Product Development Manager (Qualifications and Assessment)

Ascentis group; Lancaster; Hybrid; GBP 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational charity group in Lancaster is seeking an experienced professional to lead the development of high-quality qualifications and assessments. The ideal candidate will possess a degree or equivalent qualification and significant experience in the regulatory sector. Responsibilities include managing qualification lifecycle, conducting regular reviews, and collaborating with experts. The role also offers flexible working options and a supportive environment. Benefits include generous annual leave, pension scheme, and tailored learning opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays

Competitive pension benefits

Access to informal flexibility

Enhanced family leave benefits

Access to state-of-the-art office facilities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounted gym membership

24-hour employee helpline

Health app access

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience in the awarding/regulatory sector.
• Knowledge of good assessment practice is essential.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and lifecycle management of qualifications and assessments.
• Research and deliver qualification and assessment products with attention to detail.
• Develop qualifications and resources meeting high standards of quality.

Skills

Assessment design

Project management

Customer service commitment

Attention to detail

Cross-team collaboration

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

Starting Salary: £36,849 per annum

Job Type: 1 x Permanent, 1 x 12-month maternity cover

Working pattern: Monday to Friday 35 hours per week. Monday-Thursday in our Head Office in Lancaster, work from home on Fridays (flexible working options will be considered)

About Us

We are proud to be one of the UK’s leading educational charity groups, encompassing an awarding organisation, a provider of dyslexia intervention software and an online training organisation. Our enthusiastic people bring genuine passion and natural energy to everything that they do and through their infectious energy they transform the lives of thousands of people each year through the power of education. It has never been a more exciting time to join Ascentis as we continue our journey of growth across the UK and overseas.

We are market leading in the education sector and the specialist areas we operate within, maintaining the #1 provision for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in the UK as well as being a leading Access Validating Agency. We are based in Lancaster but we have a national reach, with a significant customer base in London. We have secured two major achievements, winning the Innovation of the Year and Awarding Organisation of the Year at the 2024 Federation of Awarding Bodies awards.

Ascentis is made up of brilliant people, unique in terms of background, personality, characteristics, experience and skill. We value our people for the differences they bring to the table and believe this diversity is powerful. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.

To find out what our employees have to say about working at Ascentis watch the video here.

About the Role

As a key contributor to Ascentis Awarding Organisation’s mission of delivering high-quality qualifications, you will lead the development and lifecycle management of qualifications and assessments with precision, innovation, and strategic foresight.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, manage, and deliver qualification and assessment products with meticulous attention to detail, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Develop qualifications, assessments, and support resources that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance with internal policies and external regulatory frameworks. All outputs must be audit-ready and withstand scrutiny from centres, learners, employers, and regulators.
• Conduct regular reviews of qualifications and assessments, implementing enhancements where needed. Oversee the full lifecycle from concept to retirement, ensuring relevance and impact.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Ascentis’ portfolio, regulatory changes, sector trends, and policy developments to inform strategic decisions and product innovation.
• Work closely with Subject Matter Experts to design innovative, high-quality products.
• Ensure all development aligns with Ascentis and regulatory guidance, fostering excellence and creativity.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives to ensure seamless implementation and ongoing success of qualifications across departments.

The full Job Description can be found by clicking here.

So, what are you waiting for?

If you like the sound of the role and the organisation, and you think the below attributes describe you well, then we would love to hear from you.

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification, or significant professional experience in the awarding / regulatory sector and excellent track record
• Knowledge and experience of assessment design and development, and principles of good assessment practice
• Excellent project management skills
• Demonstrable commitment to a high standard of customer service
• Ability to achieve agreed targets and to work to deadlines
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently and cross-team collaboration.

If you have the following attributes, then we’d be even more impressed:

• Background in ESOL qualifications and understanding of associated regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record in developing qualifications, assessments or products for the international markets.
• Skilled in creating Ofqual‑regulated qualifications and associated assessment materials.

The full attributes can be found by clicking here.

Further information

Closing date: Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Proposed interview dates: Week Commencing 9th March 2026

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Samantha Whiteley at [e-mail].

We reserve the right to close the job vacancy early if we find an appointable candidate or receive a high volume of applicants.

This job may meetthe eligibility requirements to qualify for visa sponsorship.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays, birthday day off, closure days gifted during the Christmas period, increased annual leave with long service and an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme (up to a maximum of 43 days)
• Competitive pension benefits, including a salary sacrifice scheme
• Access to Informal Flexibility, allowing you to flex your working times and location where viable
• Incremental service benefits as a family-friendly employer, including enhanced Maternity, Neonatal, Paternity, Shared Parental, Adoption Leave and Pay, Sick Pay, Life Insurance, and Paid Compassionate Leave
• Access to state-of-the-art office and break facilities, such as bean-to-cup coffee machine, vending machine, pool table, Xbox, outdoor seating, dressing room (with access to hair dryers, straighteners, airers, shower facilities), Harry Potter reading room, employee library and more
• Free parking, paid electricity charging points, locked bike storage shed
• Tailored learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Home and Tech Scheme
• Discounted gym membership at 3-1-5 Health Club
• 24-hour employee helpline and a proactive focus on wellbeing
• Aviva DigiCare+ health app with access to virtual GP appointments, annual health check and more
• Reward and recognition scheme, regular team building and communication activities

Do you like the sound of Ascentis, but think your skills might suit another role?

We also have other vacancies available. Take a look at our website for more! www.ascentis.co.uk/jobs