Programme Test Manager (Principal)

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 principal‑level opportunity within Spike’s Quality Management practice, suited to an experienced Programme Test Manager who operates as a senior leader, trusted advisor, and commercial partner to both clients and Spike leadership. You will lead enterprise‑scale retail testing programmes, often across multiple workstreams, vendors, and delivery partners, and will play a key role in shaping how Spike delivers, sells, and evolves its testing services. This role goes beyond programme execution. At Principal level, you are expected to own outcomes, influence senior stakeholders, grow people, and actively contribute to the growth and reputation of Spike.

Role purpose

• Take full accountability for the success of complex testing programmes and managed services engagements.
• Act as a trusted testing authority to senior client stakeholders, including C‑level engagement where appropriate.
• Balance delivery, commercial performance, and risk across multiple clients or programmes.
• Lead and grow Spike consultants, setting standards for quality, professionalism, and behaviour.
• Contribute directly to business growth, service innovation, and market positioning.

Key responsibilities

• Programme & Delivery Leadership (Drive Excellence)

• Own and lead large‑scale, high‑complexity test programmes across multiple workstreams, vendors, and delivery methodologies.
• Define and implement enterprise/programme‑level test strategies, including approach, organisation, tooling, environments, and test data.
• Drive testing across functional and non‑functional workstreams, ensuring risk‑based decision‑making and clear quality outcomes.
• Provide delivery assurance through regular reviews, governance, and senior‑level reporting.
• Act as the senior escalation point for programme risks, issues, and delivery challenges.

• Take accountability for the commercial success of your programmes, working closely with delivery and sales leadership.
• Produce and own test estimates, strategies, and delivery models used in proposals and client contracts.
• Support and lead pre‑sales activities, including client conversations, solution shaping, and bid input.
• Build long‑term, trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders, positioning Spike as a strategic partner rather than a supplier.

• Lead, mentor, and develop Spike consultants across programmes, acting as a role model for Principal Consultant behaviours.
• Coach less‑experienced Test Managers and Leads, raising overall capability across the practice.
• Contribute to Spike’s knowledge management, methods, and communities of practice.
• Demonstrate Spike values through behaviour, decision‑making, and client interactions.

• Collaborate with marketing to develop case studies, service propositions, and thought leadership.
• Contribute to the evolution of Spike’s testing frameworks, standards, and service offerings.
• Represent Spike’s quality and testing capability credibly with senior retail and technology stakeholders.

Required experience & capabilities

• Proven experience leading enterprise or programme‑level testing across multiple projects or workstreams.
• Strong consultancy background, with experience operating in complex client environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior and C‑level stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness, including estimating, scoping, and managing profitable delivery.
• Deep understanding of modern SDLCs, delivery models, and testing practices.
• Comfortable operating autonomously with high levels of accountability.
• Retail or eCommerce experience is highly desirable, particularly in complex, multi‑system environments.

Desirable platform & domain experience

• Salesforce (Commerce Cloud and/or Service Cloud).
• MuleSoft.
• NetSuite.
• Modern retail platforms including MACH architectures, Shopify front ends, payments, warehousing, or merchandising platforms.

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.