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.
Change Implementation Lead
Permanent
Manchester
Salary: £60,000 - £66,000
Hybrid Working – min 2 days in office
Make change happen where it really matters
Change at AQA is about more than programmes and plans. It is about helping people succeed, improving how we work, and making sure change actually sticks.
We are looking for a Change Implementation Lead who enjoys bringing complex change to life and working with leaders to turn ambition into action.
In this role, you will lead the implementation of change across a varied portfolio of initiatives. You will work closely with senior leaders and delivery teams to shape realistic implementation approaches, understand impacts, support teams through change and embed new ways of working.
This is a hands-on role where you will both lead and deliver. You will design and produce clear implementation strategies, assess change impacts, shape training and readiness plans, and support leaders to take ownership of change delivery.
You will also play a key role in building change capability across AQA by coaching colleagues, sharing good practice, and setting clear standards for what good implementation looks like.
What’s in it for you?
By joining AQA, a leading independent education charity, you actually make a difference in the lives of millions of learners. There are lots of company benefits, including private medical insurance, 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 lots of network groups (LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, disAbility, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic minority and more) an extensive online learning platform, days for volunteering and more.
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 you will be doing
Leading the planning and delivery of change implementation activities across multiple initiatives.
Working with business leaders to develop realistic, achievable implementation plans.
Producing key change deliverables such as implementation strategies, impact assessments, readiness and training approaches.
Coaching leaders and teams to build confidence and capability in change delivery.
Identifying and managing implementation risks and supporting effective decision making.
Contributing to a strong change implementation community across AQA.
What we are looking for
Strong practical experience of leading change implementation in complex environments.
Confidence applying change management tools and approaches in real delivery settings.
Experience working across multiple projects or initiatives at the same time.
Ability to influence, coach and challenge senior stakeholders positively.
Experience of leading others, including matrix management.
A pragmatic, delivery‑focused mindset with a strong focus on outcomes and people.
We welcome applications from candidates from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds. We are interested in how you apply change principles and support people through change, not just the organisation or industry you come from.
Action
Apply now to be part of a team that is focused on making change work for people, not just processes. Upload your most recent CV with a cover letter outlining your suitability for this role at AQA.
Applications will close at 23:59 on Tuesday 5 May 2026
Interviews will be in the Manchester office in the week beginning 18 May. You will be asked to present on a topic followed by questions exploring your skills, values and experience.
If you are motivated by meaningful change and want to help AQA deliver improvements that support learners, educators and colleagues, we would love to hear from you.
All applications will receive a written response
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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.
Summary
Purpose: This role will be required to lead implementation workstreams across the portfolio initiatives. Ensuring that both the Business Change Hub delivery team and business leaders are implementing changes following best practices. Consulting and business partnering with business leaders to ensure they have the knowledge and capabilities to identify impacts, engage stakeholders, design and deliver effective training and adopt the new ways of working.