Manager, Assessment

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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