Great software isn't built by finding defects at the end of a project.

It's built when quality is considered from the very beginning.

That's why this role exists.

Our client is looking for a hands-on QA & Test Automation Lead to take ownership of quality across the organisation's technology initiatives.

This is a standalone role internally, supported by a small offshore team. You'll remain close to the technology while improving test automation, lifting testing standards and giving project teams the confidence to progress through key stage gates.

If you're a Senior Test Analyst or QA professional who's ready for greater ownership without moving away from the technical work you enjoy, this is an opportunity to step into a role where you'll influence how quality is approached across the organisation.

What you'll be doing

Reporting to the Director – Technology Strategy & Delivery, you'll become the organisation's internal lead for quality assurance and test automation.

Working across multiple projects, you'll partner with Solution Design, Delivery Operations and project teams to ensure quality is considered early, risks are identified before they become issues and projects are ready to move forward with confidence.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and coordinating a small offshore testing team
• Remaining hands-on across testing, quality assurance and automation
• Improving testing practices and increasing automation where it delivers genuine value
• Identifying quality risks early and working with project teams to address them before they impact delivery
• Providing quality assurance input into stage gate reviews to ensure projects are ready before progressing
• Working closely with Solution Design, Delivery Operations and Change Assurance to build quality into every stage of delivery

What makes this opportunity different?

Most senior testing roles focus on executing test plans or managing testing for individual projects.

This role starts much earlier.

You'll help shape how quality is approached from solution design through to production, providing independent assurance that projects are ready before progressing through key delivery stages.

You'll remain technically hands-on while becoming the organisation's recognised QA & Test Automation Lead, giving you genuine ownership without moving away from the work you enjoy.

Why now?

The organisation is investing in a new Technology Strategy & Delivery operating model that brings Solution Design, Delivery Operations, Quality Assurance and Change Assurance together to improve technology outcomes.

Joining now gives you the opportunity to shape how testing, automation and quality assurance are embedded across future technology projects from the outset.

What you'll bring

This opportunity is likely to suit an experienced Senior Test Analyst, Lead Test Analyst, Senior QA Analyst, Test Automation Engineer or QA Automation Engineer looking for greater ownership.

You're probably already the person others rely on when testing becomes complex, automation needs improving or delivery teams need confidence that a project is ready to move forward.

You'll ideally bring:

• Experience testing complex enterprise applications
• Strong experience across manual testing together with modern test automation practices
• Experience coordinating or mentoring testers, including offshore teams
• The ability to identify quality risks early and influence better delivery outcomes
• Excellent communication skills and the confidence to challenge thinking when quality standards haven't been met

Experience within financial services or another complex enterprise environment will be highly regarded but isn't essential.

Next steps

This is a permanent opportunity to become the organisation's recognised QA & Test Automation Lead while remaining hands-on across testing and automation.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Steven Fulop on 04•• ••• 446 or ••••@xceltium.com, or Anthony Trimboli on 04•• ••• 782 or ••••@xceltium.com.

Please note: xceltium has been exclusively retained to manage this appointment. All direct and third-party applications will be managed by the xceltium team.