Head of Test in Surrey

Head of Test (Permanent Contract) About Indra Group UK in short, to jointly create the next generation of the ticketing system for London. Role overview The Head of Test will be responsible for defining, establishing and leading the end‑to‑end System Test capability, ensuring that all testing activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with contractual and operational requirements. The role will lead the transition of the existing testing capability into Indra, establish the new test laboratories and environments, and ensure the testing function is fully prepared to support operational services from Day One. Working closely with engineering, service management and programme teams, the Head of Test will drive testing strategy, operational readiness, quality assurance and continuous improvement across the full service lifecycle. Key duties include: Define and implement the overall System Test Strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and contractual requirements. Lead the mobilisation and transition of the testing capability from the incumbent supplier into Indra. Establish and manage the new System Test laboratories, environments, test assets and supporting infrastructure. Lead and develop the System Test organisation, providing technical leadership, mentoring and direction to Test Managers, Test Leads and Test Engineers. Ensure the testing function supports operational services, software releases, infrastructure changes and future service evolution. Define and maintain testing governance, quality assurance processes and operational readiness activities. Coordinate testing activities across engineering, software development, infrastructure, service management and third‑party suppliers. Oversee test planning, execution, defect management, reporting and service acceptance activities. Ensure all test environments, tools, assets and documentation are maintained and available to support project delivery and operational services. Act as the senior technical authority and escalation point for all System Test activities, working closely with customers, suppliers and programme stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement and innovation across testing processes, methodologies, automation, and operational efficiency. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience). Experience delivering and leading testing activities for complex Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), ticketing or revenue collection complex systems. Proven experience leading large System Test organisations within complex software, systems integration or critical infrastructure programmes. Strong experience defining and implementing System Test strategies, governance and operational processes. Demonstrable experience establishing and managing test laboratories, test environments, test assets and supporting infrastructure. Experience leading operational transition, service mobilisation and organisational change within large‑scale programmes. Strong understanding of software testing, systems integration, defect management, test automation and quality assurance principles. Experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinating activities across multiple suppliers and stakeholders. Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills. Strong planning, organisational and decision‑making capabilities within complex delivery environments. Desirable certifications: ISTQB Test Management, ISTQB Advanced Level, ITIL Foundation or equivalent. Desirable experience: Safety‑critical environments, complex systems integration programmes and multi‑supplier service delivery. Holidays: 25 days per annum + 8 days bank holidays (options to buy/sell days). Pension – 4% employee and 4% employer. Private medical insurance (including dental