IT Test Lead

Buckinghamshire Council; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on Cafés, restaurants, shops

Costco membership

Discounted gym memberships

Travel discounts with Arriva

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking an experienced IT Test Lead to shape and drive our testing strategy across a broad portfolio of technology projects, system upgrades and service improvements. You will define standards, governance and tools, and provide training and coaching to ensure evidence-based readiness before release.

As an IT Service leader, you will maintain independence in oversight, deliver quality assurance reporting and risk assessments, and guide delivery teams and suppliers to

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for testing and quality assurance across projects, releases and service changes.
• Develop and maintain testing governance, standards, frameworks, processes, templates and tools for others to follow.
• Provide training, guidance and coaching so business users, IT teams and external suppliers can apply the agreed testing approach effectively.
• Provide independent oversight, quality assurance reporting, risk assessments and readiness recommendations to support informed decisions.

Job description

Are you passionate about delivering high-quality technology solutions that make a real difference? Do you thrive on ensuring systems, applications and digital services work exactly as they should, before reaching users?

We're looking for an experienced IT Test Lead to help shape and drive our testing strategy across a diverse portfolio of technology projects, system upgrades and service improvements. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how quality assurance is delivered across the organisation, ensuring technology solutions are reliable, secure and fit for purpose before they go live.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.

It's an exciting time to join our IT Service. With the launch of our new IT Strategy 2025-2030, we are embarking on an ambitious programme to modernise and simplify our technology, strengthen cyber security and governance, and make better use of digital, data and AI. Our people are central to delivering this ambition, and we are building a skilled, collaborative and customer-focused IT Service where colleagues have the opportunity to shape change, develop their capabilities and make a real difference to the Council and the communities it serves.

About the role

As our IT Test Lead, you’ll define how testing is governed and managed across the organisation. You’ll set the strategic direction and establish the standards, frameworks, processes and tools that project teams, technical specialists, business users and external suppliers follow when planning and carrying out testing.

Rather than undertaking day-to-day testing, you’ll provide the governance, guidance and oversight needed to support consistent, high-quality delivery. You’ll define roles and responsibilities, provide templates and practical guidance, and ensure teams understand the evidence required to demonstrate quality, manage risk and confirm readiness for release.

You’ll build organisational testing capability by providing training, coaching and clear direction, supported by effective reporting and assurance. By reviewing test evidence, identifying gaps and advising on risks, you’ll help decision-makers determine whether solutions are ready to progress, while holding delivery teams and suppliers accountable for following the agreed approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the strategic direction for testing and quality assurance across projects, releases and service changes.


• Develop and maintain testing governance, standards, frameworks, processes, templates and tools for others to follow.


• Provide training, guidance and coaching so business users, IT teams and external suppliers can apply the agreed testing approach effectively.


• Provide independent oversight, quality assurance reporting, risk assessments and readiness recommendations to support informed decisions.

For a full list of responsibilities and duties, please refer to the Job Description.

Any-Desk:

As an 'any-desk' worker, you’ll need a desk, screen a keyboard to get your job done. You’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

We're looking for a collaborative and proactive testing professional who is passionate about quality and continuous improvement. You'll be someone who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing stakeholders and bringing structure and confidence to technology delivery.

You'll have significant experience leading testing activities across complex technology projects and environments, with a strong understanding of test lifecycle management, quality assurance and risk-based testing methodologies. Comfortable working with both technical and non-technical audiences, you'll be able to communicate clearly, build strong relationships and provide trusted advice to support effective decision making.

To be successful in this role, you'll combine your technical expertise with excellent leadership, organisational and stakeholder management skills. You'll be confident coordinating multiple priorities, working across diverse teams and ensuring testing activities align with business objectives. Experience with enterprise testing and delivery tools will be highly beneficial, alongside a relevant professional testing qualification and the ability to demonstrate equivalent knowledge or experience.

Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to delivering excellent services, embracing continuous improvement and working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for our organisation and customers. For full details of the skills, experience and qualifications required, please refer to the Job Description.

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are - Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture


• the chance to really make a difference to those around you


• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops


• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group


• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us


• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it's important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That's why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.