At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing strategies and ensure quality across multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the DVLA, a forward-thinking agency embracing cloud-first technologies.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension contribution.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital transformation and modernise vehicle services.
- Qualifications: Experience in software testing and leadership in agile environments required.
The predicted salary is between 57515 - 82430 € per year.
Would you like to work with the cutting edge of cloud‑first technologies? Do you have experience with modern software development lifecycles in product delivery and test? Have you deep technical breadth, supported by good knowledge of the functional requirements and activities? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), we take testing very seriously. We have Software Development Engineers in Test (SDETs) and Test Engineers embedded in our delivery squads and specialists in our Performance and Independent testing teams. We are looking for an experienced Lead Test Manager to provide strategic leadership for test and quality engineering across a broad and complex delivery environment.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King’s birthday.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.
As a Lead Test Manager, you will play a critical leadership role within the organisation, taking ownership of the independent testing strategy and assurance across multiple concurrent deliveries. You will provide oversight and coordination of testing activities at scale, ensuring they are planned, executed and reported effectively. You will work closely with suppliers, delivery partners and internal engineering teams, setting clear expectations and providing direction to ensure testing activities meet agreed standards and deliver meaningful assurance. You will challenge approaches where necessary and drive improvements to testing outcomes.
You will bring a strong, current understanding of modern testing and development practices. Working within an agile delivery environment and targeting cloud‑first solutions, you will influence how quality is embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle. You will engage proactively with multiple delivery squads, taking a pragmatic, risk‑based approach to problem‑solving and decision‑making. A significant proportion of the role will focus on large‑scale transformation of the IT estate, while also providing leadership on deliveries driven by legislative change and legacy systems, ensuring appropriate testing strategies are applied in each context.
You will represent the testing and quality engineering capability internally and externally, acting as a senior advocate for best practice across government and the wider profession. You will contribute to strategic planning, continuous improvement, and the development of sustainable test capability. If you are successful, you will be part of the new electronic Vehicle Excise Duty programme which is a new legislative, digital service being delivered by DVLA to modernise how Vehicle Excise Duty is administered and delivered digitally. This is an exciting time to join us!
Your responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
- Lead a broad area in technical tooling, engineering approaches and test types and techniques to address risks early.
- Define engineering standards, enabling others to follow them.
- Lead and guide teams in quality engineering strategies and practices.
- Lead and guide test engineers.
- Escalate risks to senior stakeholders.
- Lead and implement continuous testing, identifying opportunities to test earlier.
Great line management is important to us as an organisation, and we will equip and support line managers to develop the skills they need. We aim to empower line managers to create teams where people can flourish and deliver excellent outcomes for the public.
For further information on the role, please read the attached role profile. Please note that the role profile is for information purposes only – whilst all elements are relevant to the role, they may not all be assessed during the recruitment process. This job advert will detail exactly what will be assessed during the recruitment process.
Open Sessions: Would you like to find out more about the role, the team and what it’s like to work in our department? If so, we are organising an open session where you can virtually ‘meet the team’ on 28/05/2026 at 12:00.
Lead Test Manager (£57,515 - £82,430) in Swansea employer: Government Recruitment Service
At the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a substantial pension contribution, flexible working options, and ample annual leave, we empower our Lead Test Managers to thrive in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and quality assurance. Join us in shaping the future of digital services while enjoying a fulfilling career in a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Test Manager (£57,515 - £82,430) in Swansea
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research DVLA's recent projects and their approach to cloud-first technologies. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend their open sessions. Engaging with the team can give you insider info and make you stand out when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions! Think about how you would handle testing challenges in an agile environment. Use examples from your past experience to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DVLA team and contributing to their exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Test Manager (£57,515 - £82,430) in Swansea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with modern software development lifecycles and testing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Lead Test Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Lead Test Manager, you'll be guiding teams and influencing quality practices. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've successfully led testing strategies in previous roles. We love to see examples of how you’ve driven improvements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and ensure your passion for testing and quality engineering shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need there. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at DVLA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Testing Strategies
Make sure you brush up on the latest testing strategies and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, especially in agile environments. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience applying them.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Lead Test Manager, your leadership abilities are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed conflicts, and driven improvements in testing outcomes. Highlight your experience in mentoring test engineers and guiding them through quality engineering practices.
✨Understand the Cloud-First Approach
Since the role focuses on cloud-first technologies, make sure you understand the implications of this approach on testing. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt testing strategies for cloud-based solutions and any relevant tools you’ve used in the past.
✨Engage with the DVLA's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the DVLA’s mission and the specific projects they’re working on, like the electronic Vehicle Excise Duty programme. Showing that you understand their goals and how your role fits into their vision will demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
