Exams Manager

Exams Manager

Location: Northamptonshire
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week (flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends when required)
Contract: Permanent Closing Date: 5th August 2026 An established education provider is looking for an experienced Exams Manager to lead the delivery of an efficient and compliant examinations service across the organisation.

This role is responsible for overseeing the full examination lifecycle, ensuring learners are registered correctly, assessments are delivered in line with awarding body regulations, and examination processes operate smoothly throughout the academic year. You'll lead a small team, work closely with curriculum departments and external awarding organisations, and ensure the highest standards of accuracy, compliance and customer service.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead and manage the examinations team, providing guidance, training and performance support.
Oversee learner registrations, examination entries, certification claims and assessment records.
Ensure all examination activity complies with awarding body, regulatory and JCQ requirements.
Coordinate examination timetables, venues, invigilators and online assessment arrangements.
Monitor deadlines to ensure registrations, entries and results are processed accurately and on time.
Manage examination budgets, monitor expenditure and minimise additional costs where possible.
Liaise with awarding organisations, regulatory bodies and internal stakeholders regarding examinations and qualifications.
Produce reports, analyse examination data and maintain accurate management information.
Lead the recruitment, training and ongoing development of invigilators.
Work with curriculum and quality teams to support qualification delivery and centre compliance.
Oversee examination security, confidential materials and certification processes.
Support learner enquiries regarding examinations, results, appeals and access arrangements.
Contribute to enrolment events, open days and wider organisational activities.
Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion while ensuring all health and safety requirements are met.The Ideal Candidate:  You'll be an organised and proactive professional with experience managing examinations or complex administrative processes within an educational environment. You'll enjoy leading a team, improving systems and ensuring absolute accuracy in a fast-paced setting.

Essential: 
Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
Previous experience managing examinations, assessment administration or a similar compliance-focused function.
Experience leading or supervising staff.
Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise workloads effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and data management.
Experience maintaining accurate records and producing management reports.
Ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and excellent customer service.Desirable:
Experience within Further or Higher Education.
Knowledge of awarding body regulations and examination procedures.
Experience using Management Information Systems (MIS).
Administration or business-related qualification.
Experience working with awarding organisations and regulatory bodies.
Full UK driving licence.
Experience delivering training or supporting staff development. 

Benefits:

Competitive salary.
Local Government Pension Scheme.
Generous annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
Health Cash Plan.
Enhanced family-friendly policies.
Free on-site parking.
Discounted gym membership.
Cycle to Work scheme.
Employee wellbeing programme.
Retail and lifestyle discounts.
Professional development and training opportunities.
Paid volunteering day.
Opportunities to progress within a growing education organisation. 

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced examinations or education administrator to take ownership of a vital operational function, leading a team while ensuring learners receive a professional, compliant and efficient examinations service