Senior Product Developer for Science Qualifications

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Job Description

Pearson Science are seeking a Senior Product Developer for Science Qualifications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the delivery of outstanding customer-focused developments and amendments to qualifications across the science portfolio (including specs, SAMS and support) in support of the subject strategy.

• Scope and collaboratively design and develop qualifications, sample assessments and support that inspire teachers, engage learners and enable progression - working in close partnership with subject portfolio team and GQ Development team.

• Lead the delivery of the technical development process to ensure projects are delivered to time, cost and quality criteria.

• Own specific aspects of research - including design and implementation of research activity to improve customer experience and differentiation of a specific qualification, in support of the subject strategy.

• Manage the delivery of specific elements of product surround (e.g. EAMs, specimen papers, surround materials, national programme), in collaboration with colleagues where appropriate.

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

• Provide deep subject expertise to build the strength of our subject leadership, strategy and implementation. Ensure subject voice is represented in all role accountabilities.

• Where required, lead and support Product Developers in the team to deliver qualification developments and outstanding customer support and to contribute to achieving growth targets.

• Contribute to the overall qualification development strategy for our academic qualifications portfolio

• Contribute to cross-GQ development strategy and innovation strands - including leading key aspects of identified pilot activities or trials.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Develop and maintain subject and market insight

• Develop and maintain evidence base of learner needs in subjects through a continuous programme of research with teachers, stakeholders and learners themselves.

• Develop and maintain evidence base of teacher/centre and stakeholder needs and behaviours, including teacher needs and behaviours at a subject level to build an evidence base for criteria/AO drafting, qualification developments and annual reviews through the lifecycle

• Support product developers to develop and maintain relationships with teachers and subject stakeholders, and build their evidence base to inform development decisions throughout the life of a qualification

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

2. Lead the technical process for developing accredited market winning academic qualifications

• Working with product developers where relevant, project manage the design and development of qualifications and sample assessment materials from concept to launch - in support of the subject strategy.

• Lead on the scoping of projects, including leading and facilitating effective collaboration with colleagues across the business to define the design of qualifications and sample assessments - and in line with the subject strategy.

• Manage the submission and accreditation / sign-off process for qualifications and sample assessments and secure accreditation - including reviewing materials, ongoing content research and development to ensure they are fully in line with teacher, learner and Ofqual / wider stakeholder requirements and our strategy

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the business, drawing upon the various technical and customer expertise available and, where necessary, liaising with external agencies and stakeholders to inform the design and development of qualifications.

• Manage the process for recruitment and training of writers and subject specialists, ensuring that they are on brief and deliver content to the requisite quality on time.

• Lead the handover of new qualifications to assessment teams, to inform the set up and support successful first time delivery of new qualifications.

• Own the process for implementing qualification amendments within the subject portfolio throughout the lifecycle of the qualification, ensuring regulatory compliance.

3. Innovation

• In partnership with subject leads within the broader GQ team, support innovations in qualification development projects to improve customer experience, the nature, profile and quality of our products (including specifications) and the growth of our business.

• Lead identified pilots to test and trial alternative qualification approaches and share best practice within and across teams.

• Identify and deliver innovation and improvement in our processes across teams.

4. Support teachers and learners through the lifecycle - including through effective research, competitor analysis and development of support materials

• Run research initiatives as appropriate to understand customer context / needs and competitive context in order to shape improved propositions, support and services.

• Support colleagues from 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.

• Manage the delivery of 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.

5. 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.

• With the senior qualification manager and colleagues as appropriate, represent Pearson in DfE and Ofqual collaborations, including subject consultations, subject content and technical interpretation drafting

• Support and develop cross departmental product development expertise, to ensure readiness at reform and throughout the qualification lifecycle

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of design and development of qualifications.

• Strong project management experience - with demonstrable track record of delivering high quality (in customer and regulator terms) products to time, cost and quality requirements.

• Understanding of education assessment, practice and policy.

• Strong subject understanding and experience of working effectively and credibly with subject specialist teachers. (Flexibility and potential to work across broader subjects where specialism is not required also remains a requirement of the role.)

• Experience of working effectively in a complex matrix.

• Experience of presenting to / training / supporting subject specialist teachers.

• Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders.

• Experience of customer research scoping, implementation and analysis of results to inform activities and propositions.

• Experience of working within a regulated environment.

• Experience of leading a team

Desirable

• Experience of developing and implementing customer-focused strategies.

• Direct teaching or training experience.

SKILLS and BEHAVIOURS

Essential

• Qualification and product development skills.

• Project management skills.

• Customer empathy.

• Can-do attitude.

• Ability to lead and influence.

• Ability to work collaboratively.

• Creative thinking.

• Ability to deliver.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to think strategically.

Desirable

• Commercial acumen.

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