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- Tasks: Lead the quality engineering strategy across diverse technology platforms and promote automation best practices.
- Company: N Brown Group is a forward-thinking digital retailer with a commitment to diversity and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 24 days holiday, annual bonuses, mental health support, and colleague discounts.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping AI-driven quality in software delivery while mentoring future tech leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in test automation, strategic thinking, and a passion for exploring new technologies, especially AI.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant Manchester office surrounded by trendy cafes and bars, with flexible hours.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We\’re looking for an Automation Test Lead to join our Technology team here at N Brown Group!
You will define and drive the quality engineering strategy across our technology estate – spanning customer-facing websites, backend platforms, mobile applications, cloud-native services, and legacy systems.
This role is perfect for someone passionate about quality at scale, technology diversity, and the transformative potential of AI in software delivery. You\’ll report into the Head of Technology and play a key role in shaping our enterprise-wide quality posture in a fast-moving, AI-first environment.
About the role
- Help define and own the end-to-end Quality Strategy across our entire estate (web stack, mobile, backend, platforms, cloud, legacy).
- Set the vision and standards for automation, including frameworks, tooling, and best practices, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
- Work closely with delivery teams to embed quality from day one, using a shift-left mindset and a modern approach to test automation and observability.
- Influence and shape how AI and emerging tools are leveraged to deliver faster, more reliable, and higher-quality software.
- Provide technical leadership to our growing community of testers across squads and tribes, mentoring others and elevating capability.
What will you do as an Automation Test Lead at N Brown?
- Strategic Leadership: Define, evolve, and advocate for a scalable, unified test automation strategy across websites, backend APIs, platforms, mobile apps, and legacy systems.
- AI-Enabled Quality: Evaluate and implement cutting-edge AI tools and practices for test generation, fault prediction, root cause analysis, and more. You should be curious, hands-on, and excited by rapid AI advancements.
- Cross-Platform Influence: Shape quality direction across Java/Spring microservices, Python/AWS Lambdas, mainframe batch jobs, React web apps, and native mobile apps.
- Framework Ownership: Design and maintain modern automation frameworks (e.g., Cypress, Playwright, Appium, REST Assured), tailored to the needs of diverse teams.
- Community Leadership: Lead a cross-squad quality chapter/community of practice and mentor QA engineers across disciplines.
- Delivery Partnership: Collaborate with product, engineering, and platform leads to balance quality, speed, and risk – driving quality gates, test observability, and release readiness.
- Metrics & Governance: Define meaningful test/quality metrics, monitor performance, and communicate insights to senior stakeholders.
What skills and experience will you have?
- Proven experience leading test automation across complex, enterprise-scale estates.
- Familiarity with regulated environments (retail/financial services a bonus).
- A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on ability.
- Passion for learning, exploring, and applying new technologies – especially AI.
- Technology Curious: Has hands-on experience across a range of technology stacks.
- AI-First Mindset: Actively exploring or experimenting with GenAI, LLMs, or intelligent automation tools in QA.
- Hands-On Leader: Equally comfortable writing a test, coaching a team, or defining strategy.
- Collaborative Influencer: Can build strong relationships across engineering, product, and operations.
- Quality Evangelist: Brings innovation, energy, and the ability to scale quality practices across a large, complex organisation.
- Automation Architect: Deep understanding of test pyramid, CI/CD, mocking, synthetic data, and performance testing.
What Technical Skills will you have?
- Automation: Cypress, Playwright, Selenium, REST Assured, Appium
- Languages: JavaScript, Java, Python
- CI/CD: GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins
- Cloud & DevOps: AWS, Docker, Terraform (awareness beneficial)
- AI/ML Tools: ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Testim, Diffblue, CodeWhisperer, or other GenAI quality tools
- Monitoring & Reporting: Allure, TestRail, Grafana, Prometheus
What\’s in it for you?
- Hybrid working
- 24 days holiday (+ 8 bank holidays)
- Annual bonus scheme
- Enhanced maternity and adoption leave
- Company pension with up to 8% N Brown contribution
- Mental Health support both internally and externally, including access to our wellbeing champions and counselling services
- A range of financial wellbeing support
- Colleague discount across all N Brown brands
- Onsite café with subsidised rates and local restaurant discounts!
- Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance
- Paid volunteer time – all our colleagues can take a full day paid to volunteer for a charity of their choice
N Brown – who we are and why work for us?
At N Brown, we\’re committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that values equality for all. Our vision is that by \’championing inclusion, we\’ll become the most loved and trusted fashion retailer\’. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging are, therefore, at the heart of our culture.
We\’re a forward-thinking digital retailer with a financial services proposition to be proud of. We\’re customer-obsessed, serving them through three core brands: JD Williams, Simply Be, and Jacamo. We\’re experienced, with over 160 years of trading under our belt. We\’re inclusive, as we believe in fashion without boundaries; and we\’re sustainable, striving to make as little impact on the planet as possible.
In May 2024 we were delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. We work hard to create a happy and inclusive culture for everyone and we\’re so proud to have made this list – as voted for by our very own colleagues!
Ways of Working
We offer hybrid working which varies across the business depending on the role you\’re in. Our Head Office is located in the Northern Quarter in Manchester City Centre. So if you are travelling by train, tram or bus we\’re perfectly located, plus we\’re surrounded by cool cafes, trendy bars and the best places to eat!
Our working hours are 36.17 per week and our core working hours are between 10am – 4pm. Given we don\’t have strict working hours you can find the working pattern that\’s right for you.
Our promise to you:
We\’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
What happens when you apply to a role at N Brown?
As soon as we receive your application, we\’ll send you an email to let you know. We always aim to come back to you as soon as possible with an update and we really appreciate you taking the time to apply for a role with us. Good luck! #J-18808-Ljbffr
Automation Test Lead employer: N Brown
Contact Detail:
N Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Test Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and automation tools relevant to quality assurance. Being able to discuss how you can leverage these technologies in your role will show your passion and forward-thinking mindset.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or industry professionals who have experience in automation testing. Engaging in conversations about their experiences at N Brown can provide valuable insights and help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on experience with various automation frameworks like Cypress, Playwright, and Appium. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented these tools to drive quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any mentoring or coaching experiences you've had with QA teams. Highlighting your ability to elevate team capabilities will resonate well with the strategic leadership aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Test Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in automation testing and leadership. Emphasise your familiarity with the technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Cypress, Playwright, and AI tools.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for quality engineering and how you can contribute to N Brown's technology team. Mention specific examples of how you've implemented automation strategies or led teams in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills related to automation and AI in your application. Include any hands-on experience with CI/CD tools, cloud services, and programming languages that are relevant to the role.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: Highlight any previous leadership roles or mentoring experiences in your application. Discuss how you've influenced quality practices within teams and your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at N Brown
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As an Automation Test Lead, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to define and advocate for a scalable test automation strategy. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences in shaping quality strategies and how you can apply that knowledge to N Brown's diverse technology estate.
✨Highlight Your AI Curiosity
N Brown is looking for someone who is passionate about the transformative potential of AI in software delivery. Share specific examples of how you've explored or implemented AI tools in your previous roles, and express your excitement about leveraging AI for quality assurance.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Leadership
This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on ability. Be ready to discuss instances where you've led teams while also being actively involved in writing tests or developing frameworks. This will show your capability to mentor others while still being technically proficient.
✨Prepare for Cross-Platform Discussions
Given the diverse technology stacks at N Brown, it's important to be well-versed in various platforms such as Java/Spring, Python/AWS, and mobile applications. Brush up on your knowledge of these technologies and be ready to discuss how you can influence quality across different teams and projects.
