Test Lead

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Test Lead to join our Group Technology & Digital team and play a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability and success of our technology solutions.

Reporting to the Test Manager, you’ll lead testing activities across projects and change initiatives, helping to deliver robust, high-quality solutions that support our business and customers. This is an exciting opportunity to influence testing strategy, drive continuous improvement and champion best practice across a complex technology landscape. Working closely with developers, business specialists, project teams and third-party partners, you’ll ensure testing is planned, executed and reported effectively, while helping to shape the future of quality assurance within the organisation.

We offer a hybrid approach to working, with our Technology & Digital team based at Pagoda House in Harrogate (HG2 7LD). While regular time onsite is important for collaboration and relationship-building, we recognise the value of flexibility and are happy to discuss working arrangements. As such, this role is not suitable for fully remote working. The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis (37.5 hours per week)., * Lead testing activities across projects and change initiatives, adapting testing strategies to meet project requirements and ensuring effective delivery and reporting

• Collaborate with developers and project teams throughout the software development lifecycle to deliver solutions that are fit for purpose and fit for use
• Guide and support business SMEs and technical specialists, promoting testing best practice and cross-functional collaboration
• Plan and execute testing for business changes, including writing, reviewing and maintaining test scripts
• Investigate, manage and track defects, working closely with development teams to ensure timely resolution
• Drive continuous improvement of testing methodologies, tools and processes, including automation capabilities
• Produce and maintain testing documentation, including test plans, sign-off documentation and test exit reports
• Support the development and maintenance of testing standards and quality assurance best practice across the business
• Work with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure comprehensive test coverage and successful delivery outcomes
• Support the ongoing development of knowledge and capability across technology and business teams

• Significant experience in software testing, quality assurance or a similar role.
• Experience leading testing activities across projects, programmes or technology change initiatives.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with experience supporting colleagues and stakeholders to achieve successful testing outcomes.
• Proven experience of both manual and automated testing approaches and tools.
• Strong knowledge of the software development lifecycle and testing best practice.
• Excellent planning, organisation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with third-party suppliers and cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of ERP platforms, particularly IFS, would be advantageous.
• Exposure to emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning and cloud-based testing environments would be beneficial.

On top of a competitive salary, we offer:

• A discretionary profit-share bonus scheme paid quarterly (11.9% average over the last three years)
• A generous, flexible and inclusive range of family-friendly benefits to support you through every stage of life. These include enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave arrangements, flexible working options, paid time off for caring responsibilities, and emergency family leave
• Freshly cooked hot meals while at work, along with free drinks and snacks
• Discounts on Bettys & Taylors products
• A range of health benefits, including a health cash plan, health assessments, flu jabs and more
• Wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
• The option to buy and (in some cases) sell additional holidays
• Pension schemes and life assurance
• And more

We are Bettys & Taylors Group. Our family business is home to three iconic Yorkshire brands - Yorkshire Tea, Bettys, and Taylors of Harrogate. Together we share a passion for quality, delighting customers, and doing things properly. We are driven by our purpose and values, and we know our talented people set us apart. That’s where you come in.