Principal Test Specialist in Leeds

Principal Test Specialist in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 42000 - 66000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
National Wealth Fund

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead testing activities and shape quality assurance practices in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join the National Wealth Fund, driving investment confidence across the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to ÂŁ55,000, bonuses, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's financial future with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Qualifications: Experience in testing, Agile methodologies, and strong stakeholder management skills.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and unique learning experiences in a diverse team.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 66000 ÂŁ per year.

Shape the Future with the National Wealth Fund. At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. We are looking for skilled and results-oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.

Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Leeds office.

Salary: up to ÂŁ55,000 + bonus

Deadline to Apply: Tuesday 24th March 2026. Early submission is encouraged, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

We are recruiting for a Principal Test Specialist at NWF. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the recently formed Quality Assurance function at the National Wealth Fund. You will be joining a very small team and be instrumental in implementing and shaping testing best practice across multiple platforms in this greenfield function. You will report into the QA Test Manager and will be responsible predominantly for testing our Dynamics 365 (modules: Sales Module and Customer Insights) application, being the driving force within the sprint team to help deliver new features to the business.

Collaboration within cross‑functional, multi‑disciplinary teams, alongside software developers and change delivery teams is essential, leading to the creation and execution of test plans, test cases and reports on both functional and non‑functional requirements in a blend of agile and waterfall environments. You will be responsible for defining and adhering to standards and procedures across multiple deliveries to validate the suitability of the software in test. The role holder will deal with a complex matrix of both internal and external stakeholders which will require very strong stakeholder engagement and management skills.

Due to the small size of the QA Team at NWF, you will need to be comfortable working on your own initiative with minimal supervision, leading testing activities across multiple deliveries. You will also need to be comfortable coaching and supporting more junior members of the team and colleagues across the wider business.

Key Accountabilities:
  • Being the lead test specialist across multiple deliveries, responsible for influencing the quality assurance test capability in a positive manner.
  • Being the “voice of testing” within agile and other ceremonies.
  • Defining and conducting manual tests, adhering to standards and procedures to validate the suitability of the software in test, utilising your keen eye for detail.
  • Leading the creation of test approaches, test plans and artefacts, along with execution and reporting across both functional and non‑functional requirements in a blend of agile and waterfall environments.
  • Driving innovative practices and advocating for continuous improvement and refinement of test techniques.
Knowledge, Skill and Experience Requirements:

Essential Knowledge:

  • Experience in MS Azure and 4th Generation Banking platforms.
  • Experience and understanding of business processes associated with financial service organisations, ideally in Corporate Banking.
  • Expert level understanding of all test phases across the SDLC and the application of them.
  • ISTQB tester accredited, with significant testing experience in manual testing.
  • Proven experience in leading testing activities.
  • Excellent working knowledge of Agile and Scrum methodologies.
  • Experienced in Microsoft Power Platforms and Dynamics 365 (ideally Sales and Customer Insights).
  • Experience of using testing tools such as Azure DevOps or equivalent test tool to capture test artifacts and results.
  • Experience in UI testing.
  • Experience in leading and co‑ordinating User Acceptance Testing activities, including achieving stakeholder buy‑in, user training, adoptability and execution, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
  • Ability to influence stakeholders and technical resources to assist them in delivering business outcomes.
  • Experience in Behaviour Driven Development (BDD).
  • Experience in both Agile and Waterfall deliveries, with demonstrable hands‑on experience of participating and contributing to Agile ceremonies and Waterfall project meetings.

Desirable Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of utilising AI capabilities within the testing space.
  • Experience in Database and API testing (ideally using Postman).
  • Experience of working with SQL and other Data technologies.
  • Knowledge in test automation of front and back‑end systems and applications.

A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting‑edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience.

Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.

Principal Test Specialist in Leeds employer: National Wealth Fund

At the National Wealth Fund, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. With hybrid working options and a competitive salary package, we offer our employees the chance to shape the future of investment in the UK while enjoying unique learning opportunities and career growth within a supportive environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we drive forward the Government's growth ambitions and unlock private finance for transformative projects.
National Wealth Fund

Contact Detail:

National Wealth Fund Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Test Specialist in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those already at the National Wealth Fund. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make your application stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Dynamics 365 knowledge. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around testing and quality assurance. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and keep an eye on new openings. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of landing that Principal Test Specialist role.

✨Tip Number 4

Show off your soft skills! The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in the past. It’s all about making connections!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Test Specialist in Leeds

Quality Assurance
Testing Best Practices
Dynamics 365
Agile Methodologies
Waterfall Methodologies
Test Planning
Manual Testing
Stakeholder Engagement
User Acceptance Testing
Behaviour Driven Development (BDD)
Azure DevOps
UI Testing
Coaching and Mentoring
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Test Specialist role. Highlight your experience with Dynamics 365 and any relevant testing methodologies. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the National Wealth Fund!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience in agile environments and stakeholder management.

Showcase Your Testing Expertise: In your application, be sure to showcase your expertise in manual testing and any tools you've used, like Azure DevOps. We’re looking for someone who can lead testing activities and influence best practices, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past!

Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the deadline! We review applications on an ongoing basis, so applying early gives you a better chance to stand out. Head over to our website and submit your application today—we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at National Wealth Fund

✨Know Your Testing Fundamentals

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of testing phases across the SDLC. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in manual testing and using tools like Azure DevOps. This will show that you have a solid foundation and can hit the ground running.

✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills

Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder engagement, prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders in past projects. Think about times when you achieved buy-in for testing activities or led User Acceptance Testing. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex relationships.

✨Demonstrate Agile and Waterfall Experience

Be ready to talk about your experience with both Agile and Waterfall methodologies. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to Agile ceremonies or project meetings. This will highlight your versatility and understanding of different project environments.

✨Bring Your Problem-Solving A-Game

Prepare to discuss innovative practices you've implemented in testing. Whether it's using AI capabilities or refining test techniques, showcasing your proactive approach to continuous improvement will resonate well with the interviewers and align with their goals for the QA function.

Principal Test Specialist in Leeds
National Wealth Fund
Location: Leeds

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