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.

Sales Development Representative

6 months Fixed Term Contract

Manchester: £25,000 - £26,500 pro rata

Hybrid Working

Are you a confident, proactive sales professional who thrives on building meaningful relationships and delivering real value to customers?

At AQA, we’re not just selling a product - we’re transforming how schools approach learning through innovative technology. Our new digital maths platform helps teachers pinpoint learning gaps and support students on their journey to GCSE success. We’re looking for someone who can connect this powerful tool with the educators who need it most, making a real difference to students’ learning journeys.

That’s where you come in.

This isn’t a “smile and dial” sales job. You’ll be:

Identifying and nurturing leads - not just chasing them.
Running online demos that actually help people, not just tick boxes.
Collaborating with smart, mission-driven teams across AQA to make sure every customer touchpoint is seamless.
Helping schools solve real problems with real solutions.

You’ll need to be self-motivated, digitally fluent (Teams, Zoom, CRM—you know the drill), and genuinely interested in education. If you’ve worked in EdTech or assessment before, great. If not, we’ll train you, but you need to be experienced in sales for this contract.

What matters most? That you care about the customer, you’re curious, and you know how to build trust—remotely.

If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, be heard and thrive – here’s what we offer:

A 35-hour working week, with hybrid flexibility (2 days onsite).
25 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure and bank holidays.
Access to a refurbished office with gym, yoga studio, and café.
Professional development opportunities—many SDRs progress into Account Management roles.
A welcoming, inclusive culture where your voice matters.
You will be onsite for the first month to ensure you are fully trained and set up to succeed.

If you’re ready to bring your sales expertise to a role that truly matters—apply now and help us shape the future of education.

Upload your most recent CV along with a cover letter that brings your experience to life—show us how you've made a difference and what you’re proud to have achieved.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 16th November 2025

Interviews will be conducted in our Manchester office Thursday 20th November

All applications will be responded to.

#CRE23

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

AQA is much more than just an awarding organisation, our purpose is to advance education by enabling teachers and students to realise their potential. Our purpose is the reason AQA exists - we are here to make a positive difference in the world by bringing out the best in teachers and students.

As a Sales Development Representative you will play a critical role in driving business growth by generating new leads and driving customer acquisition for our innovative educational assessment services, leveraging an innovative technology platform.In this role you will collaborate with teams across AQA as a supportive partner to ensure customers receive industry leading support at every stage of their customers journey. This is a critical role that requires the ability to gain an understanding of customer needs, educational technology and the education system.

To be successful in this role, you will need to be highly self-motivated and have a passion for delivering the best possible customer experience. You will demonstrate a customer centric mindset and a track record of delivering results in a dynamic environment. You will be organised, a strong communicator and possess excellent stakeholder skills which support you to engage and influence at multiple levels seniority.

Activities
You will be responsible for actively developing new sales, through proactive outbound customer contact; building relationships and engaging with prospective customers.

Primary duties include:
Identifying new opportunities to secure additional business with current customers.
Selling products and services via online (Microsoft Teams or Zoom) meetings, or via the phone and working with customers to ensure a smooth sale
Coordination with internal stakeholders to create a seamless customer experience across the sales, demonstration and onboarding.
Understanding the customers’ needs, identifying and resolving any issues.
Managing customer expectations
The post-holder will also be responsible for coordinating and actioning follow up activity such sending resources to the customers.

The role involves close collaboration with AQA Account Management and Subject Support teams, mainly through information sharing and following-up on leads generated or sharing leads.

Need to know – to be successful in this role you will need .
In-depth understanding of the EdTech market and the competitive landscape an advantage, but not essential. Training will be provided
Sound grasp of sales strategies, processes, and methodologies.
Demonstrable digital communication skills such as Teams/Zoom for product demonstrations and client meetings.
Proficiency in using CRM software, such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM .
Comprehensive understanding of the customer journey from acquisition to onboarding. Training will be provided.
Personal specification
Prior experience in a sales development role, EdTech or Assessment Services sector experience an advantage.
Demonstrated ability in achieving sales quotas and objectives.
Excellent listening, communication and negotiation skills.
Self-motivated & ambitious with a strong drive to succeed.
Exceptional remote people skills, capable of connecting and establishing rapport with clients and team members.
Commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment.