Principal, Capability QA Lead - Data & Analytics, Hybrid, Outside IR35

Pesaro Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data analytics firm is seeking a Principal, Capability QA Lead to enhance quality practices across their Data & Analytics team. The role involves driving strategic quality initiatives, mentoring QA professionals, and implementing advanced testing methodologies. Candidates should have strong leadership skills, technical expertise in automation tools, and experience with data platforms such as Microsoft Fabric and Azure Data Lake. This is an exciting opportunity to shape quality engineering in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading QA teams in an agile environment.
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies and automation tools.
• Experience with data platforms and ETL testing.

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve the overall quality strategy.
• Perform manual and automated testing as a hands-on leader.
• Champion automation and CI/CD integration to improve efficiency.

Skills

Leadership in QA

Automation tools

ETL testing

Agile methodologies

Performance testing

Education

ISTQB Advanced Test Manager or equivalent

ITIL Foundation

Tools

JMeter

Azure Data Factory

Job description

Join a dynamic, forward-thinking organization as the Principal, Capability QA Lead within our Data & Analytics (D&A) team. We're looking for a driven leader who thrives in both hands‑on and strategic roles to drive quality excellence at scale. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver cutting‑edge Quality Engineering practices across a fast‑paced, agile environment. As the Capability QA Lead, you will be accountable for the continuous improvement of quality standards, implementing best practices, and ensuring flawless delivery of data‑driven products and services. You will lead by example, working with cross‑functional teams to ensure predictable, defect‑free outcomes that align with business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Quality Strategy: Own and evolve the overall quality strategy, focusing on both functional and non‑functional testing, ensuring alignment with business and technical objectives.
• Hands‑on QA Leadership: Lead by example in performing quality assurance activities, including manual and automated testing, defect management, and peer reviews.
• Drive Automation: Champion automation, CI/CD integration, and shift‑left testing to reduce manual effort and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with D&A leadership, development squads, and DevOps teams to ensure quality is embedded throughout the software development life cycle.
• Mentor & Develop Teams: Lead a growing team of QA professionals, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and learning.
• Strategic Oversight: Define and enforce testing policies, standards, and procedures. Manage QA budgets and resources effectively.

Qualifications

• Leadership Experience: Proven experience leading QA teams and managing quality engineering practices in a complex, agile environment.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of testing methodologies, automation tools, and performance testing (eg, JMeter, k6, etc.).
• Data‑Focused Background: Experience working with data platforms (Microsoft Fabric, Azure Data Lake, SQL), ETL testing (Azure Data Factory), and data modelling (Kimball/Star Schema).
• Certification & Skills: ISTQB Advanced Test Manager or equivalent, ITIL Foundation, familiarity with NIST CSF, and proficiency in advanced AI/ML testing techniques.
• Agile & DevOps Mindset: Solid experience with Agile frameworks, Jira, and integrating QA into CI/CD pipelines.