At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QA insights and automation to enhance customer outcomes and operational decision-making.
- Company: Join Hastings Direct, a digital insurance provider focused on data-driven assurance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and extensive health and wellbeing benefits.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse perspectives and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of QA with innovative insights and automation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in analytics, automation, and assurance within regulated environments is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Bexhill, London or Leicester (hybrid)
Company: Hastings Direct – a digital insurance provider focused on customer outcomes and data‑driven assurance.
Role Overview
As the QA Insights and Automation Lead, you will shape how QA uses data, reporting and automation to enhance customer outcome confidence, risk visibility and operational decision‑making. You will own QA requirements, governance and interpretation standards, ensuring consistent use of insights across the business. This role drives a transition from retrospective checking to outcome‑focused assurance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead QA Insight & Reporting Strategy – define interpretation, governance and reporting of QA insight to provide visibility of customer outcomes, conduct risk, operational performance, emerging themes and assurance effectiveness.
- Own QA Insight, Governance & Business Requirements – translate QA frameworks, scorecards and standards into reporting, data and tooling requirements, setting interpretation standards and controls to ensure trusted decision‑making.
- Drive Risk‑Based Assurance & Targeting – develop and embed an insight‑led assurance approach, using customer, regulatory, conduct and operational risk indicators to prioritise assurance activity.
- Identify and Deliver Automation & Tooling Opportunities – prioritise QA automation and tooling requirements, partnering with Technology, Data and Change teams to expand coverage, efficiency and adoption.
- Champion AI & Advanced Analytics Opportunities – shape and govern AI, speech and text analytics use cases, ensuring explainability, controls and effective application to improve assurance outcomes.
- Provide Strategic QA Leadership & Challenge – act as senior QA lead for insight, automation and tooling, delivering expert analysis, recommendations and constructive challenge to support the Head of Customer Assurance and evolve a modern, outcome‑focused QA function.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant experience leading analytics, insight, automation or assurance capabilities within Insurance, Financial Services or other regulated environments.
- Proven track record developing risk‑based insight, governance reporting, business requirements and reporting standards for operational and executive decision‑making.
- Strong understanding of QA and assurance frameworks, outcome‑based assurance, risk‑based monitoring and customer outcome management in a regulated setting.
- Experience in shaping automation, AI and advanced analytics opportunities, with knowledge of governance, controls, explainability and appropriate business application.
- Excellent ability to translate complex business and assurance needs into clear data, tooling, automation and governance requirements for specialist delivery teams.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, with the capacity to lead change, provide constructive challenge and collaborate across QA, Operations, Data, Technology, Compliance and Change functions.
Interview Process
- Recruiter intro/screening call
- 1st stage interview with hiring leader
- 2nd interview with hiring leader’s leader
Benefits
- Competitive salary and £5k car allowance
- Flexible hybrid working – discuss details with recruiter.
- Competitive bonus scheme – all colleagues eligible for annual 4Cs performance bonus.
- Physical wellbeing – private medical insurance, 4x salary life assurance cover, income protection free of cost, matched pension contributions up to 10% and additional health benefits.
- Financial wellbeing – life assurance, income protection, matched pension contributions up to 10%, discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and financial wellbeing support.
- Mental wellbeing programme – thrive mental health app, 24/7 colleague assistance programme, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team.
- Annual leave – 27 days plus bank holidays with option to buy or sell weeks, health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, cycle‑to‑work and tech schemes, free onsite facilities, social events and more.
Regrettably we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons irrespective of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We conduct thorough referencing, including credit and criminal record checks. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and encouraging reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Our recruitment team is available to provide support and ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.
Quality Assurance Insights and Automation Lead in London employer: Hastings Direct
Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer for Actuarial Graduates, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters professional growth and innovation. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the company provides competitive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a robust bonus scheme, and access to mental health resources. The collaborative culture encourages the development of cutting-edge actuarial skills through hands-on experience with modern tools like Python and AI, making it an ideal place for motivated individuals to launch their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Insights and Automation Lead in London
✨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.
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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 Hastings Direct. 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 Quality Assurance Insights and Automation Lead in London
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 Hastings Direct.
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 Hastings Direct'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 Hastings Direct
✨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 Hastings Direct.
✨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 Hastings Direct 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 Hastings Direct 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.
