Justin Coombs

Critic
DISC Type : C

Director of Assessment Technology at AQA

Maidenhead, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Justin Coombs is the Chief Assessment Technology Officer at AQA, where he leads the design and development of software systems for delivering assessments. He has extensive experience in technical leadership and software delivery, having previously worked in data science and medical technology after studying at the University of Oxford.

Outside of his professional role, Justin is deeply involved in historic preservation as a Trustee for the Friends of Upminster Windmill. He played a key role in the landmarks multi-year restoration, which combines his passion for community heritage with his technical expertise.

He developed an "Internet of Things" based digital monitoring system to help safeguard the newly restored 19th-century windmill.

Personality Overview

Precise

Negotiator

Critic

They enjoy working alone and do not rely on others very often.  They are quite likely to negotiate on pricing or other key terms. They prefer to do logical analysis and value evidence over emotions.

Topics They Care About

Ethical AI in Assessment
Leads a taskforce exploring how AI can responsibly support human examiners in marking, emphasizing fairness and trust in the process.
Digital Transformation
His role is central to AQA's strategic goal of leading the shift towards digital assessment, ensuring the transition benefits both teachers and learners.
Technical Leadership
Has a long track record of leading large software teams and major transformation programs, including systems for awarding during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Media Appearances

Justin has no verified media appearances

Work History

11-2022
Director of Assessment Technology at AQA
1-2018 - 10-2022
Head of Technical Delivery at AQA
7-2015 - 1-2018
Head of Software Development at AQA
1-2014 - 6-2015
Head of Development at Symphony EYC
9-2011 - 12-2013
Head of Application Development at Cogent Healthcare Systems

Education

1994 - 1998
Bachelor of Arts (BA) from University of Oxford
1987 - 1994
Education details unavailable from Coopers Company and Coborn School, Upminster

More Information

Social Presence :

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Exp : 26 Location : Maidenhead, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director of Assessment Technology at AQA
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Insights For Selling To Justin

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • If you can, show them industry reports or analyst comments instead of sharing anecdotal stories
  • Be ready to answer many clarity-seeking questions and requests for information
  • Keep some extra margin while sharing pricing, they are likely to negotiate later

DONT's

  • Don’t try to give too many examples of other users, they like to make their own decisions
  • Don't give superficial answers, they are easily rattled by them
  • Don’t try too hard to build a relationship with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Justin is

  • Strong evidence of ROI, effective pricing, and proven data points matter the most to them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Justin

  • It is not very hard for them to say no if they are not convinced about the decision.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Justin move?

  • They are neither the fastest nor the slowest decision makers, they are somewhere in the middle.
  • Can Justin take some risk or not?

  • They can bear some risk if their analysis backs the decision.

You And Justin

Personality Compatibility


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