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- Tasks: Lead a team of automation engineers and enhance our testing frameworks.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-quality digital releases in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in test automation and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for workplace excellence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Howdens are looking for an experienced Test Automation Lead to join our growing core systems team at Howdens. In this role you will lead a team of automation specialists, develop our automation tooling and help drive faster, higher quality releases across our digital platforms, including howdens.com.
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 Will Do
- Lead, coach and develop a team of automation engineers
- Own and improve automation frameworks and tooling including Tosca, Selenium, Ranorex and Robot Framework
- Increase automation coverage to support frequent website releases
- Oversee design, build and maintenance of automation scripts
- Drive best practice, continuous improvement and platform roadmaps
- Partner with stakeholders across IT and the business
- Manage vendor relationships and ensure systems remain secure and effective
What We Are Looking For
- Extensive experience of developing and managing automation tools and test engineers to support frequent, high quality releases to public facing websites in large organisations.
- Hands on experience in managing enterprise test automation solutions in a multi-site environment
- Proven track record of leading teams in delivering high-quality test automation solutions and enhancements and upgrades
- Strong understanding of modern system, development and support best practices
- Familiarity with ITIL service management processes
- Effective communicator able to translate technical detail when communicated with stakeholders
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and retain technical talent
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset with a focus on performance optimisation and continuous improvement
- Collaborative approach, working effectively across business, technical, and vendor teams
- Ability to balance strategic platform development with day-to-day operational needs
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and annual company bonus
- Company car or car allowance
- Private medical insurance
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
- Free lunch at our onsite canteen (Howden site only)
- Staff Discount
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional Reward and Recognition events
About Howdens
Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing 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.
As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For.
How To Apply
We’re building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we’re keen to hear from you.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Test Automation Lead in Howden employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Automation Lead in Howden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to test automation. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio of your past projects, especially those involving automation tools like Selenium or Tosca. This will give potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Howdens and being part of our exciting journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Automation Lead in Howden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Test Automation Lead role. Highlight your experience with automation tools like Tosca and Selenium, and showcase any leadership roles you've had in the past. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about automation and how you can contribute to our team at Howdens. Be sure to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and developed teams in the past, and how you plan to do the same at Howdens. We love seeing examples of collaboration and mentorship!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the automation tools mentioned in the job description, like Tosca, Selenium, and Ranorex. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these tools and how you've used them to improve automation frameworks in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Test Automation Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and coached team members in the past, and be ready to discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since effective communication is key, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Think about how you would convey automation strategies to non-technical stakeholders and be prepared to share examples of successful collaborations.
✨Focus on Continuous Improvement
Be ready to discuss your mindset around performance optimisation and continuous improvement. Share specific instances where you've implemented best practices or driven enhancements in automation processes to support frequent releases.
