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.

Assessment Analyst

Permanent

Manchester: £32,780 - £37,830
Guildford: £34,140 - £ 39,390

Hybrid Remote

Do you love diving into data and pulling out insights that can drive real change?

If you have solid software development knowledge, experience coding in Python, Alteryx or R and strong analytical thinking skills to interpret complex data and improve processes, this could be your next role.

Primarily, you will be using your skills in data analysis to support the Assessment teams in AQA, to ensure that the functioning of our exams continuously improves year-on-year, meaning that we never let a learner down. You will be able to share your knowledge and expertise with other areas of the business through presentations, team meetings and in formal written documentation.

What’s in it for me?

• Opportunity to work with assessment processes that impact the future of millions of learners.

• You will have access from day one to an incredible pension scheme with employee and employer contributions jointly totalling, up to 18.5%

• 25 days annual leave, rising a day per year for your first five years with Bank Holidays and additional closure days at Christmas.

• AQA work in a smart hybrid way. This team are in the office for a minimum of two days per week or as business dictates - meetings are more productive in person, so you will need to live within a commutable distance of the Guildford or Manchester office.

• You will also benefit from Private Medical Insurance and a Health Care Cash Reward Plan as well paid volunteering days.

• You will working in our newly refurbished office spaces and have access to a gym, a games room and a yoga studio at our Manchester office as well as discounts at a variety of eateries at our Guildford office.

What will I need to succeed?

• Advanced data skills: You excel at working with data, tools like PowerBI, or programming languages like Python, Alteryx or R, to interrogate large and complex data sets to provide valuable insights.

• Strong analytical thinking: You can interpret complex data, both quantitative and qualitative, to inform sound decision-making and help improve our processes.

• Exceptional communication skills: You can clearly explain complex assessment issues in a way that resonates with a variety of stakeholders, ensuring understanding and supporting action.

• Collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement: You have experience working with diverse stakeholders, identifying their needs and delivering practical solutions that have impact and improve outcomes.

• Expert knowledge of assessment practices and regulations: You’re familiar with assessment practices in England and understand how the regulatory environment impacts assessment design and delivery.

What’s Next?
Please upload your most recent CV with a cover letter detailing your skills and experience for this role.

You could wait until applications close at 23:59 on 30/10/24 to apply, but we will be interviewing as applications come in and reserve the right to close the advert early should we find the right person so apply today.

Every application will receive a response.

#CRE23

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:

AQA has a wealth of data which supports its mission to continuously improve assessment. The Assessment analyst will support AQA’s Assessment Development, Assessment Production and Assessment Design functions to deliver the highest possible quality assessment to our customer, to help AQA achieve its core value “to never let a learner down”. This will be achieved by analysing and understanding assessment performance and identifying issues which need to be addressed. The post holder will be also be expected to contribute to identifying the root cause of problems in assessment and be innovative thinker in developing creative solution to solve these problems. The post holder will also be expected to share knowledge and expertise with other areas of the business through demonstrations, team meetings, etc as well as formal written documentation.Landscape: This technical analytical role sits in the Assessment Development team, and you will be reporting to Head of Assessment Development. You will in be a team of nine, working with one other Assessment Analyst, but also working closely with Assessment Design and our Data Analytics team.

Activities:
Apply and develop specialist knowledge of appropriate software, technologies and data analysis techniques to drive improvements in assessment.
Assist other team members on business and analysis in driving personal and professional development to facilitate cross skilling in the team, identify ways to continually improve team processes and ways of working and support the Head of Assessment Development and the Assessment Development Leads in the efficient running of the department and ensuring the highest possible quality assessment to our customers.
Carry out root cause analysis and identify the heart of the problem which needs addressing in assessment materials
Assist with the maintenance and development of AQA’s Assessment Insight Tool (using PowerBI)
Analyse and synthesise diverse data and information, including statistical data and qualitative information, to help Assessment Design Managers make recommendations to associates in the face of complex and/or incomplete evidence
collaborate with other colleagues to determine best practice and to facilitate further learning and development from peers and managers
Support project work as appropriate.
Ensure all documents and data are comprehensive, consistent and accessible and are appropriate in order for the intended operational benefits to be achieved
Support the work of Assessment Design Managers and Chief Examiners in their contribution to the review of assessment performance.
To collaborate with the Heads of Assessment Design and Assessment Development in dealing with cross-subject issues and project work.
To build and foster strong working relationships with colleagues and key business stakeholders and throughout AQA
Where business needs change, to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this job description
To model AQA’s values and behaviours
To comply with all AQA’s policies and other legislative requirements.

Need to know (to be successful in this role, you will need to know):
A strong understanding of AQA's business and/or processes
An understanding of assessment analysis techniques and the ability to analyse and produce accurate data consumable by business stakeholders which contributes towards the improvement of the assessment process.
Ability to support the creation of robust data that bring value to the organisation
Ability to think analytically and to interpret complex quantitative and qualitative information to support sound decision-making
An understanding of assessment practice in England
An understanding of the regulatory environment in which AQA operates and likely impact of the regulator on assessment and product design
Knowledge of assessment design and delivery best practice
An understanding of assessment products and practice in AQA and limitations and advantages of different systems of assessment delivery
An understanding of continuous improvement and quality management principles and practice
Good communications skills to create and explain a succinct and coherent view of complex assessment issues.
Advanced knowledge of Excel or knowledge of a programming language such as R or Python

Demonstrates good interpersonal skills in a variety of situations
A degree-level qualification in an analytical, technical or mathematical discipline, or equivalent professional experience
Proven aural, oral and written communication skills to explain issues to the relevant business stakeholder with different levels of expertise.
Demonstrates resilience and calmness under pressure to meet tight deadlines in complex contexts
Demonstrates proactive collaborative working across functional areas to deliver shared goals
Experience of delivering tasks at a high level of quality, at different stages of the project lifecycle
Demonstrates good interpersonal skills in a variety of situations
Receive feedback and learn from mistakes for continuous self-development
Experience of working with a variety of stakeholders to understand their needs and identifying solutions to take forward.
Be results focused, to make pragmatic decision and deliver at pace.