Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead automation strategy and delivery for major retail technology projects.
- Company: Spike, a leading retail technology consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, 25 days leave, and personal development support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in retail tech while mentoring the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in test automation and strong technical skills in web and API tools.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 75000 ÂŁ per year.
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £50,000 – £75,000 per annum
Direct applicants only – no agencies please (preferred suppliers already in place)
Spike are retail technology experts delivering end‑to‑end, go‑live confidence for some of the largest and most complex retail brands in the UK and beyond. This is a senior‑level opportunity within Spike’s Quality Engineering & Automation practice, suited to an experienced Senior Automation Engineer who operates as a trusted technical authority, delivery leader, and coach within complex client environments.
You will lead automation strategy and delivery across multiple retail technology programmes, working across diverse platforms, teams, and delivery partners. You will also play a key role in shaping how Spike designs, delivers, and continuously improves its automation capability. This role goes beyond hands‑on delivery. At Senior level, you are expected to own automation outcomes, influence stakeholders, mentor others, and contribute to the growth and maturity of Spike’s automation practice.
Role purpose
As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will:
- Take ownership of automation strategy and delivery across complex client engagements
- Act as a senior automation authority within delivery teams and with client stakeholders
- Balance technical quality, delivery outcomes, and pragmatism across multiple projects
- Lead and develop Spike consultants, setting standards for automation quality and engineering excellence
- Contribute to the evolution of Spike’s automation frameworks, tools, and ways of working
Key responsibilities
Automation & Delivery Leadership (Drive Excellence)
- Own and lead automation activity across complex projects and programmes
- Define and implement automation strategies aligned to client delivery models and risk profiles
- Design and build scalable automation frameworks and approaches across web, API, and integrated systems
- Drive automation across functional and non‑functional testing, ensuring meaningful quality outcomes
- Integrate automation effectively into CI/CD pipelines and Agile delivery models
- Act as the senior escalation point for automation‑related risks, issues, and technical decisions
Client Engagement & Technical Consultancy (Grow the Business)
- Act as a trusted automation advisor to client stakeholders, supporting informed technical decision‑making
- Shape automation approaches within proposals, estimates, and delivery models
- Support pre‑sales and solution design activities where automation is a core component
- Identify opportunities to improve automation effectiveness and value for clients
- Help position Spike as a credible, high‑quality automation and quality engineering partner
Leadership, People & Culture (Nurture Our Culture)
- Lead, mentor, and coach Spike consultants on client engagements
- Support the development of less experienced automation engineers and test leads
- Promote high engineering standards, collaboration, and knowledge sharing
- Contribute to internal communities of practice, frameworks, and accelerators
- Demonstrate Spike values through behaviour, decision‑making, and client interactions
Required experience & capabilities
- Proven experience defining and delivering test automation strategies across multiple projects
- Strong hands‑on experience with web and API automation tools and engineering approaches
- Experience integrating automation into CI/CD pipelines and modern delivery models
- Development experience using one or more languages such as Java, C#, Python, or JavaScript
- Experience working in Agile environments, collaborating closely with development teams
- BDD experience using Cucumber, SpecFlow, and/or Gherkin
- Ability to operate autonomously with high levels of accountability
Retail or eCommerce experience is desirable, particularly within complex, multi‑system environments.
Desirable platform & domain experience
- Modern retail and eCommerce platforms
- API‑driven and microservices‑based architectures
- CI/CD tooling and cloud‑based delivery environments
What we offer
- Personal relationships with an open‑door leadership team
- Challenging consultancy‑led work across major retail brands
- Remote‑first working with flexibility and paid travel when required
- A business owned by practising consultants, with shared purpose and principles
- Pick‑and‑mix benefits allowance
- Dedicated career coach and ongoing development support
Plus:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave + public holidays
- Day off for your birthday
- L&D allowance and training days
- Pension with auto‑enrolment after one month
Spike is an equal opportunities employer.
Automation Engineer (Senior) employer: Spike
Contact Detail:
Spike Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Automation Engineer (Senior)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the retail tech space and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository highlighting your automation projects. This gives potential employers a tangible look at your skills and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common automation challenges and solutions. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining Spike and being part of our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Automation Engineer (Senior)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Automation Engineer role. Highlight your experience with automation strategies, CI/CD pipelines, and any relevant retail technology projects. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about automation and how you can contribute to Spike’s mission. Don’t forget to mention specific experiences that showcase your leadership and mentoring abilities.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight your hands-on experience with web and API automation tools. Mention any programming languages you’re proficient in, like Java or Python, as well as your experience with BDD frameworks. We love seeing those technical chops!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Spike!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spike
✨Know Your Automation Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest automation tools and frameworks, especially those relevant to web and API testing. Brush up on your hands-on experience with languages like Java, C#, or Python, as these will likely come up during technical discussions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Automation Engineer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully guided teams in previous roles, and be ready to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and high engineering standards.
✨Understand Spike's Culture and Values
Familiarise yourself with Spike’s values and how they align with your own. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their culture, particularly in terms of knowledge sharing and supporting less experienced engineers.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Since client interaction is key, think about how you would act as a trusted advisor. Prepare scenarios where you’ve influenced stakeholders or shaped automation strategies, and be ready to discuss how you can add value to Spike’s client engagements.