Lead Automation Tester/Test Lead (SC Cleared)
Posted 1 day ago by Falcon Chase International
Negotiable
Undetermined
Hybrid
Taunton (2 days per week onsite)
Summary: We are seeking a Lead Automation Tester/Test Lead to implement a quality engineering strategy for Azure-hosted enterprise systems within a secure UK environment. The role emphasizes a risk-based automation strategy that enhances delivery performance and business value while aligning with modern engineering practices and DORA metrics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in automation and quality assurance, particularly in regulated settings. This position is not about testing everything but rather about smart automation that drives quality and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a risk-based automation strategy across functional, integration and performance testing
- Align quality practices to DORA metrics (Lead Time, Deployment Frequency, Change Failure Rate, MTTR)
- Design scalable automation frameworks using Playwright and K6
- Embed reliable automation into Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines
- Promote test pyramid best practices and avoid brittle UI-heavy automation
- Define meaningful quality metrics beyond code coverage
- Drive continuous improvement using data-driven quality insights
Key Skills:
- Proven experience leading automation strategy in enterprise environments
- Strong understanding of modern test automation principles (CI-first, test pyramid, contract testing)
- Hands-on experience with Playwright and K6
- Strong Azure DevOps CI/CD experience
- Clear understanding of DORA metrics
- Experience working in secure or regulated environments
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: Taunton
Country: UK
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: IT
Overview
We are looking for an experienced Lead Automation Tester/Test Lead to drive a modern, outcome-focused quality engineering strategy within Azure-hosted enterprise systems in a secure and regulated UK environment.
This is not a test everything role. We are seeking a pragmatic quality leader who understands how smart automation:
- Improves delivery performance
- Reduces change risk
- Accelerates business value
You will lead automation and quality strategy aligned to modern engineering practices and DORA metrics, ensuring quality enables - rather than slows - delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a risk-based automation strategy across functional, integration and performance testing
- Align quality practices to DORA metrics (Lead Time, Deployment Frequency, Change Failure Rate, MTTR)
- Design scalable automation frameworks using Playwright and K6
- Embed reliable automation into Azure DevOps CI/CD pipelines
- Promote test pyramid best practices and avoid brittle UI-heavy automation
- Define meaningful quality metrics beyond code coverage
- Drive continuous improvement using data-driven quality insights
Required Experience
- Proven experience leading automation strategy in enterprise environments
- Strong understanding of modern test automation principles (CI-first, test pyramid, contract testing)
- Hands-on experience with Playwright and K6
- Strong Azure DevOps CI/CD experience
- Clear understanding of DORA metrics
- Experience working in secure or regulated environments