Principal Test Specialist (DATA)

Principal Test Specialist (DATA)\\n\\n£75,000 + Profit Share | Hybrid with flexible monthly office visits | Permanent\\n\\nAre you a hands-on, technically advanced Test Specialist looking to take the lead on testing strategy across a cutting-edge data environment? We're working exclusively with a high-performing organisation who are making a rare and strategic external hire into their specialist team – and they're looking for a Principal Test Specialist (DATA) to elevate testing across their data engineering and analytics function.\\n\\nThis is a business-critical role, working at the intersection of technical strategy and hands-on delivery. You'll help define and implement scalable test automation across complex data pipelines and analytical models, directly impacting the quality and reliability of data products used business-wide.\\n\\nWhat You'll Be Doing\\n\\nPartner with the Test Manager to modernise and optimise test processes across the data and analytics function.\\nLead the development of test automation frameworks that support data ingestion, transformation (ETL/ELT), and analytical models.\\nWork hands-on with tools like Snowflake, dbt, Fivetran, and Tableau, alongside SQL and Python.\\nDesign and implement scalable, agnostic testing frameworks for use across agile delivery teams.\\nPromote best practices including Test-Driven Development (TDD), Behaviour-Driven Development (BDD), and AI/ML-based testing for anomaly detection and performance validation.\\nMentor and upskill test and engineering teams in modern, automation-first testing approaches.\\nCollaborate across teams to ensure quality and consistency throughout the development lifecycle.

\\n\\nWhat We're Looking For\\n\\nTechnical Skills\\n\\nDeep experience in data testing, particularly across ingestion, transformation, and modelling pipelines.\\nStrong SQL and Python skills – essential for building and validating test cases.\\nProven experience with Snowflake (or similar cloud data platforms), dbt, Fivetran, and Airflow.\\nKnowledge of automation frameworks such as Cucumber, Gherkin, TestNG.\\nExperience integrating test automation into large-scale delivery functions.Experience\\n\\nProven track record in testing complex data solutions in fast-paced, agile environments.\\nBlend of hands-on capability and strategic input – you'll be expected to build as well as guide.\\nBackground in mentoring or training other engineers/testers is highly advantageous.\\nExposure to analytics testing, data modelling, or working with analytical products.Soft Skills\\n\\nStrong communication skills – confident in providing constructive feedback and driving improvement.\\nComfortable presenting solutions and testing strategy to stakeholders.\\nCurious, solutions-focused, and excited by emerging tools (particularly AI-based testing techniques). \\n\\nWhat's in It for You?\\n\\n£75,000 salary + generous discretionary profit share scheme\\nColleague discounts\\nFlexible hybrid working – typically 1 office visit per month after probation\\nJoin a highly respected team of technical specialists\\nMake a tangible impact across business-critical data systems