Digital Logistics Lead

Location: Manchester

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.

Digital Logistics Lead

Manchester
£32,900 - £37,300
Hybrid working: a minimum of 2 days per week in the office

In this role, you'll be responsible for:

You'll play a key role in ensuring exam materials and digital assessments are delivered accurately, on time, and in full throughout the year. Your focus will be on keeping operations running smoothly, maintaining high service standards, and supporting outcomes that matter to learners.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading teams of seasonal and fixed-term colleagues during peak delivery periods.
• Managing the picking, packing, filing, quality checking, and distribution of physical and digital exam materials.
• Supporting operational planning for each exam series, including resource, space, and capacity requirements.
• Monitoring performance against agreed KPIs and SLAs, identifying risks and escalating issues where required.
• Producing regular progress updates and management information for stakeholders.
• Allocating workloads and ensuring resources are deployed effectively.
• Creating and maintaining training materials, work instructions, and quality assurance processes.
• Analysing operational data to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity.
• Collaborating with teams across AQA to support the successful end-to-end delivery of exam series.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and embedding best practice across logistics operations.

What's in it for you?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical operational function and make a genuine impact on the delivery of assessments that support learners across the country.

You'll benefit from:

• The chance to lead teams and influence operational performance.
• Exposure to large-scale logistics and exam delivery operations.
• Opportunities to drive process improvements and implement new ways of working.
• Collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders across the business.
• A varied role that combines leadership, planning, analysis, quality assurance, and problem-solving.
• Hybrid working with a balance of office and home-based working.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• Experience leading teams within logistics, operations, distribution, fulfilment, or a similar environment.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience monitoring performance, tracking delivery against plans, and managing operational risks.
• A data-driven approach with the ability to analyse information and identify improvements.
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience developing processes, quality standards, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• The ability to remain calm and make effective decisions in fast-paced operational environments.
• A proactive mindset and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes.
• A passion for operational excellence and customer service.

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.

You'll join an environment where inclusive language is encouraged, stereotypes are challenged, and representation is actively promoted across all dimensions of diversity. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

What's Next?

Shortlisting: Week commencing 12 October
Teams Interviews: 19 & 20 October
Face-to-Face Interviews: 5 & 6 November

If you're looking for a role where you can lead people, improve processes, and play a crucial part in delivering successful exam series, apply today.

#MCRE #LI-MK1

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

The Internal Logistics Lead is responsible for ensuring Logistics KPIs are met for quality, productivity and service in the picking, packing, filing and distribution of both digital and physical exam materials on time and in full for every series throughout the year. Leading a team of seasonal temporary and fixed term workers, determined by the departments resource and capacity plans.
Monitor and report on processes both within the department and to external stakeholders, while managing risks effectively and leading continuous improvement, working collaboratively with other teams involved in the end-to-end delivery of the exams series to ensure that AQA never lets a learner down.Landscape:
Reporting to the Internal Logistics Operations Manager and working alongside other operational colleagues, Internal Logistics Lead will lead delivery teams for the reverse logistics and QC processes for physical MEP examined and moderated work ahead of issuing of results. Support the digital delivery of media based components from centres (via DMP) and onward supply to stakeholders for downstream processes (post results, awarding, marking review, remarks, review of marking, etc), reporting and updating as required. Liaise with all AQA departments, closely monitor all agreed SLAs capturing and reporting on associated management information

Activities:
Support the Internal Logistics Operations Manager with all planning for each series in relation to departmental activity, including series set up (space, capacity, resource), regular progress reporting, incident escalation and post series reviews.
Manage the set up and allocations .of work to seasonal temporary workers
Support the preparation of supporting materials such as work instructions, training collateral and quality assurance checklists
Contribute to effective delivery plans for peak activity periods which include detailed expenditure and resourcing requirements to meet performance KPIs whilst operating within and achieving financial targets.
Analyse data and identify opportunities to streamline processes, optimise efficiency, and minimise errors.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders as required to ensure clear lines of communication and accountability
Contribute to CI across the team by establishing and embedding best practice and ensuring that any improvements are also aligned with wider strategic priorities.
Embed robust QA processes/activity.
Collaborate effectively with other teams involved in end-to-end delivery to ensure collective
Monitor/track progress against delivery plans, think creatively to address any off-track activity and know when to escalate issues.
This list of activities is not exhaustive, other tasks may apply and change in line with business needs.

To be successful in this role, you will need to know how to:
Consistently model the AQA values.
Lead teams of temporary workers throughout each series
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to create confidence in delivery of all departmental related activity.
Operate within the agreed governance framework for end-to-end series delivery.
Engage in wider business strategic priorities and share subject matter expertise as needed eg Project Turing etc