At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing strategy and quality engineering in a dynamic digital environment.
- Company: Join the DVLA, a key player in transforming public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a major transformation with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services impacting millions of users.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading test strategies and agile methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is hiring a Lead Test Manager to shape how quality engineering is delivered across a complex, cloud‑first digital environment. This is a senior leadership role at the heart of major transformation programmes, including modernising how services like Vehicle Excise Duty are delivered, ensuring systems are reliable, scalable and built to serve millions of users.
About The Role
You’ll lead the strategy for testing and quality engineering across multiple delivery teams, ensuring services are built and delivered to the highest standards. Working across a modern, agile environment, you’ll influence how testing is embedded throughout the software lifecycle, driving a culture where quality is built in from the start.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the testing and quality strategy across large, complex digital programmes
- Providing clear assurance on quality, risk and delivery readiness
- Working with squads, suppliers and stakeholders to drive best practice in testing
- Embedding continuous and early testing across the development lifecycle
- Influencing how quality is delivered in cloud‑first, agile environments
- Identifying risks and challenging delivery approaches to improve outcomes
- Leading and developing test engineers and quality teams
- Supporting major transformation programmes and legacy system improvements
Candidate Profile
What we’re looking for
- Strong experience leading test strategy for complex digital services
- Deep expertise in functional and non‑functional testing (performance, security, accessibility, resilience)
- Experience working in Agile environments with CI/CD and modern delivery practices
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and challenge constructively
- Strong understanding of API‑driven and cloud‑based architectures
- A passion for automation‑first, risk‑based testing approaches
- Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to make clear, evidence‑based decisions
Lead Test Manager - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - G7 in Swansea employer: Free-Work UK
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets public service. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that champions quality and collaboration, DVLA provides unique opportunities to lead transformative projects in a cloud-first digital landscape. Employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that encourages continuous learning and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Test Manager - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - G7 in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already at DVLA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into DVLA’s recent projects and challenges. Show us you’re not just a fit for the role but that you genuinely care about their mission and how you can contribute to their transformation programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! When discussing your experience, frame it in a way that highlights your leadership in testing strategies and how you’ve influenced quality in past roles. We want to hear about your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Test Manager - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency - G7 in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Lead Test Manager. Highlight your experience in leading test strategies and working in agile environments, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've influenced quality engineering and improved testing processes.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key skills and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Free-Work UK
✨Know Your Testing Strategies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of testing strategies, especially in complex digital environments. Be ready to discuss how you've led testing initiatives in the past and how you would approach quality engineering at the DVLA.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since this role is all about working in agile environments, prepare examples that highlight your experience with CI/CD practices. Talk about how you've embedded testing throughout the software lifecycle and influenced teams to adopt best practices.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
This position requires influencing senior stakeholders, so think about times when you've successfully communicated complex ideas. Be ready to share how you’ve challenged delivery approaches and improved outcomes through effective communication.
✨Emphasise Automation and Risk-Based Testing
Given the focus on automation-first testing, come prepared to discuss your passion for this approach. Share specific examples of how you've implemented risk-based testing strategies and the impact they had on project success.
