Overview
We are seeking a Contract Test Lead to oversee the testing processes for a major transformation project within the pensions sector. The successful contractor will be responsible for leading day-to-day testing activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and coordinating with internal teams and third-party suppliers. This role requires extensive experience in regulated environments such as pensions, insurance, or finance, providing high visibility and impact throughout the contract.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, coordination, execution, and reporting of testing across the transformation programme.
- Oversee SIT, UAT, regression, end-to-end, performance, and operational readiness testing.
- Coordinate and assure third-party testing suppliers, escalating any risks, issues, and deviations.
- Maintain an audit-ready testing approach that meets regulatory, security, and compliance requirements.
- Produce test plans, schedules, resource plans, and quality gates.
- Run defect triage, prioritizing and ensuring defects are tracked and resolved timely.
- Provide assurance on OAT and non-functional testing, including performance, security, and penetration testing.
- Guide and coordinate the testing team on a day-to-day basis.
Requirements
- Proven track record as a Test Lead in financial services, such as pensions, insurance, banking, or another regulated environment.
- End-to-end testing experience on complex transformation programmes.
- Knowledge of pensions administration systems and processes.
- Strong skills in test planning, defect management, risk assessment, and stakeholder engagement.
- Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps or similar tools.
- Technical testing experience, including API and integration, mobile, data validation, and performance/load testing.
- Experience managing third-party testing suppliers.
- ISTQB Foundation certification (or equivalent) preferred.