Lead Automation Test Architect

HelloKindred; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A staffing solutions provider in Sheffield is seeking a Lead Automation Test Architect to drive an automation-first strategy for IAM programs. You will design automated test frameworks for identity workflows across cloud platforms and lead a team in establishing testing standards. Candidates must have extensive IAM experience and a minimum of 5 years in a lead automation role with strong coding skills across various languages. This hybrid role requires eligibility for BPSS clearance and offers competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a lead automation role.
• Strong coding skills in multiple programming languages.
• Proven ability to lead teams and establish standards.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement an automation-first testing strategy.
• Manage Jenkins pipelines for automated test execution.
• Lead, mentor, and manage engineers within the testing team.
• Establish testing standards and best practices.

Skills

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Java

Python

Typescript

Playwright

Cypher

Scala

API testing tools (Postman, Insomnia, Apidog)

REST API automation

Agile methodologies

Tools

Jenkins

JMeter

Gatling

LoadRunner

NeoLoad

Neo4j

CI/CD tools

Job description

HelloKindred are specialists in staffing marketing, creative and technology roles, offering a range of talent solutions that can be delivered on-site, remotely or hybrid.

Our vision is to make work accessible and people’s lives better.We do this by disrupting traditional employment barriers –connecting ambitious talent to flexible opportunities with trusted brands.

Job Description

Anticipated Contract End Date/Length: December 11, 2026
Work Setup: Hybrid (must be eligible for BPSS clearance)

Our client in the Information Technology and Services industry is looking for a Lead Automation Test Architect to drive an automation-first testing strategy for a global Identity and Access Management (IAM) transformation program. This role focuses on designing and implementing automated test frameworks for secure, scalable identity workflows across cloud platforms, integrating identity services with APIs, Pub/Sub pipelines, and cloud-native applications.

What you will do:

• Create and implement an automation-first testing strategy with minimal manual effort.
• Design, develop, execute, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts for web and graph database applications.
• Manage Jenkins pipelines for automated test execution, reporting, and CI/CD integration.
• Lead, mentor, and manage engineers within the testing team.
• Develop and execute test plans, cases, scenarios, and data based on requirements and technical specifications.
• Generate and manage test data, report defects, and verify fixes through automated processes.
• Collaborate with technical leads and stakeholders to define SIT/OAT/UAT scenarios and ensure traceability to requirements.
• Establish testing standards, best practices, and governance frameworks across the organization.
• Communicate progress and results to senior stakeholders and provide regulatory evidence as needed.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies to improve testing processes.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and automation-first testing.
• Minimum 5 years in a lead automation role with strong coding skills in Java, Python, Typescript, Playwright, Cypher, Scala, and API testing tools (Postman, Insomnia, Apidog).
• Expertise in testing functions and decision points “as code,” including policy testing (OPA/Rego).
• Strong knowledge of REST API automation, API Gateway testing, batch ETL testing, and consumer-driven contract testing.
• Experience with graph data validation (Neo4j), containerized test execution, and cloud testing methodologies (GCP preferred; AWS, Azure, Entra also relevant).
• Familiarity with CI/CD tools, GitOps, and integration of automation tests into pipelines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, establish standards, and deliver within Agile methodologies.
• Experience with load and performance testing tools (JMeter, Gatling, LoadRunner, NeoLoad) and graph database management systems.
• Knowledge of IAM protocols and formats such as SCIM, LDAP, OIDC, and CSV.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Candidates must be legally authorized to live and work in the country where the position is based, without requiring employer sponsorship.

HelloKindred is committed to fair, transparent, and inclusive hiring practices. We assess candidates based on skills, experience, and role-related requirements.

We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application carefully, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

HelloKindred is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.