Test Lead - Glasgow Hybrid - Permanent role
Stellar Connect is the resourcing and talent arm of Stellar Omada — a fast-growing technology consultancy headquartered in Edinburgh. We work with major clients across the UK to deliver complex change and transformation programmes that make a measurable difference.
We’re actively recruiting a Test Lead for one of our prestigious clients, a national leading mutual life and investments organisation, to head up a dedicated quality assurance team.
The Role: Test Lead (Manual Focus)
As the Test Lead, you will be responsible for defining the testing strategy and overseeing the execution of all quality assurance activities for key projects. You will lead, mentor, and manage a team of up to six Test Analysts, ensuring testing excellence and the highest quality of software delivery.
We are looking for a leader who:
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Leads by example, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture within the team.
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Manages and mentors a team of 6 Test Analysts, including task delegation, performance management, and career development.
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Is comfortable working across agile, waterfall, and bespoke methodologies, adapting the testing approach as required.
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Defines and implements the overall testing strategy and detailed test plans for complex projects and programmes.
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Ensures adherence to test best practice, continual improvements, and appropriate standards across the team's output.
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Collaborates closely with Engineering Managers, Project Managers, and key business stakeholders to ensure the test team effectively supports the delivery roadmap.
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Can base themselves on client site 2 days per week.
Essential Skills and Experience
To be considered for this leadership role, we would love you to have the following:
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3+ years of experience in a Test Lead, Senior Test Analyst, or similar management role, specifically overseeing a team of 4 or more.
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Expert-level knowledge and proven application of structured manual software testing methodologies, including functional, system integration, UAT, and end-to-end testing.
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Demonstrable experience in test strategy design, planning, and estimation for large or complex projects.
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Exceptional skills in defect management, tracking, and reporting, with experience utilizing tools like Azure DevOps, Jira, or similar.
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Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate risks, progress, and strategy to both technical and non-technical audiences.
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Comfortable working as part of an Agile development team and driving quality assurance within sprint cycles.
Desirable Skills (Nice to Have)
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Proven ability to coach and upskill junior to mid-level Test Analysts.
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Experience with SQL for advanced data validation, complex querying, and data setup/teardown.
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A formal qualification in software testing (e.g., ISTQB/ISEB Advanced Test Manager or Foundation Certificate).
If this leadership role sounds like the next step for you, please get in touch or apply directly and we can provide more information about the opportunity and how your expertise aligns with it.
PLEASE NOTE: You must have the legal right to work in the UK to apply for this role as Stellar Omada are unable to support Visa Applications/Sponsorship.
We look forward to hearing from you