At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the QA & Testing function, ensuring best practices and strategic growth.
- Company: Pay.UK operates the UK's retail payment systems, ensuring safe and efficient transactions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 12% pension, annual bonus, 30 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK economy while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have ISTQB or ISEB qualifications and experience in QA within Financial Services.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head of QA & Testing will be responsible for the strategic growth of the QA & Testing function ensuring new people, processes, and best practices are established and thrive in Pay.UK and the UK Payments Industry. Build and mature QA & Testing within Pay.UK to keep pace with strategic change to ensure services remain relevant to customers, technology changes, and regulatory developments. A leader in the industry with a deep appreciation of the retail payments ecosystem and known for effectively facilitating strategic industry change to command trust and confidence with Pay.UK Executive and Board.
The scale of the ecosystem impact by the decisions made under the Head of QA & Testing will impact the entire Pay.UK customer base, right to the end user individuals, businesses, and government that depend on what Pay.UK provides. QA & Testing is a key enabler to facilitate value creation across the end-to-end payments experience for the benefit of our customers, their customers, and the UK economy.
Responsible for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of QA & Testing policies and strategies. These will enable secure, robust, and effective functioning of the underlying technology Pay.UK operates. Looking to bring together the various functions across Pay.UK to become more cognizant of the role they play in running an effective QA & Testing function within the company.
Key Accountabilities- Accountable for QA & Testing organisational design, workforce planning, staffing, budgeting, strategy, and philosophy across Pay.UK.
- Build and run a central service function consisting of QA & Test professionals that support QA & Test planning, preparation, execution, and reporting across large scale programmes and BAU.
- Develop and encourage a QA philosophy and best practices that level up how Pay.UK develop/build in the innovation stage as well as how Pay.UK set foundations for quality practice within vendor development teams.
- Build the central QA & Testing function that supports architecture, business analysis, vendor development, service management, other central technology efforts and directly manage & guide the work of individual contributors on those teams.
- Strategically determine the best ways to service the production BAU needs whether that is embedded resources or centralised service teams across vertices of requirements, quality, and cost.
- Own, implement and govern the Master Test Strategy for Next Gen Programme across Pay.UK and the customers, vendors, market overlay service providers, BoE and regulators.
- Act as a subject matter specialist and leader within the business providing extensive knowledge, proficiency and advice on the thematic issues that are changing the UK Payments Industry.
- Oversee vendors in performing testing on all features required by Pay.UK, its customers, and regulators ensuring quality standards are met.
- Create the vision for QA approach & philosophy in early stage development across Vendor specific testing including integration with other directorates, best practices and standards across QA, and customisation to the needs of individual programme/project teams in Pay.UK.
- Develop strategic frameworks that empower teams to be held accountable for upholding quality, security, performance, resilience, customer and regulatory impact as an essential factor in decision-making.
- Manage vendors, suppliers, contracts, tool licenses and outsourced testing teams.
- Manage testing budget and forecasts to ensure financial targets are met.
- Responsible for a comprehensive Test Data, Defect Management, Environment and Test Automation strategies across Pay.UK.
- ISTQB or ISEB Foundation (Essential).
- ISTQB Advance, ISEB Practitioner or equivalent in Testing (Essential).
- ITIL V3 Qualifications (Essential).
- Established demonstrable career in QA & Testing within Financial Services including Payments.
- Articulate, detail orientated, and skilled to display a clear level of intelligence when liaising with various stakeholders within the business and have an ability to perform consistently in a role that is vital to the success of Pay.UK.
- Have a wealth of direct experience within financial services, with experience in building QA & Testing teams within Payments/Banking.
- Experience of stakeholder negotiation to align interests to overcome challenges with strategic intent and technical proficiency.
- Knowledge of the regulatory and supervisory regime as it applies to Pay.UK.
- Experience in complex organisations with diverse stakeholders and significant regulatory oversight.
- Management experience building and running efficient teams and exposure to ExCo level decision making preferred.
- Evident experience in Head of QA/Programme Test Management on large and complex programmes within Financial Services across multiple teams.
- Demonstrable experience of leading testing on a multi-vendor/multi-customer programme.
- Clear experience of implementing effective QA & Testing best practices across entire SDLC.
- QA & Testing skills across entire SDLC for all types/phases of testing (not just Functional based, but Non-Functional too).
- Well-connected and highly regarded by our customer banks.
- A commercially aware and strategically smart with the ability to solve complex multi-stakeholder challenges while ensuring customer buy-in.
- Skilled leadership qualities, experience of building, developing and supporting capable and professional QA & Testing Teams.
- Skilled communicator and influencer with effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to handle high levels of stress and critical decision making.
- An ethical, insightful and motivational leader with unquestionable personal integrity and who is a role model for Pay.UK values and behaviours.
- Results oriented and solutions focussed, demonstrating the resilience to deliver in ever-evolving, challenging and changing environments.
- Experience in managing and executing complex change programmes in Testing.
At Pay.UK, we value diversity and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of how closely their skills and experience match the requirements. We are committed to supporting accessibility needs and creating a welcoming environment for all employees.
Benefits & Additional Information- 12% Non-contributory pension.
- Discretionary annual bonus.
- 30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays).
- Employee assistance programme.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Season ticket loan.
- Annual fitness subsidy of up to £500 per annum.
- Working from home policy - minimum 40% in the office (e.g. 2 days in the office over a 5 day working week).
Contact Detail:
Pay.UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of QA and Testing New London
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK Payments Industry and Pay.UK's role within it. Understanding the ecosystem will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their strategic goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the QA and Testing field, especially those with experience in financial services. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully built and managed QA teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented best practices and driven strategic change.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on regulatory changes affecting the payments sector. Demonstrating your knowledge of compliance and regulatory frameworks will show your commitment to maintaining high standards in QA and Testing.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of QA and Testing New London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in QA and Testing, particularly within the financial services sector. Emphasise your leadership roles and any strategic initiatives you've led that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the payments industry and how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Head of QA and Testing role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead QA functions and implement best practices.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you clearly list your ISTQB or ISEB qualifications, as well as any other relevant certifications. This will show that you meet the essential requirements and have a solid foundation in QA and Testing principles.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in managing teams and driving change within complex organisations. Use examples that illustrate your ability to negotiate with stakeholders and implement effective QA strategies across multiple teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pay.UK Limited
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of QA and Testing, you'll be expected to lead teams and drive strategic initiatives. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you've built and developed teams, and your approach to fostering a culture of quality and accountability.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the UK Payments Industry and Pay.UK's role within it. Be ready to discuss current trends, regulatory changes, and how they impact QA and Testing. This will show your commitment and understanding of the sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated challenges related to QA and Testing.
✨Articulate Your Vision for QA
Be clear about your vision for the QA and Testing function at Pay.UK. Discuss how you would implement best practices, improve processes, and ensure alignment with business goals. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and ability to drive change.