Test and Release Analyst in Preston

Perch Group are hiring for a Test and Release Analyst. At Perch Group, our vision is clear: to lead the UK debt purchase and collection industry by harnessing cutting-edge technology to drive ethical, efficient, and data-driven debt resolution. Our annual mission is to empower hundreds of thousands of customers to positively engage with and resolve their outstanding debts through an empathetic and customer-centric approach.

As Testing and Release Analyst, you’ll take ownership of testing governance, release planning, and quality assurance across the Group’s technology landscape. You’ll design and implement robust frameworks that ensure all changes from small configuration updates to major system releases are tested, validated, and deployed effectively. You’ll collaborate closely with project, change, and technical teams to embed structured testing practices, streamline release cycles, and drive continuous improvement through automation and DevOps principles.

So, what will your day-to-day look like?

• Testing Management
  • Develop, implement, and own Perch Group’s testing framework, strategy, and standards (covering functional, regression, performance, and UAT testing).
  • Plan and oversee all testing phases, ensuring alignment with project and change delivery timelines.
  • Implement test automation frameworks and drive continuous improvement in testing processes.
  • Manage test environments — ensuring appropriate configuration, data, and access.
  • Track and report on testing outcomes, defect trends, and quality metrics to senior stakeholders.
• Release Management
  • Own the end-to-end release management process — from planning and scheduling through to deployment and post-release validation.
  • Coordinate multiple concurrent releases across systems and business units, minimising downtime and risk.
  • Maintain and communicate a clear release calendar for all technology and business stakeholders.
  • Ensure all deployments are version-controlled, approved, and fully documented.
  • Champion the adoption of DevOps and CI/CD practices to increase release efficiency, reliability, and traceability.
• Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure all testing and release activities comply with change control, audit, and risk frameworks.
  • Maintain detailed records of testing results, approvals, and release documentation.
  • Support internal and external audits related to change, testing, and release processes.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection, security, and regulatory standards (e.g. GDPR, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials).
• Stakeholder & Team Management
  • Work closely with project managers, developers, business analysts, and operations teams to ensure smooth delivery of changes.
  • Act as the escalation point for all release and testing issues.
  • Communicate status, risks, and impacts of testing and release activity clearly to senior stakeholders.
  • Provide mentorship, training, and leadership to testing and release teams, embedding best practices and continuous improvement.

Does this sound like you?

• Essential
  • Proven experience managing software testing and release processes in complex IT environments.
  • Strong understanding of software development and delivery lifecycles (Agile, Waterfall, DevOps).
  • Hands-on experience with automated testing tools, CI/CD pipelines, and version control systems (e.g. Azure DevOps, Jenkins, Git).
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement structured testing methodologies and release frameworks.
• Desirable
  • ITIL v4 Foundation (or higher) certification.
  • ISTQB Test Manager or equivalent qualification.
  • Prince2, AgilePM, or similar project management accreditation.
  • Experience working with ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, or similar compliance frameworks.
  • Degree in IT, Computing, or a related discipline.

The Application Timeline

• A first stage video call with the internal recruitment team (15 minute call).
• A face to face or video call with the hiring manager (45 minutes- 60 minutes).
• Typically, the average successful applicant will be within this timeline for 2-3 weeks.
• Please note we will close this role once we have enough applications for the next stages therefore you should submit your application asap to avoid any disappointment.
• If you do not receive a response after 3 weeks of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful as we may experience a high volume of applications.

Why you should be EXCITED to apply…

• £40,000+, + up to 20% of your annual salary, paid as a bonus.
• This role is based at our Blackpool office.
• 37.5 hours per week. We offer flexible and hybrid working between our core hours of 8am- 6pm, Monday to Friday.
• The opportunity to complete formal qualifications and learn on the job in a successful, growing organisation.
• And many more benefits to support your wellbeing and professional development.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we can assist you in your application due to disability or personal reasons, please email.

PLEASE NOTE - All new employees must undergo a full DBS and Credit Check upon acceptance of a job offer with Perch Group.