Automation Test Lead

Automation Test Lead
Permanent
Location: Home / Brighton (6 days a month on site)
Salary: 60,000 - 70,000 (+ excellent benefits including bonus & 27% pension contributions)

Skills: Team Lead / Management experience, Test Strategy Implementation, Hands on test automation skills (C#, Selenium or Playwright)

We are seeking a dynamic Automation Test Lead to join a forward-thinking, technology-driven public sector organisation. As a key member of the Test Team, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of a wide range of software and applications, contributing directly to the development of new systems.

This is a hands-on leadership role, where you will lead and mentor a team of 8 Automation Test Engineers. While previous line management experience is preferred, we're also open to individuals with strong experience in delivering test plans and strategies who are looking to take on a leadership role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the delivery of high-quality outcomes for Change and IT delivery initiatives.
• Implement Test Strategies and Plans (Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid) to ensure the comprehensive testing of in-scope applications and systems.
• Lead continuous process improvements for functional and non-functional testing frameworks.
• Develop and oversee the creation of End-to-End testing scenarios (manual and automated) for both Change and BAU.
• Supervise the development of robust regression packs (manual and automated) to support BAU releases.
• Focus on ensuring quality in product releases and effectively report on behalf of the testing team.
• Provide leadership and support for line management processes as delegated by the Test Manager.

Essential Skills:

• Proven experience in testing techniques, standards, methodologies, and best practices within a software development or testing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the end-to-end software testing lifecycle, from test scenario identification to writing tests and raising defects.
• Experience with test management tools such as Test Rail, HPALM, or Microsoft Test Manager.
• Ability to mentor and guide team members, identifying training needs and helping to deliver relevant training.
• Leadership experience within project or workstream environments, assisting in the implementation of project improvement plans.
• Excellent collaboration skills, working effectively across teams to achieve goals outlined in the Test Strategy.
• Ability to coordinate testing efforts during live incidents, ensuring timely reporting and communication for critical issues or risks.

Desirable Skills:

• ISTQB/ISEB Foundation Certificate or equivalent experience.
• Experience with Microsoft Technology Stack and tools such as Azure DevOps.
• Knowledge of testing methodologies including Waterfall and Agile (Scrum/Kanban).

Person Specification:

• Highly organised with strong time management skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and take initiative.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Strong communication skills at all levels.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.