IT Test Lead

Originally named, Great British Nuclear, Great British Energy - Nuclear is an arm’s length body of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, dedicated to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies in Great Britain. We play a crucial role in advancing nuclear new build, ensuring the UK’s energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Great British Energy - Nuclear focuses on fostering innovation, facilitating investment, and coordinating efforts across the nuclear industry to build a resilient and sustainable energy future. Great British Energy - Nuclear’s first step was to start the technology selection process for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in 2023. SMRs can potentially be quicker to deploy and less expensive to build than traditional nuclear power plants because they are smaller, have factory based modular manufacturing and more flexible deployment options. In June 2025, Great British Energy - Nuclear announced that Rolls-Royce SMR had been selected as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first SMRs, following a technology selection process that began in 2023. Great British Energy - Nuclear is aiming to deliver fast, based on a supportive and collaborative culture which values equality and diversity and creates an inclusive workplace. We draw on deep nuclear expertise – our Executive Committee has over 100 years of nuclear experience at home and abroad. GBN-E will unlock billions of pounds of private and public investment from design to operation, helping to get sites ready for development, and working to grow manufacturing capacity and skills capability. Our activities will be driven by our values, which are: Trust - We prioritise safety , we act responsibly and with integrity . Collaboration - We work as a team ; we value diversity and expertise . Challenge - We are curious and courageous in the way we think and act . Care - We are thoughtful , inclusive and respectful of others. Drive - We get things done and we make a difference . If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us at recruitment@greatbritishnuclear.uk and we will talk to you about how we can assist.

Role Purpose

The IT Test Lead will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of IPT systems into a live environment. The role holder will be responsible for planning, designing, and executing IT test activities to ensure systems meet quality standards prior to go-live. This includes managing defects, ensuring timely resolution, and maintaining robust documentation throughout the testing lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Test Planning & Design
• Develop comprehensive test strategies, plans, and schedules aligned with project timelines.
• Define test scope, objectives, and acceptance criteria for IPT systems.
• Identify and prepare test data and environments required for execution.
• Test Execution & Management
• Execute functional, integration, system, and user acceptance tests.
• Record and track test results, ensuring accurate documentation of outcomes and defects.
• Manage defects through their lifecycle, coordinating with development and project teams to ensure resolution prior to go-live.
• Quality Assurance & Governance
• Ensure compliance with organisational testing standards and methodologies.
• Conduct risk-based testing and provide recommendations for mitigating quality risks.
• Validate that all deliverables meet agreed quality benchmarks before deployment.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborate with IPT & Digital teams, project managers, and business stakeholders to align testing activities with project objectives.
• Communicate test progress, risks, and issues effectively to stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve testing processes, tools, and automation capabilities.
• Contribute to lessons learned and best practice sharing within the team.
• Additional Activities Expected of a Test Manager
• Define and maintain test governance frameworks and ensure adherence across projects.
• Manage test resources, including allocation of team members and coordination of third-party vendors if applicable.
• Oversee test environment management, ensuring availability and stability for all test phases.
• Implement and monitor test metrics and KPIs to measure quality and efficiency.
• Support regression testing and ensure automation strategies are in place where feasible.
• Participate in release planning and provide go/no-go recommendations based on test outcomes.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in IT testing leadership roles, ideally within complex system delivery projects.
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies (e.g., ISTQB standards).
• Familiarity with IPT systems and digital transformation projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.