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.
Product Owner
24-month Fixed Term Contract
Manchester: £52,763 - £58,913
Milton Keynes: £54,938 - £61,343
Hybrid – 2 x days a week in the office
Introduction
You’ll join AQA at a pivotal moment as we reshape the future of digital assessment at a national scale. Our work underpins GCSEs and A‑levels across the country, meaning the products you help deliver have a real and immediate impact on learners, teachers and schools. You’ll be part of a world‑leading education organisation that’s investing in modern, resilient and accessible digital assessment solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team that’s helping to define how assessment evolves for years to come.
Purpose of the role
You’ll play a central role in developing digital products that directly support teachers and schools, ultimately improving outcomes for learners. As part of the rapidly expanding Assessment Technology team, you’ll help deliver mission‑critical systems that sit at the heart of AQA’s strategic transformation. You’ll work closely with cross‑functional teams to shape solutions that are reliable, intuitive and grounded in real user needs. You’ll also contribute to AQA’s responsible approach to innovation, particularly around AI, ensuring that new technology enhances the assessment experience in an ethical and sustainable way.
Key responsibilities
In this role, you'll be responsible for:
- Prioritising and managing the product backlog to deliver meaningful outcomes.
- Working closely with development teams to provide clear, actionable user stories and requirements.
- Maintaining a strong understanding of user needs and incorporating feedback into product improvements.
- Partnering with stakeholders to align delivery with organisational strategy and goals.
- Supporting sprint planning, refinement and release activities to ensure high‑quality delivery.
What we are looking for
You’ll thrive here if you enjoy collaborating with cross‑functional teams and delivering meaningful outcomes in a technology‑focused environment.
- Strong understanding of product management within a software or technology context.
- Confidence working with cross‑functional teams and technical stakeholders.
- Ability to plan, organise and prioritise effectively.
- A collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering value.
What’s in it for you
You’ll join a collaborative team built on autonomy, trust and shared purpose, with opportunities to shape the future of digital assessment.
- Meaningful impact through work on nationally significant digital assessment systems.
- Opportunities for career progression within a growing function.
- 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas
- a 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
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.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV along with a short cover statement outlining your interest.
Application deadline: Monday 1st June 2026
Interview process:
- Stage 1: Microsoft Teams interview
- Stage 2: Face-to-face interview at our Manchester or Milton Keynes office
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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.
Full Job Description
Summary
Purpose:
As a Product Owner within the Product Team of Assessment Technology, you will play a crucial role in driving the development and delivery of our Assessment and Ed Tech products. Your contributions and insights will be critical to impacting how we revolutionise the assessment experience for learners, educators, and external stakeholders, delivering quality products that customers love to use.Landscape:
The Product Owner role is positioned within the Assessment Technology department, with a focus on ensuring the successful implementation of innovative solutions in line with our strategic objectives. The role works closely with the Product Manager, translating their product vision into key deliverables. The Product Owner will hold strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, acting as a crucial bridge between the business areas, customers and development teams.
Activities:
Work closely with the Product Manager to support translation of their product vision, strategy and roadmap
Prioritise and manage the product backlog, incorporating feedback and new requirements
Manage the product backlog, sprint planning, and release cycles in an agile environment
Work closely with development teams, providing clear direction and actionable guidance
Monitor market trends and user feedback to inform product enhancements
Communicate product status, key milestones, and risks to relevant stakeholders
Deliver quality products and outcomes – as recognised by the customer
To be successful in this role, you will need to know:
Proven experience in product ownership within a technology-driven environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and data-driven decision-making
Proven track record in working with third party suppliers and technical specialists
Ability to effectively communicate and influence cross-functional teams, with exceptional stakeholder management capabilities
Familiarity with Agile methodologies and a track record of delivering high-quality products at a fast pace
knowledge of Ed Tech and the education landscape would be advantageous
