At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Key Account Management Associate
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Home based, with national travel to customer locations
Salary North/Central/West Country: £52,300 - £58,900

Salary London and South East : £54,500 - £61,300

Salary is aligned to where you are based

Working arrangements: Home based with regular national travel to key account customers and AQA office locations. Travel is most intensive during term time and planned engagement periods, with quieter periods aligned to the school calendar.

Help multi academy trusts make confident decisions during reform by taking ownership of national key accounts and building trusted, insight led relationships at scale.

About the role
We are looking for 2 new Key Account Management Associates due to growth in the sales team and investment in our customer facing activities. You will help schools and colleges choose AQA as their trusted assessment partner by building strong, long term relationships with multi academy trusts and large groups of centres.

Working as part of the Sales and Account Management team, you will manage a defined portfolio of key accounts, supporting retention and growth while helping customers navigate AQA’s qualifications, training and wider support offer. You will work closely with the Head of Key Account Management, who will provide guidance and support, particularly on complex accounts and strategic decisions.

Due to continued growth and investment, we are recruiting two Key Account Management Associates. These roles cover assigned MAT accounts across the UK and offer the opportunity to develop expertise in key account management within a supportive and structured environment.

Purpose of the role
To support retention and growth across a defined portfolio of key accounts, primarily multi academy trusts, during periods of reform and change.
You will build trust based relationships with MAT leadership and centre level stakeholders, using insight and data to identify opportunities and risks. You will support schools and colleges in making informed decisions about AQA’s qualifications, training and wider support offer.

What’s in it for you
You will work with some of the most influential organisations in education and play a part in shaping how qualifications are delivered at scale. In this role, you will receive:
•    A 35 hour working week and 25 days’ annual leave, increasing with service, plus bank holidays and additional closure days around Christmas
•    An excellent contributory pension scheme, with combined contributions of up to 18.5 percent
•    Private medical insurance and access to AQA’s Health Care Cash Reward Plan
•    The option to join the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme
•    Up to 5 paid volunteering days each year
•    Opportunities for professional development and career progression within a supportive team
•    The opportunity to develop expertise in key account management, working closely with experienced colleagues on complex and strategic customer relationships

Key responsibilities
•    Supporting the development and delivery of national key account plans for assigned multi academy trusts
•    Building trusted, professional relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders across trusts and individual schools
•    Leading day to day engagement across assigned accounts and ensuring agreed plans are delivered
•    Using customer, competitor and market insight to inform account strategy and decision making
•    Working collaboratively with Account Management, Inside Sales, Subject Support, Marketing and other teams to deliver a consistent customer experience
•    Supporting the resolution of customer queries and issues, managing escalations appropriately
•    Maintaining accurate CRM and account records to support reporting and data led decision making
•    Contributing insight from key accounts to help shape AQA’s customer offer and approach

You’ll thrive in this role if you have
•    Experience in the education sector, or experience in consultative sales supporting complex customer relationships
•    The ability to build positive, professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior leaders
•    Strong organisational skills to manage multiple accounts and competing priorities
•    Confidence using data and insight to inform decisions and customer conversations
•    A collaborative approach and experience working across teams
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to stakeholders
•    Commercial awareness and sound judgement

You will need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as this role involves regular national travel.

Diversity and inclusion statement
At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation or background, is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

What next? Application process
Please upload your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and transferable skills.
Closing date: 23:59 on Monday 27 April 2026
You’ll complete a short application questionnaire, followed by a two stage interview process (Teams, then face to face).
Interviews will take place during May with outcomes by the end of May 2026

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. AQA will arrange and cover the cost.

If you are currently an Associate of AQA, you would need to relinquish this post.
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Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

Purpose:

The Key Account Management Associate works under the supervision of the Head of Key Account Management to build and nurture long-term relationships with a defined group of key accounts, primarily multi-academy trusts (MATs). Working collaboratively with the broader team, this role is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, achieving organisational objectives, and resolving customer queries and issues within their assigned accounts. Account strategies, retention activities, and key decisions are formulated by the Associate and agreed with the Head of Key Account Management prior to execution.Landscape:
This role operates within the Sales & Account Management department and reports to the Head of Key Account Management. It serves assigned MAT accounts nationally. The KAM Associate shall receive ongoing guidance, mentoring, and supervision from the Head of Key Account Management, particularly on complex account matters, strategic planning decisions, and stakeholder negotiations. This structure allows the Associate to develop expertise while ensuring alignment with organisational strategy. 

Activities:

Customer Engagement: 
Develop and execute MAT National Key Account Plans in collaboration with the Head of Key Account Management, focusing on selected targets and adopting a customer-centric sales approach to achieve financial and business targets, including growth and customer retention rates. 
Engaging with customers through various channels, such as face-to-face meetings and remote interactions, to support the achievement of MAT Account plans. 
Utilise data and information to identify key decision-makers and growth opportunities within assigned accounts. 
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, external affairs, marketing, customer services, and subject support colleagues to develop AQA's customer offers that enhance retention and acquisition. 

Relationship Management: 
Collaboratively work with AQA's Account Management Team and Inside Sales to engage MAT customers at MAT leadership, subject leader, and local centre levels, under the guidance of the Head of Key Account Management. 
Lead interactions and account management activities with assigned key accounts on behalf of AQA, formulating account strategies with the Head of Key Account Management before implementation. 
Resolve escalated account queries from other AQA teams or customers directly, escalating complex matters to the Head of Key Account Management as required. 

Market Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement: 
Collect, analyse, and interpret market intelligence on competitor and customer behaviour to inform key account plans, with oversight from the Head of Key Account Management. 
Identify key stakeholders, influencers, and networks capable of influencing decision-making within assigned accounts. 
Collaborate with AQA colleagues to support retention and acquisition of key accounts. 

Strategic Planning and Analysis: 
Develop long-term account plans aligned with AQA's strategic goals, working under the guidance of the Head of Key Account Management. Analyse trends and identify growth opportunities within assigned accounts. 
Communication and Relationship Building: 
Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, to build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts and stakeholders. 
Data Analysis and Reporting: 
Collect and analyse data to inform decision-making, monitor progress against objectives, and produce reports tracking performance against key metrics. 
Cross-Functional Collaboration: 
Collaborate effectively with various teams across AQA, including product management, marketing, customer training & events, and subject support colleagues to develop AQA's customer offer and provide support. 
Customer Focus and Negotiation: 
Adopt a customer-centric approach by understanding customer needs, expectations, and feedback to tailor solutions and services accordingly. 
Utilise negotiation skills to develop and deepen relationships, with complex negotiations escalated to the Head of Key Account Management for agreement. 
Continuous Learning and Development: 
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and personal development to stay updated with industry trends and best practices. 
Additional Responsibilities: 
Demonstrate flexibility by undertaking other responsibilities at a commensurate level as business needs change, in consultation with the Head of Key Account Management. 
Stay informed about legislation and policies relevant to the role. 

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

Assessment 
Understanding of the market and the wider education landscape in which AQA operates. 
Knowledge of AQA products, competitor offerings, and how they compare. 
Experience working in a regulated environment where compliance is highly desirable. 
Skills 
Developing selling skills and the ability to build productive customer relationships that retain and maximise opportunities within MATs. 
Account planning capability for multiple assigned clients, with strong time-management skills. 
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including presenting at meetings. 
Strong data management and CRM skills; proficient with Microsoft Office. 
Commercial thinking and sound judgement. 
Networking and relationship-management abilities. 
Analytical capability to analyse data, write reports, and support strategy development. 
Values and Behaviours 
Customers Front and Centre: Our Customers are teachers: we want them always to choose us. Whatever our role, we all go the extra mile to meet their needs. 
Step up: We think for ourselves. We use sound judgement and hold ourselves to account. We listen to understand, and speak our mind with courtesy and care. 
Shape tomorrow: We look up, out and ahead. We use our independent voice to influence. We question what we do and take considered risks to improve and innovate. 
Work and Learn Together: We build supportive, diverse teams. We enjoy working and learning together. We delight in our shared purpose, and celebrate success. 
Results Matter: We decide and deliver at pace. We make courageous decisions about what we will and won't do. We know when to aim for perfection and when good is good enough. 
Experience 
Experience within the education sector, ideally within secondary schools, colleges, or education-related organisations. Experience with Multi-Academy Trusts is desirable but not essential. 
Some sales experience, preferably in a B2B or professional services environment. 

Desirable Criteria
Prior experience in account management or customer relationship management. 
Demonstrable understanding of the UK education landscape and regulatory environment. 
Experience in a customer-facing role in a regulated industry.