Qualification Development Lead

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Qualification Development Lead to drive the design, development, review and continuous improvement of our portfolio of regulated qualifications.

This is a pivotal role within the organisation, responsible for leading the end-to-end qualification development process, ensuring all products meet regulatory requirements, industry expectations and the needs of learners, employers and training providers.

Working closely with subject matter experts, employers, regulators, assessment specialists and internal teams, you will lead the development of high-quality qualifications, assessment materials and supporting documentation that demonstrate innovation, validity, reliability and compliance.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of our qualification portfolio while supporting the organisation’s ambitious growth strategy.

Key ResponsibilitiesQualification Development

• Lead the development of new regulated qualifications from concept through to approval and launch.
• Manage qualification review cycles, ensuring qualifications remain current, relevant and aligned to employer needs.
• Produce qualification specifications, assessment strategies and associated documentation.
• Design qualification structures, units, learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
• Ensure all qualifications align with regulatory expectations and awarding organisation requirements.

Assessment Development

• Lead the development of valid, reliable, authentic and robust assessment materials.
• Develop assessment methodologies that support fair, accessible and consistent assessment.
• Oversee the production of:
• Assessment guides
• Learner handbooks
• Assessor guidance
• Internal Quality Assurance documentation
• Assessment instruments
• Mark schemes
• Sample assessment materials
• Ensure assessment materials are regularly reviewed and updated.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure qualification development activities comply with Ofqual Conditions of Recognition and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive audit trails and version control.
• Support qualification submissions for regulatory recognition where required.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement necessary updates across the qualification portfolio.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with employers, training providers, industry experts and professional bodies to inform qualification development.
• Facilitate qualification development working groups and consultation activities.
• Build positive relationships with external stakeholders to ensure qualifications reflect current occupational practice.

Project Management

• Manage multiple qualification development projects simultaneously.
• Develop project plans, milestones and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate internal and external contributors to ensure projects are delivered on time and within agreed budgets.
• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure qualification and assessment materials undergo robust quality assurance and validation processes.
• Coordinate technical reviews, standardisation activities and pilot evaluations.
• Implement continuous improvement following stakeholder feedback and qualification evaluation.

Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership and guidance to Qualification Development Officers and external associates.
• Support recruitment, induction and performance management of qualification development personnel where required.
• Promote a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor market trends, funding changes, occupational standards and education policy.
• Identify opportunities to develop new qualifications and enhance existing products.
• Contribute to organisational strategy and product development planning., As our Qualification Development Lead, you will help shape innovative qualifications that are valid, authentic, relevant, current and robust, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality while supporting workforce development and lifelong learning.

• Experience of qualification development within an Awarding Organisation, EPAO or education sector.
• Excellent understanding of regulated qualifications and assessment design.
• Strong knowledge of Ofqual Conditions of Recognition.
• Experience producing qualification specifications and assessment documentation.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working collaboratively with subject experts and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office 365.

Desirable

• Experience developing qualifications across Levels 1-5.
• Experience of End-Point Assessment development.
• Understanding of vocational education and occupational standards.
• Experience of qualification submission and regulatory recognition processes.
• Knowledge of quality assurance methodologies.
• Prince2, Agile or equivalent project management qualification.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Company pension
• Work from home, * A collaborative and supportive working environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative qualification development across a growing portfolio

Why Join Us?