Strategic Planning & Delivery Lead

Strategic Planning & Delivery Lead Permanent London / Milton Keynes: 60,600 - 80,000 Manchester: 58,200 - 77,900 Hybrid - typically 2 days per week in the office Introduction You will play a pivotal role at a time of significant ambition and change. As Strategic Planning & Delivery Lead, you will sit at the heart of AQA's vocational strategy, helping to turn big-picture priorities into real, delivered outcomes by personally owning and delivering priority pieces of work, not just coordinating others. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys taking ownership of complex work, driving it through delivery, and being accountable for results. Purpose of the role In this role, you will help drive AQA's vocational agenda by bringing together planning, governance and delivery while personally owning a portfolio of strategic initiatives and seeing them through end-to-end across our vocational subsidiaries. You will provide a single, joined-up view of what is happening, alongside direct responsibility for delivering agreed priorities as a business owner. Your work will directly support AQA's mission to deliver trusted qualifications and support learners of all abilities by ensuring our vocational strategy is well planned, well governed and well delivered. Key responsibilities In this role, you'll be responsible for: Owning and delivering a portfolio of strategic projects across the vocational portfolio, taking a hands-on approach to project management and ensuring priorities are delivered on time and to a high standard Leading planning and governance across the department, while retaining direct accountability for delivery of agreed priorities Holding a holistic view of delivery across subsidiaries, intervening directly where required to unblock issues and recover delivery at risk What we are looking for You will thrive in this role if you: Have proven experience delivering complex projects and programmes, with the confidence to take ownership and see things through Are comfortable working with senior stakeholders, able to influence, challenge and build strong, trusted relationships Bring strong organisational skills and experience of planning, risk or governance processes in a complex environment Are curious, pragmatic and comfortable navigating ambiguity while keeping sight of the bigger picture What's in it for you This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and deliver work that really matters. You will benefit from: The chance to work on high-impact strategic initiatives that influence the future of vocational education Exposure to senior leaders and opportunities to broaden your experience across AQA Group 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and additional closure days at Christmas. A 35hour working week with flexible working arrangements. An excellent contributory pension scheme (6%-11.5% depending on your contribution). 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 and cover letter. Applications close on Wednesday 22nd April. First stage will be held via MS Teams w/c 27th April Second stage interviews will be held in-person w/c 4th May #PRO22 TPBN1_UKTJ

Created: 2026-04-09