Managing Director, AlphaPlus

Managing Director, AlphaPlus

AQA

Manchester. Hybrid, two days per week in the office

• Location Manchester. Hybrid, two days per week in the office
• Sector Education
• Client AQA
• Job Type Permanent
• Salary/Remuneration circa. £140,000 depending on experience
• Reference GSe136579
• Closing Date 9am, Monday 23rd November 2026

AlphaPlus is a specialist education services business operating across standards, assessment and certification in the UK and internationally. As part of the wider AQA Group, it combines the agility and expertise of a specialist consultancy with the reach, reputation and capabilities of the UK’s largest examination board.

We are seeking an ambitious and commercially minded Managing Director to lead AlphaPlus through its next stage of development. You will strengthen the core business, drive growth, improve operational and financial performance, and identify new opportunities across the wider AQA Group and international assessment market.

Leading an experienced team, you will set the strategic direction, build a confident and outward-facing culture, strengthen business development and sales, and ensure consistently high-quality client delivery. You will also develop strategic partnerships with government agencies, awarding organisations, education providers and technology partners.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience gained within education, assessment, consultancy or a related commercial services environment
• A strong track record of business growth, business development and winning complex contracts
• Sound commercial, financial and P&L judgement
• Experience of leading people and organisations through change
• Credibility with senior clients, partners and government stakeholders
• Knowledge of assessment, qualifications or education services, with international experience advantageous

This is a distinctive opportunity to lead a specialist business while helping to shape the future growth of AQA’s assessment services in the UK and internationally.

If you decide to apply, you can return to the site and submit your application at any point before the closing date.

For an informal and confidential conversation with our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson, please email [email removed]

To view the job description and person specification, please scroll to the bottom of the page, tick to agree to the privacy policy, then click 'Continue to full details'.

Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
9am, Monday 23rd November 2026

Preliminary interviews
w/c 7th December 2026, online via Microsoft Teams

Final panel
w/c 18th January 2027, in person

How to Apply

To apply for the role of Managing Director, AlphaPlus, please submit the following:

1. Your CV

• Maximum 4 pages
• Clearly outline your career history, key achievements and experience relevant to the role

2. Supporting statement

Please provide a supporting statement of no more than 3 pages, setting out how your experience, skills and achievements meet the requirements of the person specification.

Your statement should draw on relevant examples and outcomes and demonstrate your suitability to lead AlphaPlus through its next phase of growth and development.

3. Short video - you MUST use the link below to record and submit your video.

Please record and submit a short video of no more than 3 minutes, responding to the following question:

What attracts you to the opportunity to lead AlphaPlus, and what experience and qualities would you bring to its next phase of growth and development as part of the wider AQA Group?

Please submit your video using the link provided - https://myint.video/aTJOBBcZjX

Acceptable use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to support proofreading, editing and presentation. However, all application materials should represent the candidate's own experience, perspectives and leadership thinking. We are seeking original and authentic responses, and applicants should ensure that any submission reflects their own analysis, judgement and vision for the role.

Support for Applicants

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage of the application or assessment process, please contact Clair Clarke at our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson [email removed]. We will be pleased to discuss your requirements and work with you to ensure you are able to participate fully.

1 Personal Information

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