Test Lead - User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

Test Lead - User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

We are seeking an experienced and pragmatic Test Lead to drive and coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT) across multiple service areas within a fast-paced Cyber Recovery Programme. for a 6 month contract inside IR35, based in West London

This role will act as the critical link between the Programme Team and service-based testers, ensuring UAT is properly planned, prepared, and executed efficiently. The successful candidate will bring structure, pace, and clarity to the testing process while enabling non-technical stakeholders to confidently fulfil their testing responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Technical Project Manager to develop and maintain a comprehensive UAT plan across all in-scope services.

• Define clear UAT entry and exit criteria, along with acceptance standards.

• Identify environment, data, and dependency requirements to ensure testing readiness.

• Coordinate schedules, resource planning, and daily UAT execution activities across the programme.

• Act as the bridge between technical teams and service users.

• Build service teams' understanding of UAT and prepare them for testing rebuilt systems.

• Work closely with service owners to understand end-to-end business processes and real-world workflows.

• Translate business processes into structured test scripts, scenarios, and acceptance criteria.

• Ensure service inputs are clear, usable, and actionable for technical teams.

• Maintain testing momentum and maximise test velocity.

• Monitor UAT progress and ensure delivery against plan.

• Track, manage, and triage defects in collaboration with development and service teams.

• Provide clear and concise reporting on status, risks, and issues to the Project Manager and Programme Board.

• Proactively identify and unblock issues to maintain test continuity.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Test Lead or UAT Lead, ideally within a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment.

• Strong understanding of end-to-end process testing.

• Ability to translate business workflows into structured, practical test scenarios.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with non-technical teams.

• A pragmatic, hands-on doer who prioritises pace and delivery.

• Strong problem-solving mindset with a solution-focused approach.