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- Tasks: Lead multiple QA teams to ensure top-notch system quality and adherence to standards.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's leading trade kitchen supplier with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private healthcare, and 25+ days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving innovation in QA.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in QA leadership with experience in vendor management and multi-channel organisations.
- Other info: Be part of a rewarding company recognised for excellence in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Howdens have a new exciting opportunity to join our Senior team in a Head of Systems QA role.
A significant role in our team we are looking for someone who can bring a fast paced, energetic nature to assure the delivery of systems in the Howdens system landscape.
This is a permanent full-time opportunity. Based at one of our corporate sites including Raunds, Northamptonshire, Brackmills Business Park, Northampton, Howden, Yorkshire or Croxley Park, Watford you will be expected to travel and work onsite 4 days per week.
What you\’ll be doing
- Provide direct leadership to multiple System QA teams, ensuring excellence throughout the QA lifecycle and full adherence to internal processes and quality standards.
- You\’ll take ownership of vendor relationships and commercial management within the Systems QA function, ensuring that all third-party support and services deliver to agreed standards.
- Working in close partnership with business and IS teams, you will drive the assurance that all systems under test are fit for purpose — meeting both functional and non-functional requirements — and that any issues are effectively managed and resolved with the appropriate teams.
- You will also play a key role in maintaining and delivering continuous improvement and solution roadmaps, collaborating closely with PMO, Architecture, and Systems Owners to align with the wider Digital, Business Systems, Technology, and People Systems strategies.
- As the main point of contact for senior IS stakeholders, you\’ll act as the organisation\’s authority on QA processes and best practices — setting the standard for how quality assurance is defined, delivered, and continually improved at Howdens.
What we need from you
- 8+ years\’ experience leading QA teams in multi-site or multi-channel organisation.
- Proven track record of delivering system QA in a vertically integrated business
- Demonstrable experience of vendor and partner management, including contract negotiation and performance oversight.
- Strong understanding QA strategy and approaches across multiple system domains (COTS / SAAS / PAAS / integration / enterprise applications / digital commerce and marketing / infrastructure etc)Experience of aligning systems QA with enterprise architecture, PMO frameworks, applications and business strategy.
- Strong vendor engagement and management
- Trusted advisor with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and shape business development strategies.
- Strong leadership presence, leading by example and developing high-performing teams.
- Passionate about driving innovation in QA to support growth
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary and company bonus
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- Car Allowance or Company Car
- Private Healthcare for you and your family
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days.
- Staff Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
About Howdens:
FTSE100 company and the UK\’s number one trade kitchen supplier Howdens Joinery provides thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.
There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. If you want to be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For, please apply now.
#LI-HG1
Head of Systems QA employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Systems QA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Head of Systems QA role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Howdens and their systems QA processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their business and how you can contribute to their growth and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve led QA teams and managed vendor relationships. Highlight your successes and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in past roles.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining Howdens and being part of their exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Systems QA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Systems QA role. Highlight your leadership experience in QA teams and any relevant vendor management skills to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about QA and how your background makes you the perfect fit for Howdens. Don’t forget to mention your innovative ideas for driving QA excellence.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved processes or led successful projects, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Know Your QA Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of QA processes and best practices. Given the role's focus on leading multiple System QA teams, being able to discuss specific strategies and approaches across various system domains will show that you're the right fit for Howdens.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led QA teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing high-performing teams and how you've influenced senior stakeholders. This will demonstrate your leadership presence and ability to drive innovation in QA.
✨Understand Vendor Management
Since vendor relationships are key in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with vendor management, contract negotiation, and performance oversight. Bring specific examples of how you've ensured third-party services meet agreed standards.
✨Align with Business Strategy
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' business strategy and how QA aligns with it. Be prepared to talk about how you've previously aligned systems QA with enterprise architecture and PMO frameworks, showcasing your understanding of the bigger picture.
