At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a QA team, transition to automation, and enhance software quality.
- Company: Established financial services firm focused on innovative tech solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to explore AI applications in software testing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving automation in a dynamic tech landscape.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading QA teams and implementing automation strategies.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established business operating within the financial services sector, providing innovative technology solutions to support complex financial operations. They are committed to delivering high-quality software and continuously investing in automation, modern engineering practices and product innovation.
The Opportunity
They are looking for an experienced QA & Automation Team Lead to lead their Quality Assurance function and drive the evolution from predominantly manual testing to a modern, automation-first approach. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who has successfully transformed QA teams, implemented automation strategies and enjoys improving software quality through scalable processes and technology.
You'll lead a team of QA Engineers while remaining technically involved, helping shape testing frameworks, embedding quality into development workflows and championing continuous improvement across the engineering function.
What They're Looking For
- Leading the transition from manual testing to automated testing.
- Managing and mentoring QA Engineers.
- Defining QA strategy, automation frameworks and testing standards.
- Embedding quality into Agile development and CI/CD pipelines.
- Remaining hands-on with automation, debugging and technical problem solving.
- Driving continuous improvement across software quality processes.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership
- Lead and mentor a team of QA Engineers.
- Conduct regular one-to-ones, performance reviews and development planning.
- Allocate work, prioritise testing activities and ensure effective team delivery.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performing QA culture.
- Support recruitment, onboarding and capability development.
QA Strategy & Quality Ownership
- Own and evolve the overall QA strategy.
- Define testing standards, release criteria and quality processes.
- Ensure appropriate test coverage across new features and regression testing.
- Review requirements early to identify quality risks and improve testability.
- Act as the key quality representative across Engineering and Product teams.
Test Automation & Delivery
- Lead the design and implementation of automated testing frameworks.
- Define testing strategies covering functional, integration, API, end-to-end and non-functional testing.
- Improve regression coverage and maintainability of automation suites.
- Integrate automated testing into CI/CD pipelines.
- Support hands-on testing activities where required.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Develop quality metrics and meaningful QA reporting.
- Monitor defect trends, release quality and testing effectiveness.
- Identify opportunities to improve tooling, processes and delivery practices.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the QA function.
AI & Innovation
- Explore practical applications of AI within software testing.
- Evaluate tools that improve automation, productivity and test coverage.
- Encourage experimentation with AI-assisted testing approaches.
- Stay up to date with emerging QA technologies and industry trends.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Product Managers, Software Engineers, Business Analysts and stakeholders.
- Promote a quality-first culture throughout the software development lifecycle.
- Communicate testing progress, quality risks and release readiness effectively.
- Support User Acceptance Testing where appropriate.
Essential Experience
- Proven experience leading a QA team.
- Demonstrated success transitioning organisations from manual to automated testing.
- Strong experience designing and maintaining automated test frameworks.
- Experience defining QA strategies for complex software products.
- Strong understanding of Agile development methodologies.
- Experience with API, integration, regression and end-to-end testing.
- Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices.
- Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to balance quality, delivery timelines and commercial priorities.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within financial services, fintech or another regulated industry.
- Knowledge of trading systems, electronic markets or complex financial platforms.
- Experience with Playwright, Cypress, Selenium or similar automation tools.
- Exposure to AI-assisted software testing solutions.
- Performance, resilience or security testing experience.
- Previous experience within a scaling technology business.
For more information on this role, apply now!
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE12 8BX
Salary: £60,000 - £80,000
Sector: Testing
Type: Permanent
Posted: 08/17/2026
QA & Automation Test Lead employer: Ronald James
As an Information Security Manager at our fast-growing B2B technology business, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a commitment to employee growth, ensuring you can advance your career while making a meaningful impact on our governance and compliance strategies. Join us in a location that fosters creativity and teamwork, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will drive our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QA & Automation Test Lead
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ronald James. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace QA & Automation Test Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ronald James.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ronald James's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ronald James
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ronald James.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ronald James will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ronald James employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
