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: Marking Administrator
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester
Salary: £24,000 to £26,200
Working arrangements: Hybrid – minimum two days a week in the office

 Are you looking for a role where your organisation and problem‑solving skills help millions of learners get the results they’re counting on?

As our Marking Administrator, you'll join a team that plays a key role in delivering accurate and timely marking for millions of learners each year. You'll make a meaningful impact through work that is fast paced, varied and purpose driven.

You'll support the delivery of marking across multiple platforms to help ensure learners receive results they can trust. You'll contribute to high-quality marking operations that help AQA deliver fair assessments for learners of all abilities, as well as supporting continuous improvement and process‑focused work outside of the marking series.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

• Supporting the preparation and coordination of examiners to ensure accurate and timely marking
• Building positive relationships with examiners through regular phone and email contact, providing guidance and support
• Monitoring progress reports, resolving issues and helping keep delivery on track
• Working collaboratively to support smooth and compliant marking processes
• Training and supporting a small team of temporary staff during peak periods to deliver key marking outcomes

What we are looking for

You’ll thrive in this role if you bring:

• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Clear communication skills and a customer focused approach
• Adaptability and resilience when handling challenges
• Attention to detail with a focus on quality and compliance
• Confidence using IT systems to solve problems and support delivery
• The ability to contribute to continuous improvement and manage process work collaboratively outside of live marking periods

What’s in it for you

You’ll gain valuable experience in a role where your work has real impact on learners and educators.

• Opportunities to develop your skills and broaden your experience
• Meaningful work that supports fair and accurate results for learners
• A supportive and collaborative team culture
• Flexible working arrangements to help balance work and life
• The chance to contribute to continuous improvement across operations

Our commitment to inclusion

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.

Application process

• To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role by 23.59 on Friday 9th October.

• Interviews will take place during the week commencing 19 October in the Manchester office.
• Anticipated start date: Monday 9 November 26.

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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:
The Marking Administrator plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of the marking processes. This role involves providing high-quality administrative support to associates, managing queries, and maintaining accurate data. The role requires a proactive and organised approach to task management, particularly during peak periods, where responsibilities include training and coordinating temporary staff to meet critical deadlines. Outside of series, the postholder contributes to process improvement initiatives and may support other operational teams. This is a varied and collaborative role that supports the delivery of accurate and timely results, contributing to the overall success of the marking function.Landscape:
The Marking Team is responsible for managing and delivering approximately eleven million exam papers across three series each year. With a core team of thirty-four dedicated permanent staff, supported by a large seasonal workforce during the summer, they operate across three key platforms: CMI, E2, and MEP.
Administrators play a pivotal role in planning and preparing for delivery, monitoring progress, and proactively resolving issues to ensure marking stays on track. The team demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and accountability, working collaboratively to meet tight deadlines and uphold high standards.
By building trusted relationships and using data intelligently, the team ensures results are delivered accurately and on time. Their work supports associates, learners, and internal teams, and they collaborate closely with CRM and Puzzle to drive continuous improvement. The team embodies values of integrity, adaptability, and teamwork, consistently striving to deliver a reliable and learner-focused service.

Activities:
Support the preparation and coordination of associates to ensure timely and accurate marking
Provide excellent customer service to associates via puzzel and CRM systems
Train and lead small groups of temporary staff during peak periods to deliver key marking processes
Monitor progress and escalate issues to ensure deadlines and quality standards are achieved
Contribute to departmental plans and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensuring marking activities are compliant with AQA’s conditions of recognition
Contribute actively to marking-related initiatives, including project work, team meetings, and collaborative activities that support delivery goals
Collaborate closely with internal teams such as Customer Services, Associate Management, Operational Data, Reconciliation and Print and Logistics to ensure smooth delivery of marking processes

To be successful in this role, you will need to:
.
Demonstrate strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently, especially during busy marking periods.
Deliver excellent customer service and communicate clearly with associates and internal teams using systems like Puzzel and CRM.
Stay adaptable and resilient, remaining calm and flexible when handling unexpected challenges or changes.
Lead and support small teams with confidence, working collaboratively to ensure smooth delivery of marking processes.
Maintain a sharp eye for detail and a strong focus on quality to ensure marking meets compliance and performance standards.
Contribute to continuous improvement, actively supporting process enhancements and departmental initiatives outside of series.
Take proactive ownership of decisions, assessing situations quickly and resolving issues effectively.
Work independently with confidence, while also being a reliable team player who contributes positively to team goals.
Own your goals and personal development, seeking feedback and opportunities to gain experience within the role.
Use strong IT skills, confidently navigating multiple systems and tools to manage data, solve problems, and support delivery.