KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• To maintain a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics in the A level sciences, to create compelling propositions and inform market-winning product development.

• To lead subject strategy, with the support of head of and in partnership with broader portfolio - including forecasting for the subject / portfolio.

• To maintain a deep understanding of teaching, learning and assessment in a subject/s, through close and continuous liaison with a range of subject stakeholders.

• To represent and build Pearson’s subject profile for given subject with external stakeholders.

• To lead, facilitate and support effective collaboration of subject team with other functions.

• To identify and support a best-in-class customer experience through the events, free surround and additional services that we provide at launch and throughout the lifecycle, continually improving that experience in a subject/s.

• To scope, design and develop qualifications and sample assessments that inspire teachers, engage learners and enable progression.

• To lead and manage a small number of direct reports to deliver strategy, qualifications, support and outstanding customer support and to contribute to achieving growth targets.

• To contribute to the overall strategy for growth of our academic qualification’s portfolio.

• For key subjects (including English, Maths, Science, MFL and Humanities), to provide deep subject expertise to build the strength of our subject leadership, strategy and implementation. Ensure subject voice is represented in all role accountabilities. Subject specialism is required for the key subjects. (Flexibility and potential to work across broader subjects where specialism is not required also remains a requirement of the role.)

1. Lead subject strategy development and implementation; lead innovation within subject strategy, propositions and services/support

• Develop winning subject strategy - with clear implementation plans.

• Manage qualifications through their lifecycle, working with the subject Head of to make well-timed decisions about withdrawal, extension, redevelopment, new market entry and strategies for mid-cycle growth.

• Develop winning subject propositions (at launch and mid-cycle), with clear USPs.

• Based on research and clear articulation of customer needs, identify and implement / facilitate implementation of innovations to enhance our offer and services to customers and to build competitive advantage.

• Track, analyse and respond to competitor activity.

2. Manage budgets, forecasting revenues

• Generate and lead compelling business cases for qualifications at different stages of the product life cycle.

• Manage opex and capex budgets for given qualifications.

• Compile one- and three-year forecasts for subject/s as part of our annual planning cycle.

3. Lead and manage Product Managers / Product Developers

• Where required, lead and line manage one or more Product Managers / Product Developers, to achieve the overall GQ strategy and subject strategy; includes setting priorities and specific projects.

• Support development and effective working of direct reports.

• Ensure deliverables as a team are to time, cost and quality - and in line with overall subject / portfolio strategy.

• With support, recruit into team as required.

4. Develop and maintain subject and market insight

• Develop and maintain an in-depth evidence base of learner needs in each subject through a continuous programme of research with teachers, stakeholders and learners themselves.

• Develop and maintain an in-depth evidence base of teacher/centre needs and behaviours in each subject, including teacher needs and behaviours at a subject level in international markets.

• Develop and maintain relationships with subject stakeholders throughout the life of a qualification, to build an evidence base for criteria/AO drafting, qualification developments and annual reviews through the lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain insight into best practice (pedagogy, assessment) at subject level.

5. Brief, develop and launch new qualifications

• Create models and co-create design plans for qualifications that draw from a strong, research-driven evidence base, and deliver the strategy and proposition agreed (for both UK and international markets where appropriate) - working in close collaboration with the broader subject portfolio team and GQ Development team.

• Lead qualification developments through the writing, submission and resubmission process (e.g. helping to source and brief writers, reviewing materials, ongoing content research and development) to ensure they are fully in line with teacher, learner and Ofqual / regulatory requirements and our strategy.

• Work with sales and marketing colleagues to devise and implement an effective data-driven campaign strategy and customer journey.

• Keep oversight of strategy and planning for customer-facing events and networks; recruit, train and (for non-core subjects) deploy credible specialists.

• Set the vision and design (with the Head of) and supporting Head of on any sign-offs required on qualification content. Provide support for subject portfolio to Head of on their sign-off of qualification content / design.

6. Supporting teachers and learners through the lifecycle

• Implement improved monitoring of customer experience at regular points through the lifecycle (from NPS tracking to regular, in-depth qualitative insight).

• Lead subject level work with colleagues across the business to instigate a step-change in the customer experience of our general qualifications, to deliver consistently high satisfaction and retention levels, and to systematically attract new business.

• Anticipate and meet customer needs better than our competitors, including ensuring high-quality free surround and support services at launch and throughout the lifecycle as part of a coherent, integrated proposition across free and paid-for (to support both UK and international customers).

7. Leadership

• Work effectively in virtual teams with colleagues across Pearson to ensure a positive working culture, in support of Pearson Schools strategy both in the UK and internationally.

• Champion a ‘Customer First’ culture within the business, ensuring that all decisions are made with reference to the needs of our customers and learners.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience of working within education sector.

• Strong subject experience with the ability to act as a SME (Science, GCSE or A Level)

• Experience of working in a regulated environment.

• Understanding of education assessment, practice and policy.

• Knowledge of current education practice and policy.

• Experience of developing and implementing innovative, winning customer-focused strategies.

• Experience of working effectively in a complex matrix.

• Experience in partnering effectively with sales and marketing teams.

• Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders.

• Financial planning skills - managing forecasts and budgets.

• Knowledge and understanding of assessment techniques and principles.

• Experience of leading and influencing within a matrix.

• Strong communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills.

• Ability to motivate, lead, influence and empower others.

Your rewards & benefits

We know you’ll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know one size doesn’t fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families, too.

Please see our attractive UK benefits here: Pearson Jobs - Benefits

What to expect from Pearson

Did you know Pearson is one of the 10 most innovative education companies of 2022?

At Pearson, we add life to a lifetime of learning so everyone can realize the life they imagine. We do this by creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are on a journey to be 100 percent digital to meet the changing needs of the global population by developing a new strategy with ambitious targets. To deliver on our strategic vision, we have five business divisions that are the foundation for the long-term growth of the company: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills and Higher Education. Alongside these, we have our corporate divisions: Digital & Technology, Finance, Global Corporate Marketing & Communications, Human Resources, Legal, Strategy and Direct to Consumer. Learn more at We are Pearson.

We value the power of an inclusive culture and also a strong sense of belonging. We promote a culture where differences are embraced, opportunities are accessible, consideration and respect are the norm and all individuals are supported in reaching their full potential. Through our talent, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant place to work. People are at the center, and we are committed to building a workplace where talent can learn, grow and thrive.

Pearson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We want a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We strive for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities.

To learn more about Pearson’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, navigate to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Pearson.

If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing ppsmhr@pearson.com.

Note that the information you provide will stay confidential and will be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.

Job: PROJECT/PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

Organization: Assessment & Qualifications

Schedule: FULL_TIME

Req ID: 14086