Overview

Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement – Permanent

Manchester: £71,459 – £78,124; Guildford: £74,406- £81,346. Hybrid – 2 days a week in the office.

Introduction

This is an exciting opportunity to lead AQA’s internal communications and engagement strategy at a pivotal moment. As Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement, you will set the direction for how we connect with and inspire our 1,400 colleagues. You will help shape the colleague experience, build a culture of open communication, and ensure every colleague feels informed, valued, and engaged.

Purpose of the role

Provide strategic leadership for AQA’s internal communication and engagement. Support the Executive Team and senior leaders to deliver clear, impactful, and inspiring content. Work closely with the CEO and senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted adviser on colleague communication and engagement challenges, and ensure AQA’s purpose and strategy are embedded across the organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Developing and leading the internal communication strategy to strengthen colleague engagement and alignment with AQA’s purpose and goals.
• Supporting senior leaders with clear, high-impact communication and advice on key organisational messages.
• Leading, developing, and inspiring a dedicated communications team to deliver engaging initiatives and events across AQA.

What we are looking for

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage, lead and develop a team
• Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities
• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated experience in leveraging communication channels to foster employee engagement and embed company values
• Track record of writing succinctly for impact

What’s in it for you

• The opportunity to lead a highly visible, strategic function at the heart of AQA.
• Exposure to senior leaders and the chance to influence organisation-wide priorities.
• A 35-hour week and a flexible working culture.
• 25 days’ holiday, rising to 30 with service – plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure.
• An enhanced contributory pension scheme – you could pay in 7% and AQA contributes 11.5% (other options available).
• Comprehensive health coverage from day one – including Bupa PMI, Health Cash Plan, and Life Assurance.
• Access to eco-friendly transport schemes, including cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing.
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development.

Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. 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. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter. The deadline for applications is Sunday 28th September. The selection process will include two interviews: first stage will be F2F at our London office on 1st Oct and second stage will be on 2/3 Oct via MS Teams. Successful candidates will be supported with a thorough onboarding process to help you get started.

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 Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement is responsible for driving our internal communication strategy, fostering a culture of active engagement, and ensuring AQA’s values are embedded. This highly strategic role focuses on targeted, outcome-focused, and impactful internal communication that reflects our commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation. While the main focus is on AQA Ed, there is a growing need to support the wider Group, including Assessment Services and our increasing vocational presence.

As the Head of Colleague Comms and Engagement, you will lead and manage the Internal Communications and Engagement team, part of the Corporate Affairs and Strategy business area. You will report directly to the Executive Director for Corporate Affairs and Strategy and be a member of the business area’s senior leader team. You will act as a Business Partner to the Exec Team, including the CEO, providing strategic advice, and work collaboratively with the External Affairs and Strategy teams. You will also lead and manage a small team of professionals delivering impactful corporate communication and overseeing the corporate comms calendar.

Activities:

• Lead and develop the internal communication strategy to drive employee engagement and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Scan the current and longer-term external horizon to ensure internal communication matches what AQA needs now and in the future.
• Keep abreast of progress with the AQA strategy and organisational issues to ensure all are represented in the comms strategy and plan.
• Provide insightful and strategic advice on internal communication challenges to the Exec Team.
• Deliver highly impactful communication at the highest level, including content for the CEO for set piece internal events.
• Lead and mentor a team, providing clear direction, support, and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align communication strategies with business priorities and values.
• Develop and implement innovative communication initiatives to embed AQA’s purpose, strategy, and culture in all internal communication channels.
• Act as an active member of the CAS SLT, ensuring that colleague needs and concerns are factored into organisational strategy.
• Handle internal communication responses to crisis situations or confidential projects.
• Work collaboratively with external communications colleagues to co-ordinate messages and campaigns.
• Line manage all members of the IC team.
• Be comfortable working in a changeable environment and embracing uncertainty.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively engage, lead and develop a team.
• Be up to date with latest communication trends, themes and tools.
• Track record of working under pressure, fostering resilience within a team.
• Able to build strong relationships with colleagues at all levels and in all parts of the organisation.
• Significant experience in internal communication and leading a team.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to navigate complex organisational structures and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrate experience in leveraging communication channels to foster employee engagement and embed company values.
• Track record of writing succinctly for impact.