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# QA & Automation Test Lead

- **Company:** Tyne & Wear
- **Location:** Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Testing (Software), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Agile Methodology, Artificial Intelligence, Algorithmic Trading, Automation of Tests, Continuous Integration, DevOps, Selenium, Software Engineering, Strategies of Testing, Cypress (Programming Language), Playwright
- **Published:** September 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/qa-automation-test-lead/45841436

## About the Role

industry trends.CollaborationWork closely with Product Managers, Software Engineers, Business Analysts and stakeholders.Promote a quality-first culture throughout the software development lifecycle.Communicate testing progress, quality risks and release readiness effectively.Support User Acceptance Testing where appropriate.Essential ExperienceProven experience leading a QA team.Demonstrated success transitioning organisations from manual to automated testing.Strong experience designing and maintaining automated test frameworks.Experience defining QA strategies for complex software products.Strong understanding of Agile development methodologies.Experience with API, integration, regression and end-to-end testing.Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.Ability to balance quality, delivery timelines and commercial priorities.Desirable ExperienceExperience within financial services, fintech or another regulated
industry.Knowledge of trading systems, electronic markets or complex financial platforms.Experience with Playwright, Cypress, Selenium or similar automation tools.Exposure to AI-assisted software testing solutions.Performance, resilience or security testing experience.Previous experience within a scaling technology business.For more information on this role, apply now!Location:Newcastle upon TyneTyne and WearNewcastle upon TyneNE12 8BXSalary:60000 - 80000Sector:Testing Type:PermanentPosted:08/17/2026

## Description

testability.Act as the key quality representative across Engineering and Product teams.Test Automation & DeliveryLead the design and implementation of automated testing frameworks.Define testing strategies covering functional, integration, API, end-to-end and non-functional testing.Improve regression coverage and maintainability of automation suites.Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines.Support hands-on testing activities where required.Reporting & Continuous ImprovementDevelop quality metrics and meaningful QA reporting.Monitor defect trends, release quality and testing effectiveness.Identify opportunities to improve tooling, processes and delivery practices.Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the QA function.AI & InnovationExplore practical applications of AI within software testing.Evaluate tools that improve automation, productivity and test coverage.Encourage experimentation with AI-assisted testing approaches.Stay up to date with emerging QA technologies and