At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure quality and performance of software solutions while collaborating with teams.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leading retail tech company with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and a chance to grow your career.
- Other info: Flexible work options and a supportive team eager to help you succeed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in software testing and familiarity with Agile methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Test Analyst to join our Online Credit & Payments team on a 14 month fixed term contract, based from the NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire!
The Role: As a Test Analyst, you will play a vital role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and performance of the desktop, server, and web-based software solutions that power NEXT. You will partner closely with Product Managers, developers, and business teams to interpret functional specifications and build comprehensive test strategies assisted by modern AI tools. From day one, you will make a visible difference by maintaining our exceptionally high standards, protecting the business from post-implementation risks, and owning the testing lifecycle from initial analysis to final production. We support our team members with continuous opportunities to learn, ensuring you have the training needed to master new technical tools, grow your QA career, and thrive in our fast-paced retail tech environment.
What You’ll Take On:
- Partner with the functional team and senior analysts to plan, design, and implement effective manual and automated test strategies across the project lifecycle.
- Build, execute, and enhance automated regression packs using a wide range of modern quality assurance techniques and technologies.
- Review manual regression tests to systematically identify, isolate, and convert suitable candidates into automated scripts.
- Use SQL for database interrogation and perform comprehensive API, cross-browser, and integration testing.
- Actively manage the defect life cycle, providing clear progress updates, status reports, and potential risk alerts to developers and key business users.
- Take accountability for post-implementation support, ensuring system changes are thoroughly validated and 'owned' until they are proven correct in production.
- Maintain the flexibility to support out-of-hours deployments when necessary, and occasionally provide on-site cover at our stores during critical system rollouts.
What You’ll Bring:
- A strong foundation in modern software testing principles (ISTQB certification or similar is highly desirable), alongside a solid understanding of Agile methodologies and the SDLC.
- Familiarity or practical experience with core testing technologies and tools, such as Azure DevOps/cloud, Team Foundation Server, Leapwork, Selenium, Browserstack, or Playwright.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to translate high-level requirements into detailed test scripts that include clear pre-requisites and expected database outcomes.
- Desirable, though not essential, experience or domain knowledge within the Payments or Credit area.
- A proactive, analytical approach to problem-solving, with an awareness of the differences between unit, system, and regression testing.
- Self-motivation and a strong attention to detail, balancing independent analysis with a highly collaborative team spirit.
- Curiosity to learn new systems from scratch, look at lateral alternatives to problems, and adopt new tools—including experience with, or a strong interest in, integrating AI tools like Copilot or Gemini into your daily workflow.
Standing still isn't an option here; change is what we do. We build on success, learn from failure, and go again. You will be part of a team that wants you to succeed and helps you build a career you can be proud of. Ready to see where your expertise can take us? We would love to hear from you!
Test Analyst - 14 Month FTC in Leicester employer: Next Careers
At NEXT, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Test Analyst in our Leicestershire Head Office, you will benefit from continuous learning opportunities, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a tangible impact on our retail technology solutions. With a commitment to employee growth and the integration of modern tools, we ensure that your career development is as rewarding as the work you do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Analyst - 14 Month FTC in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at NEXT or in the testing field on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your testing knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Selenium or Azure DevOps, and how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've approached testing issues or improved processes. This will highlight your analytical mindset and proactive approach.
✨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 the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Analyst - 14 Month FTC in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Test Analyst role. Highlight your experience with software testing principles, Agile methodologies, and any relevant tools like Selenium or Azure DevOps. We want to see how your skills match 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 this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your curiosity for learning new systems and tools—it's something we value highly at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We love a proactive, analytical approach, so share specific instances where you’ve successfully identified and solved problems in testing or development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Know Your Testing Tools
Familiarise yourself with the core testing technologies mentioned in the job description, like Azure DevOps and Selenium. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects, as this will show your practical experience and understanding of modern software testing principles.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical approach to problem-solving. Think about specific challenges you've faced in testing and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to handle issues effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex testing concepts in simple terms. Since you'll be working closely with Product Managers and developers, being able to translate high-level requirements into detailed test scripts is crucial. Clear communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Embrace Continuous Learning
Express your enthusiasm for learning new systems and tools, especially AI integrations like Copilot or Gemini. Share any relevant experiences where you've adapted to new technologies quickly, as this aligns with the company's culture of growth and change.
