Lead Test Manager

Become part of a mission-driven digital organisation delivering secure, reliable services to over 50 million users across the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), in partnership with Inspire People, is seeking a Lead Test Manager with deep expertise in testing strategy, quality engineering, and large-scale digital delivery to provide strategic leadership across a complex technology estate. Based in Swansea on a permanent Grade 7 appointment, this role offers hybrid working (minimum 60% office-based in Swansea) and a salary of £57,515 to £82,430 plus c.29% employer pension contribution plus excellent Civil Service benefits.

Open Sessions: Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it's like to work in DVLA? If so, we are organising an open session where you can virtually 'meet the team' on 28/05/2026 at 12:00. Sign up on the application page following redirect from this site when you apply.

Be a part of the Electronic Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Transformation Programme

You will play a leading role within DVLA's digital transformation, including the delivery of a new electronic Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) service, modernising how vehicle tax is administered and delivered digitally. This programme sits alongside broader transformation of legacy platforms and services at national scale.

As a Lead Test Manager you will:

• Provide strategic leadership of independent testing and quality assurance across multiple concurrent digital deliveries
• Define and embed testing strategies across complex, cloud-first and legacy environments
• Lead and guide engineering teams on quality engineering approaches, standards, and best practice
• Oversee and coordinate testing activities at scale, ensuring effective planning, execution and reporting
• Engage with suppliers, partners, and internal delivery teams to set expectations and ensure delivery quality
• Drive continuous testing practices, shifting quality left and identifying risks early
• Escalate quality risks to senior stakeholders, providing clear recommendations and assurance
• Represent testing and quality engineering capability internally and externally, influencing strategy and continuous improvement

Essential Skills for the Lead Test Manager include:

• Recognised expertise in defining and assuring testing strategies for complex services, including web-based and API-driven architectures
• Deep experience in functional testing and test analysis, with strong understanding of non-functional requirements (performance, security, accessibility, resilience)
• Strong knowledge of modern software delivery lifecycles, including agile methodologies and CI/CD pipelines
• Ability to lead quality engineering strategy across multiple teams, embedding automation-first, risk-based testing approaches
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and communicating complex technical risks clearly to non-technical audiences
• Proven track record of improving quality assurance outcomes across large-scale delivery environments

In return, you can expect a flexible working culture, including:

• Hybrid working with a minimum 60% office-based in Swansea
• Flexible working arrangements including full-time, part-time and job share options
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays and privilege day
• Access to a generous Civil Service pension (c.29% employer contribution)
• Ongoing learning and development and clear Digital & Data career pathways
• Inclusive working environment supported by staff communities and wellbeing initiatives

Why Join DVLA?

DVLA plays a critical role in keeping the UK's roads safe and services running at national scale. This is a rare opportunity to shape quality engineering strategy across a large and complex digital estate, influencing how testing is embedded into modern, cloud-first delivery while supporting high-impact programmes that affect millions of citizens daily.

Apply now via Inspire People.