Subject Matter Expert - Assessment

Subject Matter Expert - Assessment
Location: Flexible
Salary: £38,193

The company is a specialist awarding organisation (AO) and current market leader in the Hair and Beauty sectors. Launched in 1962, it offers vocational and technical qualifications, including apprenticeships, in a range of service sectors.

More than 800 approved centres work with us, and the ever-expanding list extends across the UK, Ireland, and the rest of the world. Its acquisition of the internationally recognised examination board ITEC and education technology specialists Digital Assess, in 2016, added to our specialist offering.

The Subject Matter Expert (Specialism- Assessment) will act as Principal Examiner and provide technical specialist writing and development support within the assessment department, as well as specialist technical guidance about assessments to customers, examiners, EQAs, BDMs and other staff across the business. They are responsible for contributing to the maintenance and review of a portfolio of c. 450 regulated qualifications with approximately 100,000 learners registered to take these qualifications every year.

Principal Accountabilities:
* Produce and approve exam papers and mark schemes, ensuring high-quality and fit for purpose assessments that align with qualification specifications
* Confirm final drafts of exam papers at Question Paper Evaluation Meetings (QPEMs)
* Lead, manage and monitor a team of examiners and technical writers
* Ensure standardisation of all marking during an exam session
* Ensure all exam papers are marked by the required deadline
* Maintain marking standards across exam papers by monitoring the work of examiners
* Report on the performance of examiners after marking has been completed
* Participate in the awarding process, recommending appropriate mark ranges for the grade boundaries and produce supporting reports
* Produce a report on the performance of exam papers for each exam series
* Re-mark work in connection with enquiries about results (EARs) of an examination
* Review and respond to customer feedback on examinations
* Attend training to ensure best practice, accuracy, consistency and standards maintained
* Ensure each qualification in the specialism is supported by assessment instruments that are valid, reliable, regulatory compliant and fit for purpose.
* Provide specialist advice and guidance on qualifications, curriculum delivery and assessment to all stakeholders.
* Line manage teams of external consultant technical writers and reviewers.
* Organise and support development of assessment materials in specialism using Creatio Green or other IT system as appropriate, ensuring a valid development audit trail.
* Contribute to the maintenance, review, extension and expiry of qualifications within the portfolio.
* Contribute to the handling of complaints/appeals in line with policies and procedures.
* Contribute to the process of stakeholder engagement and consultation during the design and development of assessments.
* Work collaboratively with marketing staff to deliver objectives relating to qualification product and promotional material development.

We are seeking candidates with:
* A good understanding of the design principles of valid and reliable qualifications and assessments
* Expert specialist knowledge in field of specialism
* Excellent writing and proof reading skills.
* Exceptional eye for detail.
* Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word
* Sound project management skills and the ability to manage a remote team
* Ability to work to deadlines under pressure.
* Sound time management and organisational skills
It would be desirable if candidates had:
* Expert knowledge of curriculum design principles
* Occupational competence in vocational specialism
* Innovation - capacity to identify engaging approaches to assessment

If you wish to apply for this exciting opportunity, please send us your details via 'Apply' where you will be asked to provide a comprehensive CV including full work and educational history.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 5 November 2017