Test Automation Lead

Benefits

• £50,622 - £63,277 salary, depending on experience
• Annual incentive related bonus (£1,000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year)
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
• Development opportunities in line with the Test Automation Lead progression plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra 2 wellness days
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
• Health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover
• Retail savings scheme
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more

This role will initially be based in Bradford but we’re moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future – Hybrid Working (2-3 days in the office a week – Bradford / Leeds).

Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Test Automation Lead to join the Technology Team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.

We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity. New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers mean that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Technology function is a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.

As our Test Automation Lead you will:

• Develop and implement the test automation strategy, standards, and best practices.
• Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks, integrating them into CI/CD pipelines.
• Write and execute automated UI and API tests to support quality assurance efforts.
• Lead and mentor automation engineers, fostering team development and efficiency.
• Collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to align testing with requirements.
• Manage all test automation activities within project scope, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
• Identify and mitigate risks, escalating where necessary to the Test Manager.
• Drive continuous improvement through test process reviews and implementation of best practices.
• Provide clear reporting on test progress, coverage, and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyse test performance data to inform KPIs and support decision making.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout planning, development, and testing phases.
• Investigate and resolve issues impacting test execution, using initiative and discretion.

• Proven experience designing and implementing test automation frameworks.
• Strong proficiency in automated testing tools and scripting languages (e.g. .NET, Java, Python).
• Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present technical information to varied audiences.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ITIL, ISTQB, CMMI/TMMi.
• Knowledge of test management tools and automation platforms.
• Analytical and systematic approach to problem‑solving.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across teams to achieve shared objectives.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.