Software Delivery Manager

Overview

Software Delivery ManagerPermanent • Manchester: £63,000.00–£72,800.00 plus excellent benefits • Hybrid (2 days a week in the office)Introduction: Are you an experienced software delivery manager with an outcome-focused approach? Do you want to use your skills to make a real difference in people’s lives?At AQA, you’ll join the assessment technology group in Manchester. This team manages the systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE and A-level results every year. You’ll oversee software that supports the full lifecycle of exams, from entries through to post-results services, as well as an integration product built on Azure Integration Services that keeps data secure and reliable across all AQA systems and third parties.Purpose of the role

You’ll lead the delivery of software products that are critical to AQA’s mission. Working with internal teams and trusted suppliers, you’ll ensure change is delivered on time, to a high standard, and with continuous improvement at the heart of how you work.Key responsibilities

Lead cross-functional delivery teams to plan, develop, and support software productsEncourage collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement across the teamsIncrease quality through continuous improvement of: processes, people, and technologyFacilitate Product Increment (PI) planning and executionRun Scrum of Scrums meetings and keep workflows efficientEscalate issues, manage risks, and ensure governance is in placeAgree the scope and frequency of software releasesEnsure delivery aligns with ISO9001, ISO27001, and AQA policiesManage supplier delivery contracts and relationshipsProvide clear reporting on progress and performanceSupport financial, risk, business continuity, and information security processesKeep your own professional development up to dateWhat we’re looking for

Strong experience delivering software in agile and lean environments, including scaled agileEvidence of driving continuous improvement initiatives to improve delivery outcomesSolid technical knowledge across a range of software technologies, processes, and platformsA structured approach to problem solving, with the ability to help teams tackle complex challenges in time-pressured situationsExperience working in high-stakes or regulated environmentsCuriosity and a genuine interest in using technology to solve business problemsA passion for making delivery better, more reliable, and more dependableWhat’s in it for you

25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at ChristmasA 35-hour working week with flexible working arrangementsAn excellent contributory pension scheme (6%–11.5% depending on your contribution)Life assurance, BUPA PMI, and health cash planEnhanced maternity and paternity schemesAccess to professional and personal development whenever you need itDiversity and inclusion

AQA is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all colleagues have equal opportunities to thrive. This isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential to how we serve teachers and students across the country. We’ve set ambitious goals, and now we need someone like you to help us meet them.Application process

Closing date for applications is Monday 22nd September 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and the role may close early.Further information

To apply, please use our online portal. Every applicant will receive a written response.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 DescriptionSummaryThis role is accountable for leading the delivery of change for software products within the AQA Assessment Technology portfolio, both planned and as a result of production support, using internal and 3rd party software development teams. Inspiring a culture of trust, learning, innovation and continuous improvement, this role will promote collective ownership and delivery excellence. This role reports to the Head of Software Delivery – EPandI (HoSD – EPandI).LandscapeThe Assessment Technology group reports directly into the Chief Executive Officer. The group operates in close partnership with the Enterprise Technology and Central Hubs departments. The Assessment Technology group is responsible for the operational systems that deliver over 3 million GCSE and A-level results annually. It includes the technology for assessment design and production, and the full lifecycle of exams series delivery from entry to post-results services. Given the seasonal nature and criticality of the Summer exams series, the role may also be required to provide hands-on leadership through critical issues during the Summer series on occasions.TeamWhilst this role may not provide direct line management, through matrix management the Software Delivery Manager will work closely with business analysts, developers, test analysts, and other roles, both internally and from suppliers, who are responsible for the delivery of planned change and software support for the strategic and mission-critical systems that underpin AQA’s core assessment proposition.Key relationshipsRegular stakeholder engagement across all levels and locations is required, with national and international travel where necessary.ActivitiesSoftware Delivery: Leading delivery teams to develop and support strategically aligned software products, reducing time to market, and increasing quality through continuous improvement of processes, people, and technologyProvide progress and performance reporting against agreed targets for all delivery areasWork with other members of the leadership team to develop consistent processes and standardsFacilitating Product Increment (PI) planning to define near-term roadmapDriving PI execution, managing performance, tracking and communicating progressDriving Scrum of Scrums meetings to ensure product delivery teams are alignedOptimising the flow of work to maximise valueEscalating impediments, managing risk, and driving delivery improvementAgreeing scope and frequency of releasesDeliver software in accordance with ISO9001 / ISO27001, regulatory requirements and AQA policiesStakeholders: Provide confidence to customers and stakeholders through consistent, timely, high-quality delivery and communicationWork with Product Managers and Product Owners who own and prioritise the product backlogManage 3rd party delivery contracts when requiredOther Responsibilities: Financial management, risk management, business continuity and incident management, information security, and continuous professional developmentNeed to knowExcellent experience delivering software in various agile/lean and scaled agile structures with an outcome-focused approachDemonstrable technical knowledge to create, drive, innovate and assess technical solutionsStructured thinking to lead groups in breaking down and resolving complex problemsSignificant experience delivering in high-stakes and regulated environmentsHigh level of curiosity and passion for using technology to solve business problemsCommitment to continuous improvement to increase delivery quality, reliability, and ..... full job details .....