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- Tasks: Lead testing across innovative projects that keep people safe in high-pressure situations.
- Company: A rapidly growing software house with a focus on tech for good.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of testing while working on impactful technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading test activities and a passion for tech and automation.
- Other info: Join a valued team where your contributions truly matter.
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 scaleup.
You’ll need to be happy coming into their Bristol office three days a week, and due to the nature of the work, you must either hold a British passport or have been a resident in the UK for the past five years, as employees are required to undergo security clearance due to the nature of some of the work they are involved in.
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 remain hands-on when needed, but the bigger emphasis is helping to influence and set the test strategy, and help with directing test efforts across complex products.
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.
If you’d like to hear more, please apply below to Sam Miller at SR2 – Socially Responsible Recruitment.
QA Test Lead - Bristol £85,000 employer: SR2
Contact Detail:
SR2 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, attend meetups, and connect with current employees at the company. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s products and their testing strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how they keep people safe and connected.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially around leadership and strategy in testing. We want to see you shine as a potential QA Test Lead, so be ready to share your experiences and ideas!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
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 is tailored to the QA Test Lead role. Highlight your experience with manual testing, automation tools like Playwright and Python, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to the team. Mention your passion for tech and any relevant projects you've worked on that relate to the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Talk about how you've influenced test strategies or mentored other testers in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive a culture of quality!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SR2
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of manual testing, especially in mobile and hardware contexts. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description, like Playwright and Python. Being able to discuss your experience with these technologies will show that you're not just a fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the work.
✨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. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to mentor others and foster a culture of quality.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The company values a curious mindset and a drive for improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented changes in testing processes or introduced new tools in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you've explored AI technologies or innovative approaches to testing.
✨Engage with the Team's Values
This company prides itself on being a 'tech for good' organisation. Make sure to express your alignment with their mission to protect people through technology. Share your passion for working on projects that have a positive impact, and show that you understand the importance of embedding quality from the earliest stages of development.
