Lead Software Test Engineer

Lead Test Engineer

My client is a leading technology provider delivering innovative software solutions. They are now seeking a Lead Software Test Engineer to join their Digital team. This is a pivotal role driving test automation, performance engineering, and quality strategy within a fast-paced, growing Platform-as-a-Service environment. You will champion best practices, mentor fellow QA engineers, and influence how quality is embedded across delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the test automation and performance strategy, implementing frameworks and practices that enable rapid, reliable CI/CD delivery.

• Design and maintain automation frameworks using modern tools such as Playwright, Cypress, and Jest, ensuring high coverage across APIs, integration, and UI.

• Deliver robust performance and load testing (e.g. with k6, JMeter), validating scalability and reliability across applications.

• Apply continuous inspection and reporting tools to monitor code quality, test results, and release readiness.

• Ensure effective cross-functional testing including usability, accessibility, and compatibility (e.g. BrowserStack).

• Mentor and coach QA engineers, promoting best practice and influencing development teams on quality-first approaches.

• Advocate for quality across the SDLC, driving collaboration with Product Owners, Developers, and Delivery Managers.

Skills & Experience

• Proven QA background with experience in a lead or senior role, including mentoring and influencing stakeholders.

• Strong hands-on experience in test automation with Playwright, Cypress, or Jest.

• Solid understanding of performance testing, ideally with tools like k6 or JMeter.

• Familiarity with CI/CD environments and integrating automation into pipelines.

• Knowledge of code quality inspection tools and test reporting dashboards.

• Experience working within agile, cross-functional delivery teams, embedding quality practices throughout.

What's in it for you

• Salary up to £66,000 plus discretionary 10% annual bonus.

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 26 after 3 years, with the option to buy up to 30.

• Stakeholder pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.

• Life assurance at 4x annual salary and critical illness cover.

• Enhanced maternity (26 weeks full pay) and paternity pay (6 weeks full pay).

• Flexible, hybrid working with office presence required twice per week.

• A collaborative culture where innovation, teamwork, and trust are core values.

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior QA professional to step into a leadership role where you'll shape test practices, influence engineering culture, and ensure the delivery of high-quality software products. Based in Worcester (with flexibility for Midlands candidates).