Principal Test and Assurance Lead Job Newcastle area,Newcastle upon Tyne England UK,IT/Tech

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In this role, you are accountable for:
Specialist Skills

Provide in-depth test and assurance expertise and consultation across all areas of DDaT in a wide range of test areas including, but not limited to:

a. Functional integration acceptance testing (including UI, API and database)
b. Accessibility testing
c. Compatibility testing
d. Performance testing
e. Security test techniques
f. Data processing testing
g. Data migration validation

Support multiple test and assurance teams across DDaT services to achieve efficient delivery of quality outcomes, promoting both functional and non-functional testing.

Provide feedback on solution designs, specifications, functional and non-functional requirements to ensure proposed solutions are testable and the overall needs of the business and users are being met.

Define, document and socialise NHSBSA test standards, methods and tools in line with international test standards and best practice. Ensure they are applied effectively across DDaT and are iterated to provide continuous improvement.

Design and execute a wide range of testing techniques and approaches. Make decisions on the appropriateness of the scope of testing. Ensure the appropriateness of test tools used, the test data design and the test environment(s) in which DDaT is tested. Communicate test results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, alerting the business to defects, helping to prioritise them based on defect severity.

Manage the assurance of software test activities across a range of projects including internally built, 3rd party partnerships and fully outsourced deliveries. Develop appropriate measures and processes to provide sufficient insight into project delivery health. Identify trends and anomalies, reporting at agreed frequency on development needs and deviations from standards.

Ensure appropriate governance of quality controls and test practices are followed through the use and implementation of assurance processes such as code, peer, lead and release reviews to ensure quality code is being delivered into the test environments and beyond. Ensure test practices follow a risk-based approach within the agreed risk appetite.

Take the lead on investigative work into problems and opportunities in existing processes, absorbing large amounts of conflicting and complex information, taking the opportunity to think creatively, ask the right questions and critically evaluate and communicate findings.

Lead and support the Test Community of Practice, being accountable for test and assurance specialists aligned to your designated projects and services.

Act as an escalation point for test and assurance issues arising across the project delivery lifecycle. Apply experience and collaboration skills to find appropriate solutions, coordinating with professionals from within and outside of the project team as necessary.

Innovate and horizon scan to ensure DDaT and the Test Community is kept abreast of the latest technological developments and advances in software testing. Planning and implementing where possible to support innovative and creative delivery of Testing via workshops, proof of concepts and showcases.

Identify programme and DDaT level risks and issues within software testing across multiple services and raise through appropriate channels.

Identify, prioritise and lead the strategic implementation of risk mitigations, improvements and efficiencies, ensuring that the organisation derives maximum value across multiple services.

Knowledge management

Take an active, lead role in your professional development. Keep up to date with the latest technologies and software testing standards and best practice, through self-directed and NHSBSA organised learning activities.

Identify, investigate and champion the application of emerging technologies, test techniques and approaches within software testing and assurance.

Identify and support opportunities for teams to develop their skills to meet the changing needs of the business. Take ownership for decision making within your area, seeking support and feedback to develop well thought out solutions, processes…