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- Tasks: Lead testing across innovative projects, shaping strategy and driving quality.
- Company: Dynamic software house focused on tech for good, based in Bristol.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring safety and connectivity in high-pressure situations.
- Qualifications: Experience in manual testing and leadership, with a passion for tech and AI.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape the future of testing.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 £ per year.
I have a great opportunity for a QA Test Lead/Principal Level Test Engineer to join my client based in North Bristol. They are a software house who work on some really interesting products to help keep people on the front line safe and connected in high-pressure situations. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead testing across a wide variety of projects for a rapidly growing scale-up.
They currently have a growing Test Team of 8 and are now looking for a Principal to be a senior figure within the team. The role's focus will be a mix of hands-on and more hands-off strategic responsibilities. You’ll help embed a culture of quality and work closely with developers, product owners, and stakeholders to ensure testing is embedded from the earliest stages, with requirements that are realistic, testable, and clearly understood.
Some of the products can be very complex with connected hardware elements to the software, so ideally they would love someone who has worked on this sort of thing before. The role will initially be more focused on leading manual testing across a range of mobile apps, integrated hardware, and cloud systems, but at the same time, you’ll play a central role in shaping the company’s continued investment in automation and AI.
What you’ll be doing:
- Setting and evolving test strategy across one or more high complexity projects.
- Coordinating and directing the work of test engineers (permanent staff and contractors).
- Championing automation and influencing tooling choices (Python, Pytest, Appium, Espresso, CI/CD pipelines).
- Leading the test lifecycle end-to-end: from planning and execution through to triage, reporting, acceptance, and release support.
- Coaching and mentoring less experienced testers, helping to build a culture of collaboration and advocacy for quality.
- Driving continuous improvement in test processes, practices, and stakeholder engagement.
- Exploring new approaches, including AI-driven tooling and experimentation, and encouraging the team to stay ahead of the curve.
What they are looking for:
- Experience leading or coordinating test activities, with the confidence to set direction and influence strategy.
- Someone who is excited by tech and likes to keep up to date with new tools, industry trends, and AI.
- A solid background in manual testing, across mobile/hardware, or complex systems.
- Some knowledge of test automation (Playwright, Python, Kotlin, ADB, Appium, Espresso etc.) and a willingness to drive its adoption.
- An interest in exploring AI Technologies.
- Familiarity with CI/CD environments (Jenkins, GitLab) and broader modern QA practices.
- A curious, pragmatic mindset with the drive to constantly improve.
This is a place where testers are genuinely valued. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of testing, influence strategic decisions, and help deliver technology that genuinely matters. The salary range is from £65,000 to £85,000 depending on experience.
QA Test Lead - Bristol £85,000 employer: SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
Contact Detail:
SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land QA Test Lead - Bristol £85,000
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to QA testing. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for tech! During interviews, share your thoughts on the latest trends in QA, automation, and AI. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm and keep you memorable to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace QA Test Lead - Bristol £85,000
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience in leading test activities and any relevant tech you've worked with, like Playwright or Python.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Mention your passion for tech and any specific projects that align with our mission of keeping people safe.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role is about leading a team, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully coordinated test activities and influenced strategy in your previous roles. We want to see your leadership style!
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 from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation™
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your manual testing skills, especially in mobile apps and complex systems. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, like Playwright and Python. Being able to discuss your hands-on experience will show that you're not just a strategist but also someone who can get stuck in when needed.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully coordinated test activities in the past. Talk about how you've influenced strategy and driven best practices in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to take charge and guide others.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company is looking for someone with a curious mindset who drives continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented new processes or tools in your previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you've explored AI technologies or innovative testing approaches, as this aligns perfectly with their focus.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
This team values collaboration and quality, so make sure to convey your enthusiasm for working closely with developers, product owners, and stakeholders. Share stories that showcase your ability to build relationships and foster a culture of quality within a team. It’s all about showing that you’re not just a great tester, but also a great teammate!
