Job Title: Lead Specialist, Implementation

The purpose of the Reform Delivery Lead role is to support the implementation of the GQ Reform Programme and content development process.  They will ensure smooth and efficient operations, enhancing productivity and quality across teams and support the development of outstanding customer-focused General Qualifications that inspire teachers, engage learners and enable progression, as well as driving the growth of our qualifications.    

Job location: London/ Oxford

This role operates in a matrix structure, with two essential elements: 

It sits functionally within a central Qualification Development team  The role has an important cross-divisional element, with responsibility for supporting the implementation of key elements of our Reform program across the Division. The role works closely with counterpart roles in other internal teams, and will work collaboratively with experts in Product Management, Assessment Delivery, Assessment Design, Standards and Technical teams. 

Knowledge and Experience   

We are looking for people who have:  

Strong project management experience with demonstrable track record of planning, managing and delivering large scale projects with quality at the heart.  Experience of requirements gathering and management Experience of delivering change and continuous improvement projects  Experience of working effectively within and across teams   Experience of influencing stakeholders (DfE, Ofqual, subject stakeholders and internal stakeholders).  A good understanding of the UK qualifications environment, including teacher and learner needs, contexts and priorities.   A good knowledge of the academic qualifications market, including GCSE and A Level qualifications  An understanding of education practice and policy, including academic assessment principles  An understanding of existing and potential innovations in educational assessment, including the growing role of technology  A good understanding of working within regulated environments 

Skills and behaviours  

To excel in this role, you should bring:  

Exceptional communication skills: The ability to clearly convey complex ideas in writing and presentations.  Collaboration skills: Comfort working independently and within and across teams to manage projects effectively.  Stakeholder management expertise: Experience working across diverse teams, influencing without direct authority.  Problem solving skills: The ability to think creatively and share your expertise to solve problems.  Adaptability: A self-starter who thrives in dynamic environments and can learn quickly.  Strategic thinking skills: Curiosity about the big-picture in Schools Qualifications – and the ability to understand how our team can have the most impact within it.   Exceptional attention to detail: The ability to ensure the highest level of quality and accuracy in your (and colleagues’) work.  

 

Key accountabilities  

Program Management & Coordination 

Lead the structured delivery of the UK market breakpoint reform programme, ensuring all activities are coordinated and milestones are met across multiple workstreams. Maintain visibility and clarity of the reform delivery pipeline, liaising with internal teams to ensure awareness of upcoming activities, dependencies, and deadlines. Develop, manage, and continuously improve project plans, timelines, and tracking tools to support reform readiness and execution. 

Governance & Reporting 

Support and facilitate governance routines, including preparing updates, reports, and documentation for PMO and senior stakeholders. Maintain action logs, track progress, and ensure timely escalation of risks, issues, and dependencies. Audit the application of project management processes within reform projects and work with teams to implement changes to ensure compliance and audit readiness. 

Risk & Issue Management 

Proactively identify, assess, and manage risks and issues related to reform delivery, ensuring mitigation strategies are in place and communicated. Support teams to ensure quality assurance checks are carried out and that all reform activities are compliant with internal and regulatory requirements. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication 

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (including Product, Assessment, Standards, and Technical teams) to ensure coordinated delivery and alignment with business objectives. Actively communicate and engage with all internal stakeholders contributing to reform delivery, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and progress. Represent the reform programme in meetings with internal and external stakeholders as required, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment. 

Continuous Improvement & Best Practice 

Identify opportunities to innovate and improve program management processes, tools, and routines to drive delivery efficiency and effectiveness. Lead and facilitate training and development for teams involved in reform delivery, embedding project management discipline and best practice approaches.