christmas closure
• An excellent contributory pension scheme (combined contributions up to 18.5%)
• Private medical insurance and access to AQA’s Health Care Cash Reward Plan
• Access to the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
• Up to 5 paid volunteering days each year

• A role where you directly influence how schools deliver qualifications and support young people’s learning across your region. 

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression
• The opportunity to take ownership of activity across your geographical territory, working independently day to day and making informed decisions that drive performance and long‑term engagement with AQA.

Key responsibilities 

• Deliver the activity and engagement required across your territory, using a clear plan for how you will work with centres to understand customer and centre needs, offer tailored support and strengthen long‑term engagement.
• Building trusted relationships with senior leaders, heads of department and other key influencers to understand their goals and provide insight led, consultative support. 

• Using customer, competitor and market insight to shape conversations, identify opportunities or risks and share valuable intelligence across AQA teams. 

• Working collaboratively with colleagues in Assessment, Customer Training and Events and Subject Support to ensure centres receive the right support at the right time. 
• Maintain accurate CRM and account records to support data‑led decision making

You’ll thrive in this role if you have: 

• Experience influencing decisions in schools or colleges (e.g., curriculum, departmental or leadership roles), or experience in consultative sales in the education sector
• The ability to quickly establish positive, professional relationships in both face‑to‑face and virtual settings.
• Demonstrable organisational skills to manage a busy workload across multiple priorities. 
• The ability to learn quickly, use data to inform decisions and adapt to new information or market changes. 
• A collaborative, open style when working with colleagues
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (regular travel is required)

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 experiences. 

What next? Application process 

Please upload your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and transferable skills.

Closing date: 29th March 2026

You’ll complete a short application questionnaire, followed by a two‑stage interview process (Teams, then face to face). Interview dates vary by territory:

M5 Corridor
• Teams: w/c 20 April 2026
• Face to face (Bristol): w/c 4 May 2026

Lancashire / Yorkshire
• Teams: w/c 20 April 2026
• Face to face (Manchester): w/c 4 May 2026

Central Territories
• Teams: w/c 13 April 2026
• Face to face (Milton Keynes): w/c 27 April 2026

Territories available

You will be asked to select your preferred territory during the application stage:

(Ideal locations in brackets).

• Lancashire (M6 corridor north of the M62)
• Yorkshire (Leeds, Wakefield, and surrounding areas)
• Birmingham (Birmingham / Coventry)
• East Midlands (Northampton / Milton Keynes / Bedford)
• Essex and East Anglia (Cambridge / Ipswich / Chelmsford)
• M4 Corridor (Slough / Reading / Oxford / Swindon)
• SouthWest (M5 Corridor, Bristol to Exeter)

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. AQA will arrange and cover the cost.

If you are currently an Associate of AQAs you would need to relinquish this post.

#PRO22

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 Account Management Associate is a customer‑facing sales role responsible for winning new business, retaining existing customers, and increasing market share within an assigned territory. The role focuses on developing strong customer relationships, identifying decision makers, and delivering sales targets through a consultative, customer‑centric approach.This role supports the delivery of the territory plan by working alongside an experienced Account Manager to create and execute account plans. Responsibilities include engaging with customers through face‑to‑face and remote channels, developing customer offers, resolving escalated account queries, negotiating agreements where appropriate, and analysing competitor and customer behaviour to inform sales planning. The role requires effective collaboration with Sales leadership, Key Account Managers, Inside Sales, Customer Training and Events, and Subject Support teams.
LandscapeOperating within the UK education and assessment market, the role requires understanding key stakeholders, influencers, and networks capable of supporting AQA’s objectives. The post holder must remain aware of Government legislation, Ofqual recommendations, and broader market trends. Close collaboration with external educators, policy advisors, and internal assessment and product teams is essential to maximise retention and acquisition opportunities.
Activities• Create and deliver a territory plan aligned to sales targets.
• Develop account plans for key schools and colleges.
• Engage with customers via face‑to‑face and digital channels to drive retention and acquisition.
• Work with Regional Sales Manager to negotiate agreements for key accounts.
• Analyse market intelligence to identify trends and opportunities.
• Identify stakeholders and networks influencing purchasing decisions.
• Review delivery of the territory plan, escalating risks as needed.
• Maintain accurate CRM records and utilise digital tools effectively.
• Comply with AQA policies and legislative requirements.
To Be Successful• Understanding of the exams market and wider education sector.
• Knowledge of AQA products, competitor offerings, and regulatory requirements.
• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong selling and negotiation skills using a consultative approach.
• Ability to build productive customer relationships and manage multiple accounts.
• Strong communication, presentation, analytical and CRM skills.
• Demonstration of AQA values: Customer First, Step Up, Shape Tomorrow, Work & Learn Together, Results Matter.
Full driving licence due to extensive travel across territory
Enhanced DBS required (and will be provided and paid for by AQA) as will be visiting schools and colleges.