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- Tasks: Ensure our digital services are reliable and accessible through various testing activities.
- Company: Join the vibrant Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32.5 days annual leave, hybrid working, and comprehensive learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping the future of public services while collaborating with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Test Engineer or similar role in Agile environments is essential.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with a focus on wellbeing and personal development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Make a difference and help shape our digital future. The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. Our work supports individuals, strengthens accountability and helps improve public services for the future. We are at an exciting point in our digital journey and investing in modern, user‑centred digital services that improve how people interact with us and how our teams work behind the scenes.
For digital professionals, this is a chance to work on meaningful services, influence how things are built and tested, and be part of shaping long‑term improvements. We have a diverse and inclusive culture, alongside a flexible approach built on trust and autonomy. You will work in a hybrid way, balancing home working with 40% of your time in our Manchester City centre office, where collaboration, connection and shared problem‑solving are a core part of how we work.
The role: As a Test Engineer in our Digital team, you will help to ensure our digital services are reliable, accessible and meet the needs of users. The role is focused on embedding quality throughout delivery, identifying risks early and supporting teams to make well‑informed decisions about what we release and when. You will plan and carry out a range of testing activities, from exploratory and functional testing through to automation, performance and accessibility testing. By translating user needs and acceptance criteria into clear, testable scenarios, you will help teams deliver changes in a controlled, proportionate way while maintaining pace and quality.
Collaboration is central to the role. You will work closely with engineers, product managers, designers and business analysts to build shared ownership of quality and continuous improvement. Through clear communication and a pragmatic, risk‑based approach, you will help ensure our digital services are secure, inclusive and fit for purpose as we continue our digital journey.
The successful applicant will have:
- demonstrable experience working as a Test Engineer, QA Engineer or similar role within digital delivery teams
- attention to detail combined with a pragmatic, risk‑based approach
- experience working in Agile or iterative delivery environments.
We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply. We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are:
- Asian
- Black
- Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background
- disabled
- LGBTQ.
Civil Service Pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)
- hybrid working, 40 percent office based
- access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
- comprehensive learning and development programme
- employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
- bicycle loan scheme
- season ticket loan
- paid for professional memberships
Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues to feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service. Actions we take to embed this include:
- an anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
- monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
- providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
- creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
- part of the disability confident scheme
- providing reasonable adjustments
- engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation.
If you want to join a dedicated team that makes a real difference and helps raise standards in public services, then this is the opportunity for you. If you would like to learn more about the role, please contact Zahid Tapas, Test Manager, Zahid.Tapas@ombudsman.org.uk. Interviews will be held onsite.
PLEASE NOTE: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer sponsorship as we do not have a licence.
Test Engineer in Manchester employer: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Contact Detail:
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Engineer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at PHSO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team culture and what they really value in a Test Engineer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on Agile methodologies and testing techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects, especially around quality assurance and user needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for digital services! During interviews, share your thoughts on how technology can improve public services. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Engineer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Test Engineer role. Highlight your experience in digital delivery teams and any relevant testing methodologies you've used. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to improve public services!
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since collaboration is key in our team, share examples of how you've worked closely with engineers, product managers, and designers in the past. We love to see how you can contribute to building shared ownership of quality!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experience and how it relates to the role. We appreciate a pragmatic approach, just like we do in our testing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our digital future.
How to prepare for a job interview at Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your testing methodologies and tools. Familiarise yourself with Agile practices, as this role is all about working in iterative environments. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Test Engineer.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples where you've worked closely with engineers, product managers, or designers. Highlight how you contributed to shared ownership of quality and continuous improvement in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to translate user needs into testable scenarios. Practice articulating how you would approach exploratory, functional, and performance testing based on real-world examples. This will show your ability to embed quality throughout delivery.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and User-Centricity
Given the focus on user-centred digital services, be prepared to discuss how you ensure accessibility and inclusivity in your testing processes. Share any experiences you have that demonstrate your commitment to making services reliable and fit for purpose.