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.

Standardisation Administrator

Permanent. Full Time.

Manchester:  £24,240 - £25,500

Working arrangements: Hybrid - two days per week in our Manchester office (Wednesday is a mandatory office day, with the second day being your choice).

Do you enjoy supporting others, solving problems and being part of a team that makes a real difference to students and teachers across the country?

As a Standardisation Administrator, you'll support a wide range of face-to-face and online standardisation activities each year, helping to ensure assessment outcomes remain fair, accurate and consistent for learners across the UK.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity to join a collaborative team where your organisational skills, attention to detail and customer-focused approach will make a real impact.

Working closely with examiners, moderators, colleagues and external partners, you'll help deliver activities that are central to AQA's assessment process.

You'll also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across AQA and support seasonal staff during peak delivery periods, gaining valuable leadership experience.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate and support the delivery of standardisation activities, meetings and events.
• Prepare, produce and collate training and standardisation materials used by examiners and moderators nationwide.
• Provide excellent customer service and resolve queries from associates and stakeholders.
• Produce and maintain accurate reports, records and operational documentation.
• Build effective working relationships with internal teams, associates and external suppliers.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality work.
• Experience in an administration, coordination or customer service-focused role.
• Confidence communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, and the ability to work effectively within established processes while remaining adaptable and proactive.

What's in it for you?

You'll be joining a supportive and experienced team with opportunities to broaden your skills, build relationships across the organisation and develop valuable operational, customer service and leadership experience.

We offer:

• A 35-hour working week with flexible, hybrid working.
• 25 days annual leave, plus additional Christmas closure days.
• Up to 18.5% combined pension contribution.
• Private Medical Insurance and Healthcare Cash Plan.
• Up to four volunteering days per year.
• Opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and develop leadership experience during peak assessment periods.
• A collaborative culture with excellent levels of colleague support and retention.

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 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 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

Please apply by submitting your CV and covering letter by 23:59 on Sunday 27 September.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if sufficient suitable applications are received. Early application is encouraged.

Our interview process consists of two stages: a self-recorded video interview, followed by a face-to-face interview at our Manchester office.

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.

#LI-LH1 #MCRE

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

To support the team to prepare associates and develop strong relationships that lead to timely and accurate marking.Key result areas:

Customer (external or internal)

Timely and excellent customer service is provided when liaising with schools and associates using CRM systems and dealing with general queries.
Be flexible and responsive; take control of dealing with customers and associates both face to face and over the phone – agreeing actions with them and ensuring these are followed through.

Product and internal processes

Support the completion of key activities that are identified in the department plan.
Keep waste to a minimum and look for opportunities to reduce costs without compromising on our agreed service to customers and associates.
Ensure AQA is safe and legally compliant by applying AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements including but not limited to HSE, Equal Opportunities and ISMS.

People and culture

Approach duties with a high degree of preparation and professionalism so that customers and associates have a great experience of AQA at every opportunity
Be the professional representative of AQA’s brand to our associates; both face to face and over the phone.
Lead a small group of temporary staff on one or more processes during peak periods to support the delivery of results to agreed time and quality parameters, including reporting and meeting internal and external SLAs.
Produces high levels of performance from direct reports and teams by modelling leadership behaviours with confidence and providing clarity, challenge, feedback, coaching and development in line with business objectives.
Drive personal performance, to achieve personal and organisational goals.

Key internal relationships:
Colleagues and associates
Customer Services
Orders Data Control and Results team
Resource Management team
Logistics teams across all departments

Key external relationships:
Schools and colleges
Associates

Key performance indicators:
Build exceptional relationships with our internal and external customer
Proactive with the ability to adapt to deliver the highest levels of customer situations and maintains high levels of empathy and professionalism.
Escalate potential issues in a timely manner


Person profile

Knowledge

P - Understanding of relevant supply chain/end to end process best practice
P - Broad understanding of the political, educational and business context within which AQA works
A - Good working knowledge and understanding of administrative procedures and office IT applications

Qualification

A - Educated to degree level or experience in a similar role

Skills

A/I - Organise and supervise groups of staff
A/I - Implement change positively
I - Customer focused – deliver the best outcome from the customer perspective
I - Track record in contributing to and delivering departmental plans and targets
A - Great IT skills; accurate and proficient user of MS Office and database systems
P - Good attention to detail who communicates effectively, verbally and in writing

Behaviours

I/P - Communication
I/P - Flexibility
I/P - Customer focused
I/P - Personal contribution
I/P - Continuous excellence


Experience

A/I - Experience of working in a busy office environment or equivalent
I - Experience of supporting the successful delivery of business change
P - Experience of supporting the delivery of new processes or new technologies
A - Experience of delivering to multiple deadlines
I - Experience of working under pressure to deliver quality outcomes


Assessment key (criteria to be assessed at the selection stage)
A – application (it is essential to provide evidence on application for shortlisting purposes)
I - interview
T – test (or work sample)
P – probation