Sales Development Representative

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.

Sales Development Representative

12 months Fixed Term Contract

Manchester: £25,000 - £26,500

Hybrid Working

 

You’re not here to “smash KPIs” or “leverage synergies.”
You’re here to make a difference.

And if you’re tired of selling widgets and want to sell something that actually matters—education—keep reading.

 

There are loads of company benefits, including a fantastic pension (up to 11.5% employer contributions), a 35 hour working week, 25 days annual leave with additional office closure in December and bank holidays on top, the opportunity to join lots of network groups (LGTBQ+, neurodiversity, disAbility, empowering women, wellbeing, ethnic minority and more) an extensive online learning platform, days for volunteering, and an award winning office space with a gym, yoga studio and subsidised café.  AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive 

 

AQA isn’t just another awarding body. We’re a not-for-profit with a mission: to advance education and help teachers and students realise their potential. That’s not marketing fluff—it’s why we exist.

 

We’ve built an innovative EdTech platform that’s changing how schools approach assessment. Now we need someone who can help us get it into the hands of the people who need it most.

That’s where you come in.

 

This isn’t a “smile and dial” sales job. You’ll be:

• Identifying and nurturing leads—not just chasing them.

• Running online demos that actually help people, not just tick boxes.

• Collaborating with smart, mission-driven teams across AQA to make sure every customer touchpoint is seamless.

• Helping schools solve real problems with real solutions.

 

You’ll need to be self-motivated, digitally fluent (Teams, Zoom, CRM—you know the drill), and genuinely interested in education. If you’ve worked in EdTech or assessment before, great. If not, we’ll train you but you need to be experienced in sales for this contract.

 

What matters most? That you care about the customer, you’re curious, and you know how to build trust—remotely.

 

If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, be heard, and actually enjoy what you do—apply now.

Or don’t. But if you’re still reading, you probably should.

 

Upload your most recent CV with a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the job description.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and we will close the advert when we find “the one” so apply sooner rather than later.

 

All applications will be responded to.

#CRE23

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

AQA is much more than just an awarding organisation, our purpose is to advance education by enabling teachers and students to realise their potential. Our purpose is the reason AQA exists - we are here to make a positive difference in the world by bringing out the best in teachers and students.
As a Sales Development Representative you will play a critical role in driving business growth by generating new leads and driving customer acquisition for our innovative educational assessment services, leveraging an innovative technology platform.In this role you will collaborate with teams across AQA as a supportive partner to ensure customers receive industry leading support at every stage of their customers journey. This is a critical role that requires the ability to gain an understanding of customer needs, educational technology and the education system.
To be successful in this role, you will need to be highly self-motivated and have a passion for delivering the best possible customer experience. You will demonstrate a customer centric mindset and a track record of delivering results in a dynamic environment. You will be organised, a strong communicator and possess excellent stakeholder skills which support you to engage and influence at multiple levels seniority.
Activities
You will be responsible for actively developing new sales, through proactive outbound customer contact; building relationships and engaging with prospective customers.
Primary duties include:
Identifying new opportunities to secure additional business with current customers.
Selling products and services via online (Microsoft Teams or Zoom) meetings, or via the phone and working with customers to ensure a smooth sale
Coordination with internal stakeholders to create a seamless customer experience across the sales, demonstration and onboarding.
Understanding the customers’ needs, identifying and resolving any issues.
Managing customer expectations
The post-holder will also be responsible for coordinating and actioning follow up activity such sending resources to the customers.
The role involves close collaboration with AQA Account Management and Subject Support teams, mainly through information sharing and following-up on leads generated or sharing leads.
Need to know – to be successful in this role you will need .
In-depth understanding of the EdTech market and the competitive landscape an advantage, but not essential. Training will be provided
Sound grasp of sales strategies, processes, and methodologies.
Demonstrable digital communication skills such as Teams/Zoom for product demonstrations and client meetings.
Proficiency in using CRM software, such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM .
Comprehensive understanding of the customer journey from acquisition to onboarding. Training will be provided.
Personal specification
Prior experience in a sales development role, EdTech or Assessment Services sector experience an advantage.
Demonstrated ability in achieving sales quotas and objectives.
Excellent listening, communication and negotiation skills.
Self-motivated & ambitious with a strong drive to succeed.
Exceptional remote people skills, capable of connecting and establishing rapport with clients and team members.
Commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-growth environment.