At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance for a cutting-edge data platform and manage offshore teams.
- Company: Dynamic tech company in London with a focus on cloud-native solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data quality and drive innovation in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in data testing, ETL validation, and strong SQL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Job Opportunity: Test Lead – Data Platform
Location: London (Hybrid, 2 days onsite)
Employment: Contract Role (Outside IR35 considered)
Duration: 6 months
Start Date: ASAP
We are seeking an experienced Test Lead to oversee quality assurance for a large-scale enterprise data platform. This role involves defining testing strategy, managing offshore teams, and ensuring delivery of audit-ready, high-quality data solutions.
About the Project: A strategic cloud-native data platform enabling governed ingestion, transformation, and analytics to support business insights, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute QA strategy across data pipelines and platform components.
- Lead SIT, regression, and release readiness testing across ingestion, transformation, and consumption layers.
- Govern test processes, quality gates, and traceability using Agile practices.
- Manage defect triage and collaborate with engineering teams for resolution.
- Oversee data validation (source-to-target checks, schema validation, business rules).
- Provide clear reporting on test progress, risks, and readiness to senior stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with audit requirements and drive continuous improvement.
Required Skills
- Strong background in data testing, ETL validation, and data migration.
- Hands-on expertise with cloud-based data platforms (Azure Data Factory, Databricks, Delta Lake).
- Advanced SQL skills for complex query validation.
- Experience with Agile/DevOps delivery models and JIRA test management.
- Familiarity with automation frameworks (SQL/PySpark preferred).
- Knowledge of CI/CD and release management processes.
- Experience with Power BI, Alteryx, and VS Code, particularly in testing integrations with Databricks and validating related user experience.
Qualification
- BE / BTech or equivalent qualification.
- Testing or project management certification is desirable.
What is expected from you?
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Analytical, detail-oriented, and delivery-focused.
- Comfortable working in multi-vendor environments.
Test Lead in City of London employer: SmartChoice International Limited
Contact Detail:
SmartChoice International Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Lead in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend meetups, and engage in online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Test Lead role or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those involving data testing and cloud platforms. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile practices and how you've managed teams in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Test Lead in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in data testing and QA strategy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your hands-on expertise with cloud platforms like Azure Data Factory.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Test Lead position. Mention your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed offshore teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your advanced SQL skills and familiarity with Agile/DevOps models. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of CI/CD processes and automation frameworks, so make sure to include relevant 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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at SmartChoice International Limited
✨Know Your Testing Strategies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of QA strategies, especially in relation to data pipelines and cloud platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've defined and executed testing strategies in past roles, as this will show your expertise and understanding of the requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Test Lead, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've managed teams, particularly offshore ones, and how you've collaborated with engineering teams to resolve defects. This will highlight your capability to lead and manage stakeholders effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
Get comfortable with the tools mentioned in the job description, like Azure Data Factory, Databricks, and JIRA. If you have experience with automation frameworks or CI/CD processes, be ready to discuss specific instances where you've used these tools to enhance testing efficiency.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in data validation or defect triage and how you overcame them. This will help you demonstrate your analytical and detail-oriented mindset.