Quality Assurance Lead

The role reports into the Head of Quality & Technical Assurance and will be responsible for overseeing the Quality Assurance functions within their allocated business portfolio. This role is part of a team following the evolution of the operating model and will be instrumental in helping design the ways of working. This role requires a strategic thinker with a Quality Assurance background and proven management skills.

The role has responsibility for the Quality Assurance that supports and advances the company's business objectives. It also involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams such as Product Management, Engineering, Architecture, and Service Management within a matrix IT organisation. They will assure quality activities within their Business Portfolio teams, ensuring that business and technology requirements are both aligned and to the correct standard expected.

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive test strategies, plans, and processes for new and existing products.
• Oversee all testing activities, including manual and automated testing, functional, regression, performance, and API testing.
• Manage strategic relationships with internal business stakeholders and external service providers to ensure alignment on Quality Assurance and performance.
• Act as an escalation point for complex issues, analyse defect reports, and manage the bug life cycle to ensure timely resolution.
• Work with cross‑functional teams to integrate quality standards throughout the entire product and service lifecycle, from design to delivery.
• Establish quality and reliability standards by benchmarking industry best practices and defining clear metrics.
• Identify areas for process enhancement and implement initiatives to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the QA team.
• Work closely with product teams, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand requirements and align on release cycles and quality goals.
• Define and track key quality metrics, and report on test execution, defect status, and overall product quality to relevant stakeholders.
• Be an active member of the Quality & Technical Assurance Management team.

• Demonstrate a high level of self‑awareness through a commitment to continuous, personal improvement and learning.
• Show high personal resilience and the ability to adapt to change.
• Translate organisational vision through effective goal setting and strategic planning; think creatively and innovatively.
• Understand the way the business works and display knowledge of the external marketplace to drive the business forward.
• Build key relationships, show ownership of targets, and focus on results.
• Execute the Quality Assurance strategy in alignment with the company's overall objectives.
• Champion quality methodologies and establish best practices for testing procedures within an Agile environment.
• Ensure the team works efficiently and effectively, bringing an Agile mindset and adapting to changing circumstances while operating within organisational constraints of budget and resources, while adhering to quality standards.
• Embrace a culture of ownership and collaboration, and maximise opportunities for continuous professional development.

• Build quality assurance strategies and activities, whilst driving continuous improvement in QA processes within an Agile environment.

• Provide Quality Assurance guidance and support to the teams within the business portfolio; ensure the adoption of best practices and the latest technologies; ensure standardisation, simplification and effectiveness across the technology value chain.

• Monitor and review vendor performance against agreed KPIs and metrics.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and partners, to understand their needs and ensure successful product outcomes.

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with Quality & Technical Assurance activities.
• Implement robust processes and controls to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.