Test Lead

Role: Test Lead

Salary: £48,000 - £58,000

Location: Tipton, West Midlands (Hybrid – 2-3 Days From Home Weekly, After Initial Settling In Period)

Benefits: Discretionary Bonus , Generous Pension Contribution , Private Healthcare , Permanent Health Insurance

Network IT is recruiting for a Test Lead to join a purpose-driven organisation delivering a major Digital Transformation programme . This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in structured testing environments , has experience in financial services , and understands regulatory and governance frameworks .

Reporting to the Programme Manager, you'll lead testing across project delivery and BAU activities, shaping test strategy, planning, execution, and defect management. You will be responsible for managing a variety of testing projects and handling multiple streams of work at once, ranging from small initiatives to large-scale programmes. You'll also be part of a collaborative, people-first culture where your ideas and contributions are valued.

Key Responsibilities

This role would suit someone who enjoys working across test strategy, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance delivery — acting as a key driver of software quality.

• Lead testing capability across projects and BAU, including strategy, planning, coordination, execution, and defect management.
• Drive the adoption of a test culture and develop a mature test function.
• Provide monthly reporting on progress, risks, and issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams and third-party vendors to deliver change initiatives.
• Create a collaborative team environment that encourages open dialogue and effective conflict resolution.
• Ensure test environments are set up and maintained properly.
• Track and manage defects and issues, ensuring timely resolution.
• Define KPIs to monitor testing outcomes and drive efficiency.
• Shape test strategy and plans for functional, UAT, OAT, and non-functional testing (performance, security, accessibility, compatibility).

Experience Requirements

• Experience as a Test Lead within a regulatory environment.

• Advanced ISTQB certification.
• Financial Services experience with knowledge of regulatory and governance requirements.
• Experience with Mortgage and Savings processes.
• Experience setting up and maintaining test portals (Jira / ADO).
• Experience in partner/third-party management with commercial and contractual acumen.
• Experience introducing standardised testing methodologies and a test culture.
• Experience defining KPIs and driving testing efficiency.
• Exposure to modern infrastructure (Cloud, APIs, SaaS).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage people effectively.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet packages and project management systems.