Role Overview

The Client is seeking an experienced Test Lead to manage and deliver User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Business Testing activities within a regulated banking environment.
The role requires strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and hands-on experience in non-automated/manual testing, working closely with business users and non-technical stakeholders.

The Test Lead will be accountable for planning, coordinating, and managing UAT delivery while leading a small team of testers and ensuring high-quality outcomes aligned to business expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee UAT and business testing activities across one or more workstreams
• Plan, coordinate, and manage end-to-end UAT cycles, including entry/exit criteria and sign-off
• Act as the primary interface between business users, UAT testers, and delivery teams
• Manage and lead a team of 5 manual test analysts, providing guidance and oversight
• Own and manage defect/triage processes, including:
• Defect prioritisation and severity assessment
• Coordination with development and delivery teams
• Tracking resolution and retesting
• Facilitate UAT workshops, walkthroughs, and defect triage sessions with business stakeholders
• Ensure testing activities align with regulatory, audit, and governance standards
• Produce and maintain key test artefacts, including:
• UAT Test Plans and Test Scenarios
• Defect reports, daily status updates, and testing dashboards
• UAT completion and sign-off documentation
• Identify and manage testing risks, issues, and dependencies
• Provide clear status updates and escalation to senior stakeholders when required

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Test Lead or UAT Lead within banking or financial services
• Strong hands-on experience in manual/non-automated testing
• Extensive experience working with business users and non-technical stakeholders
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing a team of testers (approx. 5 resources)
• Strong experience in defect management and triage coordination
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience delivering testing within regulated or public sector environments
• Ability to work on-site in London 2 days per week

Desirable Experience

• Experience working in central banking, regulatory, or government organisations
• Familiarity with structured delivery methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, or Hybrid)
• Experience supporting formal UAT sign-off and audit requirements

Security & Compliance

• Current and valid SC Clearance is mandatory
• Candidate must be eligible to work on Client secured environments