Test Lead

Test Lead/Architect – Warwick, UK

6‑month contract, hybrid model. SC cleared or SC eligible required.

We are seeking a highly experienced Test Lead/Architect to lead testing strategy and execution across the NESO Elevate Programme, transitioning core operational systems from SAP to Workday. This role is critical to ensuring quality delivery across finance, procurement, and people domains in a multi‑vendor, high‑pressure environment.

• Test Strategy & Planning – Define and own the end‑to‑end test strategy for SAP and Workday modules across NESO programme streams. Develop detailed test plans, scenarios, scripts, and traceability matrices aligned with business and technical requirements. Ensure test coverage across functional, regression, integration, and UAT phases.
• Test Execution & Coordination – Lead and manage test execution across offshore and onshore teams. Facilitate daily defect triage meetings and manage defect lifecycle using JIRA and ADO. Monitor test progress, resolve blockers, and ensure timely delivery of test phases.
• Automation & Performance Testing – Architect and implement automation frameworks using Selenium, Tosca, Postman, and BDD/Cucumber. Drive regression testing through automated pipelines and ensure performance benchmarks are met. Showcase automation deliverables with supporting evidence and metrics.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting – Collaborate with business analysts, developers, and programme leads to ensure test traceability and alignment. Prepare and present Test Summary Reports (TSRs), risk assessments, and exit criteria evaluations. Maintain dashboards, trackers, and status reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Compliance & Governance – Ensure alignment with NESO’s delegated authority framework and reporting dimensions. Support audit readiness through documentation and delivery traceability.

• Core Testing Expertise – Good experience in ERP testing, hands‑on exposure to SAP and Workday implementations. Strong understanding of Workday HCM and Finance modules, including configuration and interface testing. Proven ability to manage testing in high‑pressure, multi‑project environments.
• Tools & Technologies – Proficiency in test management tools: JIRA, ADO, HP ALM. Automation experience with Selenium (Java), Tosca, Postman, and BDD/Cucumber frameworks. Familiarity with performance testing tools like JMeter and service virtualization.
• Methodologies & Frameworks – Experience with Agile, Waterfall, and V‑model testing methodologies. Knowledge of STLC phases including requirement analysis, test estimation, planning, execution, and reporting.
• Communication & Leadership – Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Experience in mentoring teams, reviewing test artefacts, and managing issue/query logs.
• Certifications & Domain Knowledge – Experience in energy/utilities or critical infrastructure domains is highly desirable. Exposure to Gen AI integration in testing workflows is a plus.