Software Delivery Manager

Software Delivery Manager Permanent Manchester

£65,000 - £75,000 Hybrid (2 days a week in the office)

You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of AQA’s assessment technology. This is your chance to lead impactful software delivery that supports millions of learners every year. At AQA, you’ll join the assessment technology group in Manchester. This team manages the systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE and A-level results every year. You’ll oversee changes to a software product suite that supports the full lifecycle of exams, from entries through to post‑results services, as well as an integration product built on Azure Integration Services that keeps data secure and reliable across all AQA systems and third parties.

You’ll lead the delivery of change for software products within AQA’s Assessment Technology portfolio. Your work will ensure our systems remain reliable, innovative, and aligned with our mission to deliver world‑class assessments. Working with internal teams and trusted suppliers, you’ll make sure change is delivered on time, to a high standard, and with continuous improvement at the heart of how you work.

• Leading delivery teams to develop and support strategically aligned software products, driving agile and lean practices, to agreed metrics.
• Facilitating PI planning and Scrum of Scrums to ensure alignment and optimise workflow.
• Managing risks, escalating impediments, and driving continuous improvement across delivery processes.

• Strong experience in software delivery within agile and scaled agile environments.
• Technical knowledge to assess and innovate across diverse software technologies.
• Ability to lead teams through complex, time‑sensitive challenges.
• Experience delivering in high‑stakes, regulated environments.
• A passion for continuous improvement, innovative problem‑solving and embracing AI within the SDLC.

At AQA we value your contribution and we’ll make sure you feel supported and rewarded. You’ll get:

• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
• 35‑hour working week with flexible working arrangements
• An excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution)
• Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash plan
• Enhanced maternity and paternity schemes
• Access to professional and personal development whenever you need it

At AQA, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. We value the different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds our people bring, knowing they strengthen our culture, decision‑making and impact. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone is treated with respect, has access to opportunities to grow and contribute, and feels able to be themselves.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

This role is accountable for leading the delivery of change for software products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio, both planned and as a result of production support, using internal and 3rd party software development teams. Inspiring a culture of trust, learning, innovation and continuous improvement, this role will promote collective ownership and delivery excellence.

This role reports to the Head of Software Delivery – EP&I (HoSD – EP&I).

Landscape:
The Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments. The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE…