QA Test Team Leader

Reed; New Milton; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A software solutions company is seeking a QA Test Team Leader in New Milton. You will lead a QA team, drive quality excellence, and manage testing processes. Ideal candidates have 5+ years of experience, leadership expertise, and a degree in IT. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive work environment

Access to the latest tools

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in software testing.
• At least 1–2 years in a leadership role guiding teams.
• Proficiency in test management tools and knowledge of SQL.

Responsibilities

• Lead the QA team in enhancing quality assurance practices.
• Coordinate and review test scripts and results.
• Drive automation practices to improve efficiency.

Skills

Hands-on experience in software testing

Leadership experience

Understanding of defect lifecycle management

Proficiency in test management tools

Knowledge of SQL

Exposure to test automation

Commitment to team collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science or IT

ISTQB Test Manager certification

Tools

Test management tools

Job description

QA Test Team Leader

• Annual Salary: £38,000 - £42,000
• Location: New Milton (4 days a week on-site)
• Job Type: Full-time

Our client is seeking a seasoned QA Test Team Leader with a robust background in software testing and team leadership. This role is crucial for driving quality excellence across their software solutions in the telecare industry. You will lead a small, agile QA team, optimising testing processes to ensure our products meet the highest standards.

Day‑to‑day of the role:

• Lead the QA team in implementing and enhancing quality assurance practices to meet rigorous software development standards.
• Coordinate the review and approval of test scripts and results, ensuring meticulous manual testing processes to identify and resolve software issues.
• Drive the strategic integration of automated testing practices to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Foster a collaborative team culture, encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing among team members.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical colleagues across departments to align development and testing processes.
• Establish and enforce QA best practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Champion the adoption and integration of automated testing tools and technologies.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in testing methodologies.
• Take accountability for the overall efficiency and reliability of testing processes.
• Lead initiatives to maintain comprehensive documentation for knowledge sharing.
• Provide insights and recommendations on testing tools and technologies to enhance strategy.
• Offer leadership and line management for the QA team, supporting development, performance, and collaboration.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in software testing.
• At least 1–2 years in a leadership role with a proven track record of guiding teams.
• Strong understanding of defect lifecycle management, test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Proficiency in test management tools and a working knowledge of SQL.
• Exposure to test automation, risk-based testing, and UAT coordination.
• Degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field.
• Advanced certifications such as ISTQB Test Manager or training in Agile methodologies preferred.
• Decisive, proactive, and highly detail-oriented with the ability to thrive under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, team‑first culture.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Access to the latest tools and technologies.
• Flexible working arrangements.