Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve the QA Practice while managing a dynamic team of 10 QAs.
- Company: SiXworks, an IBM company, is revolutionising Defence development with innovative IT solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, free drinks, gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team driving quality and innovation in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for QA are essential.
- Other info: Candidates must hold UK nationality and be willing to undergo Security Clearance.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Quality Assurance role at SiXworks an IBM company
Join to apply for the Head of Quality Assurance role at SiXworks an IBM company
We are looking for a Head of QA to lead and evolve our QA Practice across the entire SiXworks organisation.
With a team of 10 QAs currently working across a diverse range of projects, this role demands a dynamic leader who is not only strategic but also willing to get hands-on when needed.
You will be responsible for the leadership and expansion of the QA team, ownership of the QA Practice, all QA recruitment and resourcing, and ensuring the right QA capabilities are in place for upcoming projects.
This includes line management, mentoring, and supporting the professional growth of the team.
We’re seeking someone who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment and is passionate about driving quality and innovation.
You’ll need to influence stakeholders at all levels, champion best practices, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
At SiXworks, we aim to disrupt how development is done within Defence, so we value candidates who bring fresh perspectives and proven practices from a variety of industries.
Our teams work on a variety of projects for multiple clients within the Defence industry, including production systems, proofs of concept, and prototypes. Our QA team includes Functional, Infrastructure, and Automation QA Engineers.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and evolve the QA Practice across the organisation.
- Be hands-on when necessary and able to dive into testing, tooling, or process improvement directly.
- Drive and influence change across teams and stakeholders to embed quality-first thinking.
- Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing QA team.
- Collaborate with customers and internal teams to define QA needs for new and existing projects.
- Shape and expand QA and Agile working practices across the organisation.
- Work across multiple complex systems and applications.
- Define and apply functional, non-functional, infrastructure, and exploratory testing strategies.
- Provide education, training, mentoring, and support across the QA team and wider Engineering department.
- Champion automation and CI/CD integration where appropriate.
Requirements and Skills:
- A passion for QA and testing, with a strong belief in quality as a team responsibility.
- Proven leadership experience across multiple industries and organisational types.
- Comfortable being hands-on and leading by example.
- Strong influencing skills with the ability to drive change and challenge the status quo.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Deep expertise in Agile testing, with knowledge of other methodologies.
- Broad knowledge of testing types, tools, and techniques.
- Experience in line management, recruitment, and team development.
- Familiarity with test automation frameworks and test management tools.
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
- Organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience working in compliance-based or regulated industries.
- Willingness to undergo Security Clearance.
We have modern offices in Cody Technology Park and have well established remote working arrangements.
For potential employees we offer an attractive range of benefits, including:
- Exciting and interesting work
- Free hot and cold drinks in our own, modern kitchen/break-out
- Secure, on-site parking, cafe, restaurant and gym facilities
- Company events & social hours
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Perkbox Employee Benefits system
- Bike to Work scheme
- Competitive Salary & Benefits Package
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Maternity / Paternity Pay
- Friendly & Supportive Team
Our SiXworks team is a fusion of brilliance, featuring senior operational, technical, and business leaders from various industries and the armed forces.
We\’re also powered by a league of extraordinary IT engineers, architects, developers, and project managers.
Together, we\’re an unstoppable force of innovation!
SiXworks’ expertise includes secure-by-design, cloud computing and services, advanced network, platform and infrastructure design, rapid application development, cross-security domain systems, multi-source data platforms, cyber vulnerability mitigation and intelligence systems.
SiXworks provides supplier-agnostic, technical and business consultancy to customers, and champions opensource and best of breed technologies.
To date we have worked exclusively in the Defence and Security Sector, providing IT innovation projects and programmes, analysis and output-based consultancy.
SiXworks is an IBM subsidiary which has been acquired by IBM and will be integrated into the IBM organisation. SiXworks will be the hiring entity. By proceeding with this application, you understand that SiXworks will share your personal information with other IBM subsidiaries involved in your recruitment process, wherever these are located. More Information on how IBM protects your personal information, including the safeguards in case of cross-border data transfer, are available here:
To be eligible for the role, you must hold UK nationality (British Citizenship).
It would be advantageous if you have sole UK nationality, but if you hold dual nationality with one being British, you will still be considered.
Please could other nationalities held be disclosed.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Quality Assurance and Engineering
-
Industries
Defense and Space Manufacturing, IT Services and IT Consulting, and Computer and Network Security
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at SiXworks an IBM company by 2x
Get notified about new Head of Quality Assurance jobs in Farnborough, England, United Kingdom .
Group Director of Quality Assurance & UK QP
Marlow, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Woking, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Deputy Director of Care – Quality, Governance and Patient Safety
Tadworth, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Hayes, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Head of Quality Improvement Planning (Partners)
High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Isleworth, England, United Kingdom 8 hours ago
Senior Manager, Data Integrity Quality Assurance
Addlestone, England, United Kingdom 21 hours ago
Cobham, England, United Kingdom 20 hours ago
Bracknell, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Chertsey, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Hounslow, England, United Kingdom 9 hours ago
London, England, United Kingdom 7 months ago
Cobham, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Uxbridge, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Reading, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Quality Assurance Lead employer: SiXworks an IBM company
Contact Detail:
SiXworks an IBM company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in QA practices and tools. Being well-versed in current methodologies will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement, which is highly valued at SiXworks.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Defence and IT sectors. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into the company culture at SiXworks and may even lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing QA teams. SiXworks is looking for someone who can inspire and develop their team, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Research SiXworks' projects and their approach to quality assurance within the Defence sector. Understanding their unique challenges and how you can contribute to their mission will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality assurance and leadership roles. Emphasise your hands-on approach and any specific achievements in QA practices that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for quality assurance and your ability to lead a team. Mention how your background in various industries can bring fresh perspectives to SiXworks and how you can drive change.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in Agile testing, stakeholder management, and team development. Provide examples of how you've influenced change and championed best practices in previous roles.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities: Include specific instances where you've tackled complex challenges in QA. This could involve improving processes, implementing new tools, or mentoring team members to enhance their skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at SiXworks an IBM company
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Quality Assurance, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully led teams, influenced change, and driven quality improvements in previous roles.
✨Be Hands-On
This role requires a dynamic leader who isn't afraid to get involved in the nitty-gritty. Share instances where you've rolled up your sleeves to tackle testing challenges or improve processes directly, showcasing your hands-on approach.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would engage with stakeholders at all levels to champion best practices.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
SiXworks values a culture of continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss how you've implemented strategies for ongoing development within QA teams and how you plan to foster this mindset in your future role.
