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# Software Test Team Lead

- **Company:** Reed
- **Location:** Exeter, UK (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £40,000.0 - £45,000.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Testing (Software), Agile Methodology, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Microsoft Azure, Bug Tracking Systems, Scrum Methodology, Test Management, Postman, Appium, Playwright
- **Published:** September 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5893071289

## About the Role

* Background as a software tester or senior tester within agile delivery teams.
 * Experience coordinating testing activities across multiple workstreams.
 * Experience in line managing or mentoring testers is advantageous.
 * Exposure to risk-based testing, exploratory testing, or structured test design is advantageous.
 * Strong understanding of testing practices and QA principles.
 * Clear communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
 * Familiarity with test management tools such as Azure DevOps, Jira, or similar.
 * Experience with test case management and defect tracking tools.
 * Experience of using API testing tools and automated testing tools and frameworks (e.g., Playwright and Appium).
 * UK Security Clearable.

## Description

A new exciting Fixed Term Contract opportunity has become available to join a leading UK housing care provider. They're seeking a Testing Team Lead to support the delivery of high-quality digital products across there agile teams. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys a hands-on approach while providing leadership and is motivated by enabling others to succeed.

Day-to-day of the role:

 * Team Leadership and Line Management:
 + Provide day-to-day leadership, support, and coaching to a small team of testers.
 + Conduct 1:1s, objective setting, and performance reviews.
 + Build capability through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and skill development.
 + Support wellbeing and workload balance within the team.
 * Testing Delivery and Quality Assurance:
 + Lead planning and execution of test activities within agile teams.
 + Ensure test approaches are risk-based and aligned to product scope.
 + Oversee functional, regression, and exploratory testing.
 + Support test automation, where appropriate.
 + Ensure defects are raised clearly and resolved efficiently.
 * Agile and Cross-Team Collaboration:
 + Work closely with Product Owners and Delivery Managers to align testing with sprint goals.
 + Participate in backlog refinement, estimation, sprint planning, and team ceremonies.
 + Support a shared understanding of acceptance criteria and quality expectations.
 + Help embed consistent testing practices across agile teams.
 * Continuous Improvement and Standards:
 + Identify opportunities to improve test processes, techniques, and tooling.
 + Maintain and improve test documentation, test cases, and reusable assets.
 + Promote a culture of quality, collaboration, and proactive problem solving.