At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QA automation for Anti-Financial Crime projects and mentor teams on automation strategies.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in London with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against financial crime while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in QA, with strong automation skills and experience in leading teams.
- Other info: Work in a fast-paced environment with global teams and cutting-edge technologies.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: London, UK (Hybrid – 3 days in office)
Contract Type: 6-Month Contract
The Role
We are seeking an Automation Test Lead to drive QA automation strategy and delivery for Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) and data platforms. The role will be responsible for defining the scope for 2026 QA initiatives, maintaining automation frameworks, ensuring production readiness, and mentoring teams on automation‑first approaches.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead QA Automation delivery for API (Karate DSL, Rest Assured), UI (Selenium, Playwright), and regression testing.
- Design and maintain hybrid automation frameworks.
- Validate multi‑source data flows from 10+ upstream systems integrated with AFC Search (BigQuery/GCP) and OSINT investigations.
- Manage UAT engagement, including preparation, training, and sign‑offs.
- Run daily defect triage and war rooms, driving RCA and production readiness.
- Integrate automation into CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins, Git, Bitbucket with reusable regression packs.
- Deliver testing for AML/KYC, screening, transaction monitoring, GDPR, and MiFID‑related change programs.
- Mentor and guide teams on automation‑first strategies while balancing functional, data, and compliance requirements.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of QA experience, with 5+ years in QA Automation Lead or equivalent role.
- Hands‑on expertise with Playwright, Selenium (Java), Karate DSL, Tosca, Postman.
- Strong SQL skills for complex joins, reconciliation, and ETL validation.
- Experience managing multi‑country delivery teams (UK, India, Romania, US).
- Strong knowledge of UAT/SIT management, release readiness, and production support.
- CI/CD pipeline integration experience (Jenkins, Git, Bitbucket) and automation reporting dashboards.
- Familiarity with Agile/SAFe methodology and tools (Jira, Confluence, ServiceNow).
- Experience in Anti‑Financial Crime (AFC) domain.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: Staffing and Recruiting
Automation Test Lead employer: Queen Square Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Queen Square Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Test Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in QA or automation. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your automation frameworks and testing strategies. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common QA automation questions and scenarios. Practice explaining your experience with tools like Selenium and Playwright, and be ready to discuss how you've led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Test Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Automation Test Lead role. Highlight your experience with QA automation, especially with tools like Selenium and Playwright. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about QA automation and how you can contribute to our Anti-Financial Crime initiatives. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects where you've led QA automation efforts. Mention any multi-country team management and CI/CD pipeline integration you've done. We love seeing real-world examples!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Square Recruitment
✨Know Your Tech Stack
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific tools mentioned in the job description, like Playwright, Selenium, and Karate DSL. Brush up on your SQL skills too, as they’ll likely ask you about complex joins and data validation during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Automation Test Lead, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to mentor and guide teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led QA initiatives or improved automation strategies in previous roles. This will show them you can handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Anti-Financial Crime (AFC) and related compliance requirements. Being able to discuss how your testing strategies can impact AML/KYC processes will set you apart from other candidates who may not have this insight.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a defect triage or manage UAT engagement. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for real-world challenges.