At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology — and each other to surpass these boundaries — we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small.
The Technical Standards and Awarding Manager post is recognised as the function for setting and maintaining standards for a specific suite(s) of qualifications within General/Vocational Qualifications with the Responsible Officer.
They provide expert technical guidance and challenge primarily to Assessment and Product Development teams, but also to the wider business as required.
The Technical Standards and Awarding Manager is accountable for the integrity of qualification results for millions of learners. They will be contributing to the awarding approach of our qualifications and critically reviewing awarding decisions to ensure they can withstand public scrutiny and challenge from our internal and external stakeholders.
Accountabilities
- To identify international best practice methods for setting and maintaining standards in specific qualification suites
- To provide support and guidance to General Qualifications and Vocational Qualifications Assessment teams to deliver secure awards
- To be accountable for the quality assurance of the standards set each year
- To prepare timely reports for the regulator or to inform final award sign off
- To ensure adherence to and provide evidence of regulatory compliance
- To support the Responsible Officer and Head of Technical Standards and Awarding
- To document transparent processes and procedures that are robust and defensible in relation to setting and maintaining standards
- To scope, carry out and report outcomes from research through the Pearson Assessment Research Community.
- To achieve all tasks and objectives within agreed budgets and other management parameters
- To represent Pearson UK at external conferences and working collaboratively with representatives of other awarding organisations as appropriate.
Deliverables
Inputs into the design of new qualifications as they are developed being the lead on behalf of the team
Supports and provides technical guidance to development and product teams in relation to standards, grading models and awarding.
Critically review awards, providing an overview and rationale of awarding decisions
Providing an overview of evidence that rationalises trends in and confidence in results
Reports on outcomes of research – building the evidence bank to explain results
Developing Awarding Procedures For Suites Of Qualifications
Developing and delivering training for internal and external staff
Reviewing and improving our quality assurance processes
Deliver training to internal teams
Challenges
Within the ever-changing landscape of education, it is essential that the Technical Standards and Awarding Manager team keep abreast of the demands that accompany this change, being a leading voice in the continued global standards debate.
Key Challenges Include
Reacting positively to change
Working collaboratively across the business
Intense internal and external scrutiny of process and decisions
Identifying practices that do not adhere to the high-quality expectations of the business and influence change by working with stakeholders to restore integrity
Challenging the business to show how standards can be set and maintained for new qualifications
Reporting to Senior Management
Sharing complex information and trends in simple terms to the wider business
Working in a fast-paced environment with competing demands
Contributing to the development of IT systems to support standards work
Flexibility of working patterns during peak periods
Attention to detail even with repetitive tasks
Engaging with all key stakeholders, including Ofqual & DfE
Planning and reporting using management information
Adopting a constructive and positive approach to influence others
Continually improving and refining our quality assurance processes.
Key Competencies
In-depth knowledge of the methodologies for setting and maintaining standards for the suite of qualifications they are responsible for and is aware of the business needs.
The ability to balance multiple sources and strength of evidence to inform judgements that will impact learners’ progression opportunities, including the use of statistical data is key. These judgements must be transparent, consistent over time and in the interest of protecting the integrity of the qualification suites. Being able to lead research projects that will help explain results profiles for specific qualification suites and/or build confidence in the appropriateness of the methodology used would be.
Pearson Profile Competencies
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to quickly synthesise trends and patterns and articulate to a wider non-technical audience
Makes decisions in the context of data, policy changes and education/assessment research
Challenges ways of thinking and doing things and is open to challenges from others.
Asserts own position and ideas with confidence and enthusiasm.
Makes decisions even when there is ambiguity or uncertainty.
Addresses and resolves conflict directly and constructively.
Treats people honestly and with compassion, regardless of level, personality or background, and expects others to do the same.
Identifies and resolves ethical issues.
Follows through on commitments and expects others to do the same.
Sets high standards of performance for self and others.
Creates a sense of urgency to achieve results.
Demonstrates composure (e.g. calm and self-control) and resilience under difficult or challenging circumstances.
Develops a clear understanding of customer needs to anticipate their requirements and expectations. Proactively seeks feedback from customers to continually improve products and services in line with the brand.
Understands that there are different ways to make decisions according to the complexity and urgency of the situation.
Pearson is an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate against employees or job applicants and select the best person for each job based on relevant skills and experience.
We are also committed to building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and encouraging equality and diversity.
The information you provide will stay confidential and be stored securely. It will not be seen by those involved in making decisions as part of the recruitment process.
Qualification/s
Degree or Equivalent
Education or assessment experience
Numerate with good report writing/communication skills
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 TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.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: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Organization: Assessment & Qualifications
Schedule: FULLTIME
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Req ID: 17502
