At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing initiatives and ensure quality across digital banking and financial services projects.
- Company: Alpha Bank London, a unique bank valuing people and connections.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on empowerment and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a team that values innovation and collaboration while delivering meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Extensive QA experience in banking, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Us
We are not your run-of-the-mill bank. It's our people which makes us exceptional. Every individual here is valued - not just for what they do, but for who they are. We’ve built a culture rooted in purpose, passion, and a healthy dose of humanity. Joining Alpha Bank London isn’t just about a career - it’s about connection. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from all walks of life, building bonds that last and networks that matter. It’s this blend of international reach and local expertise that makes us strong. Whether you’re starting out or stepping up, you’ll find responsibility, variety, and experiences that go far beyond what a boutique bank or a corporate giant could offer alone. Together, we amplify ideas, share knowledge, and create impact. We believe in doing well and doing good. That means more than closing deals; it’s about making a difference for our clients, our communities, and each other. Because when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. Ready to make your mark? Let’s do it. Together.
The Role
Alpha Bank Group is seeking an experienced Senior Test Lead to deliver change initiatives across the organisation, with a strong focus on technical project delivery within financial services. The role requires proven experience managing projects involving multi‑currency products, debit card solutions, and integrations with online and mobile banking platforms. The Senior Test Lead will lead the full project delivery lifecycle, operating in a structured and professional manner to ensure projects are delivered to agreed standards. This includes clear accountability for planning, execution, reporting, governance, and risk management, while working effectively with cross‑functional stakeholders.
What You’ll Do
- Define and own end‑to‑end test strategy and delivery across major transformation programmes
- Lead testing across digital channels, core banking upgrades, cards, payments, multi‑currency accounts, AML and financial crime systems
- Plan and manage SIT, integration, end‑to‑end, regression, UAT, and live proving test phases
- Coordinate test execution across internal teams, Alpha Bank Greece technology teams, and external vendors
- Review test cases, scripts, and automation to ensure quality, coverage, and traceability
- Drive defect triage, root cause analysis, and timely resolution
- Provide hands‑on leadership across API, middleware, digital, and third‑party system testing
- Ensure testing validates customer journeys, operational processes, and regulatory compliance
- Identify testing risks early, manage RAID items, and escalate where required
- Present testing status, risks, and readiness to senior stakeholders and governance forums
- Maintain audit‑ready testing documentation in line with PRA/FCA and Consumer Duty expectations
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience in Quality Assurance / Test Leadership within a UK bank
- Proven delivery across: Digital banking (online & mobile), Payments (FPS, SEPA, ACH, SWIFT), Card issuing and card lifecycle platforms, Core banking and ledger integrations, Multi‑currency banking (GBP, EUR, USD), Financial Crime and AML systems
- Strong experience working with external vendors and offshore / nearshore teams
- In‑depth knowledge of UK regulatory, governance, and operational risk requirements
- Expertise in Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid delivery methodologies
- Hands‑on experience with test tools (e.g. JIRA, Zephyr, automation frameworks)
- Strong understanding of API testing, SQL, data validation, and end‑to‑end banking flows
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
- ISTQB / ISEB or similar testing certifications
- Agile, Scrum, or PMP qualifications
Why Join Us?
At Alpha Bank London, our values shape everything we do: Innovation – Contribute ideas to improve processes and efficiency. Collaboration – Work closely with a supportive team to achieve shared goals. Excellence – Deliver accurate, high-quality work that makes a difference. Delivery – See the results of your efforts in real-time operations. Empowerment – Take ownership of your tasks and build skills for your next career step.
Test Lead in Slough employer: Alpha Bank
At Alpha Bank London, we pride ourselves on being more than just a bank; we are a community that values each individual for their unique contributions. Our culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing employees with the opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact in the financial services sector. With a focus on personal development and a commitment to doing good, joining us as a Senior Test Lead means being part of a dynamic team where your expertise will help shape the future of banking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Lead in Slough
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Alpha Bank. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Lead in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Alpha Bank.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Alpha Bank's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alpha Bank
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Alpha Bank.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Alpha Bank will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Alpha Bank employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
