I am currently looking for a highly capable and experienced Test Lead to join a multidisciplinary agile team delivering secure and user-focused digital services. This role involves leading testing activities across large-scale government programmes that follow GDS (Government Digital Service) standards and requires an individual with exceptional quality assurance skills, leadership ability, and a deep understanding of agile delivery in public sector environments.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must hold active SC clearance and be British-born nationals.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, planning, and execution of test strategies and test cases.
Apply Government Digital Service (GDS) standards throughout the testing lifecycle.
Define and implement quality processes, standards, and best practices across teams.
Collaborate with project managers, developers, and stakeholders to align test coverage with delivery objectives.
Manage test environments and ensure all readiness activities are completed.
Monitor testing progress, defect trends, and quality metrics; report risks and readiness status.
Coach, mentor, and upskill QA/test professionals within the team.
Ensure end-to-end traceability from requirements through to test execution.
Contribute to risk assessments and provide informed go/no-go recommendations for releases.
Challenge project timelines and ensure quality outcomes are maintained under pressure.
Essential Skills & Experience
Proven experience as a Test Lead or Senior QA Analyst in complex agile environments.
Deep knowledge of software testing life cycle (STLC) and test design methodologies.
Strong documentation skills - capable of producing structured, concise test artefacts.
Hands-on experience with test management tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
Effective in managing multiple priorities in high-demand project settings.
Exposure to GDS principles, public sector delivery, or secure/government environments is highly desirable.
Passion for developing others and promoting continuous learning within teams.
Mandatory Requirements
Must hold active SC Clearance (Security Check)
Must be a British-born national (due to project-level security requirements)
Right to work in the UK
Available to work Inside IR35 on an umbrella-only basis
Daily Rate: £550 (umbrella)
🚀 What You'll Get
The chance to lead quality assurance on meaningful public sector digital services
Work within a high-performing, mission-driven agile team
Influence strategic quality direction while staying technically hands-on
If you meet the criteria and are ready to take the lead on secure, impactful testing programmes - we'd love to hear from you.
