Non Functional & Performance Test Architect (Contract)

We’re working with a leading wealth management client to strengthen how non-functional quality is embedded across their technology estate

Rather than treating performance, resilience, security, and operational readiness as activities that happen towards the end of delivery, we’re building a proactive, shift-left approach where these considerations are built into solutions from the start.

We are looking for a Test Architect who will sit within the central technology teams and be responsible for defining and implementing the enterprise-wide Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing strategy.

You’ll play a central role in shaping how non-functional quality is approached across an entire organisation, helping teams deliver technology that is performant, resilient, scalable, and operationally ready from day one.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Establishing the standards, frameworks, tooling, governance and best practices for non-functional and performance testing
• Providing leadership and guidance on performance engineering and non-functional testing practices
• Embedding a shift-left approach to performance, resilience, reliability, security, availability, and recoverability across the delivery lifecycle
• Defining and governing tooling and frameworks that support enterprise-wide adoption
• Working closely with Engineering, Architecture, Product, DevOps, Cloud Operations, and Delivery teams to drive consistent approaches
• Defining metrics, reporting, and quality measures to improve visibility and decision-making
• Driving continuous improvement across non-functional testing and performance engineering capabilities

In your first 3-6 months, success might look like:

• Establishing a clear Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing strategy and roadmap
• Defining enterprise standards, governance processes, and tooling recommendations
• Building strong relationships across technology teams and suppliers

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong stakeholder management skills., * Significant experience in Performance Engineering and Non-Functional Testing within large-scale technology environments

• Background in the financial services industry and working with Snowflake and SQL
• Strong knowledge of performance, scalability, resilience, reliability, security, availability, and recoverability testing
• Experience defining enterprise standards, frameworks, and governance models
• An understanding of modern software engineering, cloud platforms, DevOps, and CI/CD practices
• Experience selecting and implementing non-functional testing tools and frameworks
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and technical teams without direct authority
• Experience working collaboratively with third-party suppliers and partners

This role might not be the right fit if you’re looking for:

• A project-based delivery role focused primarily on test execution
• A role limited to a single application or programme
• Minimal stakeholder engagement or strategic responsibility