At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing strategy for cloud-first digital services and ensure top-notch quality.
- Company: Join the DVLA, a key player in transforming digital services for millions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services and make a real impact on user experience.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading test strategies and expertise in Agile environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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
Senior Test Strategy Lead for Cloud‑First Delivery 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. As a Senior Test Strategy Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping quality engineering within a cloud-first digital landscape, supported by a culture that prioritises continuous learning and professional development. With a commitment to modernising services for millions of users, the DVLA provides unique opportunities to influence major transformation programmes while enjoying a collaborative and agile workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Test Strategy Lead for Cloud‑First Delivery in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already working at DVLA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in leading test strategies and quality engineering. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Get familiar with cloud-first environments. Brush up on your knowledge of API-driven architectures and agile practices. The more you know, the better you can impress during discussions!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Test Strategy Lead for Cloud‑First Delivery in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Test Strategy Lead. Highlight your experience in leading test strategies and working in cloud-first environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact on quality engineering and testing strategies. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We want to feel your enthusiasm for shaping quality engineering at DVLA.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
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 cloud-first environments. Be ready to discuss how you've led test strategies in the past and how you can apply that experience to the DVLA's complex digital services.
✨Showcase Your Agile Experience
Since this role is all about working in agile environments, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully implemented CI/CD practices. Highlight specific projects where you influenced testing processes and drove best practices.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
This position requires influencing senior stakeholders, so think of instances where you've effectively communicated risks and quality assurance. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to challenge constructively while maintaining strong relationships.
✨Emphasise Automation and Risk-Based Testing
Given the focus on automation-first approaches, be prepared to discuss your passion for and experience with automation in testing. Share examples of how you've integrated risk-based testing into your strategies to improve outcomes.
