Subject Lead - Design & Technology, Food and Engineering

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Base pay range

Subject Lead - D&T, Food Preparation & Nutrition, and Engineering

Fixed Term Contract until August 2026

Working Arrangements: Hybrid – one day in the office per week plus extensive national travel including overnight stays

We're looking for someone to join us until the end of August 2026 to cover an internal secondment.

You’ll be passionate about shaping the future of D&T, Food Preparation & Nutrition, and Engineering education. At AQA, you’ll use your insight and experience to support teachers, influence national conversations, and help learners of all abilities succeed.

Purpose

As Subject Lead you are there to support teachers in preparing students for success and to grow AQA’s market share in D&T, Engineering, and Food Preparation & Nutrition. You’ll use your subject expertise to influence education nationally and provide high-quality support to a large and engaged customer base.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for:

• Leading the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of qualifications and support, ensuring they meet customer needs.
• Representing AQA nationally through centre visits, stakeholder engagement, and Curriculum Connects meetings.
• Using your subject expertise to respond to queries, support customers, and shape national education policy and reform.
• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure alignment with strategic goals and customer expectations.
• Monitoring qualification performance and using data insights to drive improvements.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the STEM portfolio (11‑person team).
• Advocating for AQA’s brand and values across the education sector.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Have taught GCSE/A‑level D&T, Food Preparation & Nutrition, or Engineering.
• Have a deep understanding of subject content, pedagogy, and specifications.
• Demonstrate inclusive leadership and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing, with strong presentation and training delivery skills.
• Have a continuous improvement mindset and can interpret data to inform decisions.
• Are willing to travel nationally and stay overnight when needed.

What’s in it for you

• This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on education while growing your career.
• Exposure to impactful work influencing national education.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Freedom to take annual leave outside of school term times.
• A 35‑hour working week with 25 days annual leave, rising with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days around Christmas.
• AQA’s inclusive and values‑led culture.

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. 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

Applications will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis.

To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter, and respond to three short application questions.

Offers will be timed to align with the October half‑term resignation period. Please note that an Enhanced DBS will be required for the successful candidate.