At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen. Are you a leader passionate about testing and automation? Do you thrive in roles where you can shape and drive automation strategies using your deep technical expertise? If so, join us as we redefine the quality and efficiency of our testing solutions. Key responsibilities:
* Develop advanced automation strategies within our testing framework.
* Lead a skilled team of testers dedicated to an automation-first approach.
* Provide strategic guidance on automation best practices.
* Collaborate with business stakeholders, technical teams, and third-party partners to deliver scalable, reliable software solutions.
What's in it for me?
* Balance your 35-hour workweek with flexible hours and smart working tools.
* Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years, plus up to 4 discretionary days over Christmas and New Year.
* Take 5 additional paid days to participate in volunteering activities.
* Access private medical insurance from day one.
* Benefit from our Ride-to-Work scheme, gym access, Headspace app, and employee assistance programme.
What will I need to succeed:
* Expertise in testing: Broad understanding of all test levels and testing types, including functional and non-functional testing.
* Leadership skills: Proven ability to inspire and manage a geographically dispersed team.
* Communication skills: Excellent planning, reporting, and people management skills.
* Tech-savvy: Strong understanding of agile software development and relevant tools.
Ready to Lead? This is your chance to be a key player in an organization that values quality and innovation. If you're ready to take the next step in your career and lead a team that's making a real difference, apply now and let's build the future of testing together. How do I apply? Read the full job description then upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience are what we need. Full Job Description Summary: To ensure predictable and successful delivery of software for AQA's key operational systems, providing leadership and hands-on support in the area of test for programmes/projects as required. Ensuring all software delivered is tested in line with defined requirements, industry best practices, departmental standards, and wider AQA policies/procedures. Key Accountabilities:
* Support the Head of Test in implementing and continuously improving software and test practices, processes, and tools aligned to agile and lean principles.
* Ensure the successful delivery of software solutions projects in line with agreed timescales and priorities.
* Mentor and coach other team members, driving personal and professional development.
* Identify ways to continually improve team processes and ways of working.
* Drive the continuous improvement of ways of working in Software Solutions and of wider departmental practices.
* Work with the business, other technical teams, and external partners to design, plan, and deliver software solutions and software solution integrations.
* To build and foster strong working relationships with colleagues, key business stakeholders, 3rd party partners, and throughout AQA.
* Undertake appropriate mitigation and avoidance actions as assigned, in accordance with identified Issues and Risks.
* Provide regular, simple, clear, and accurate reporting and tracking on test activities.
* Line manage Test team members to get the best outcomes for individuals and AQA in line with AQA's practices, policies, and procedures. Person Profile Knowledge:
* A broad understanding of testing and its role, relevance, and application in either a commercial or an educational environment.
* Excellent understanding of different types of testing, e.g. functional, non-functional, and user acceptance including relevant artefacts associated and suitable application.
* A strong understanding of the use of technology to improve the efficiency, reliability, and repeatability of the testing discipline.
* A good understanding of the software development lifecycle in an agile setting. Qualification:
* Desirable - Degree level or equivalent experience.
* An ISEB Qualification. Skills:
* Skilled at leading a team, with individuals across a range of geographical locations.
* Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop a team to achieve personal and business success.
* Experienced in working with third-party suppliers and vendors.
* Excellent planning and reporting skills.
* Strong people management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues to meet deliverables and adhere to agreed processes and ways of working.
* Ability to work effectively across all levels of the organisation, leading by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders.
* Excellent communication skills including the ability to work collaboratively, negotiate, influence, and provide constructive challenge.
* Able to solve problems and unblock challenges that may hinder progress.
* Assertive and resilient to be able to challenge project members and stakeholders when they are not delivering on their accountabilities.
* Data savvy and able to analyse, interpret, and report back complex information in a meaningful way.
* Ability to resolve problems and adapt to change in a fast-moving environment.
* Regularly displays courage and calmness under pressure; and actively encourages others to do the same. Leadership Skills:
* Ability to inspire and motivate team members and other colleagues.
* Ability to take ownership of both software solution delivery and continuous improvement activities, delivering through self and others.
* Ability to coach and mentor individuals to support individual development and wider departmental continuous improvement.
* Ability to lead by example to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners and stakeholders. Experience:
* Significant experience as a successful Test professional, with evidence of delivering tasks at a high level of quality, at all stages of the project lifecycle, from requirements gathering and clarification through to successful implementation.
* Experience of leading functional and non-functional testing teams including use of automation.
* Demonstrable experience in successfully leading small Software Solutions teams to achieve personal and business success.
* Experience of line managing teams of technical staff, including active performance management.
* Demonstrable experience in using one or more testing tools in supporting implementation of agile practices, e.g. MTM, TFS, JIRA, ALM etc.