Manager, Assessment

Job Description:

Manager, VQ Reform & T Level Assessment (24148)
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and driven leader to oversee the delivery of Vocational Qualification (VQ) Reform and T Levels within Pearson School Qualifications Assessment.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring that our assessment operations deliver high-quality, compliant, and student-focused outcomes-while supporting key reform milestones and shaping the future of qualifications.
You will be a lead Manager in the response and implementation of the coming VQ Reforms (V Levels and Apprenticeship Assessment) and also in the continued expansion of our T Levels offer. You will also lead day-to-day assessment delivery, manage and develop high-performing teams, and use data-driven insight to continuously improve performance and customer experience.
Your Key Responsibilities:
Reform & Product Development
* Lead delivery of the VQ Reform programme across qualification suites, including T Levels, Level 2 and Level 3 Reform, and Apprenticeship Assessment.
* Oversee ongoing product and assessment design to ensure all solutions are student-centred, robust and aligned to regulatory expectations.
* Embed assessment best practices across all reform activity, improving the quality and consistency of assessment products and support materials.
* Coordinate resourcing across multiple reform workstreams, ensuring focus on core assessment principles and delivery milestones.
* Drive planning and execution through key stages-from submission to launch and transition into business-as-usual operations.
* Provide regular updates to senior stakeholders on delivery progress, risks, and priorities.
Operational Delivery
* Line manage T Level middle managers in delivering high-quality, consistent assessment across the T Level portfolio.
* Work closely with Operations Leads to ensure delivery meets contractual commitments and compliance standards.
* Translate operational requirements into clear delivery plans, ensuring sustainable and efficient execution.
* Monitor performance against KPIs and use insights to drive improvements across delivery.
* Manage budgets and optimise resources to support effective Assessment operations.
* Lead development of new qualifications aligned to tender outcomes and growth plans.
People Leadership
* Lead, coach, and develop high-performing assessment teams and middle management leaders.
* Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
* Set clear expectations, provide performance feedback, and support development planning.
* Strengthen leadership capability by mentoring managers and addressing performance challenges.
* Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and capability development to ensure teams are set up for success.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Ensure delivery meets regulatory standards while providing a fair, consistent, and high-quality customer experience.
* Promote collaboration across teams to deliver shared priorities and outcomes.
Portfolio & Delivery Management
* Plan and deliver assessment activity in collaboration with Operations Leads and managers.
* Ensure delivery aligns with compliance requirements and best practice standards.
* Identify opportunities to improve processes, increase efficiency, and enhance quality.
* Support pipeline development and market opportunities, particularly within apprenticeship assessment.
Data & Performance Management
* Ensure teams have access to accurate, timely data to support delivery and decision-making.
* Own KPI reporting and translate performance data into actionable insights.
* Use data to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What We're Looking For:
Essential Skills & Experience
* Strong experience in Assessment delivery across T Levels and/or vocational qualifications.
* Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams.
* Expertise in delivery planning, resource coordination, and multi-workstream management.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and customer-focused delivery approach.
* Ability to analyse performance data and drive actionable improvements.
* Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
* Experience working within an awarding organisation or education provider environment.
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Experience delivering reform programmes and managing transitions to business-as-usual.
* Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and quality assurance frameworks.
* Budget management and resource optimisation experience.
Why Join Pearson?
At Pearson, our purpose is to help people make measurable progress in their lives through learning.
You'll be part of a team shaping the future of assessment - delivering qualifications that truly make a difference for learners, educators, and employers.
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Who we are:
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.
Job: Learning Subject Matter Experts
Job Family: LEARNING_&_CONTENT_DEVELOPMENT
Organization: Enterprise Learning & Skills
Schedule: FULL_TIME
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Req ID: 24148
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