Test Automation Lead - Accelerate Quality Releases

Howdens Joinery; Northampton; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Staff discount

ShareSave scheme

Restaurant facilities at locations

Onsite parking

Career development opportunities

Industry transformation projects

Job summary

Howdens Joinery, a UK-based kitchen supplier, is seeking an experienced Test Automation Lead to head a growing Core Systems automation team. The role focuses on defining strategy, expanding automation capabilities, and enabling faster, higher-quality releases across howdens.com and other platforms.

You will lead a team of automation specialists, own enterprise automation platforms, and collaborate with technology and business stakeholders to deliver value-driven solutions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading test automation teams.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise automation tools such as Tricentis, Selenium, Ranorex or Robot Framework.
• Experience delivering automation solutions that support large-scale digital platforms and frequent release cycles.
• A track record of managing applications, vendors and technology roadmaps.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working within IT service management and change control frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to balance strategic planning with operational delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support a team of QA Automation Engineers
• Own and manage enterprise test automation platforms and tooling
• Drive automation strategy, roadmaps and continuous improvement initiatives
• Work closely with technology and business stakeholders to deliver value-driven solutions
• Ensure automation solutions meet governance, security and quality standards
• Oversee the design, build, testing and deployment of automation capabilities
• Manage vendor relationships and third-party partners
• Monitor emerging technologies and industry best practice to inform future direction
• Support frequent, high-quality software releases through enhanced automation coverage
• Lead problem investigations, root cause analysis and service improvements.

Skills

Automation leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Tricentis

Selenium

Ranorex

Robot Framework

Job description

Howdens Joinery, a UK-based kitchen supplier, is seeking an experienced Test Automation Lead to head a growing Core Systems automation team. The role focuses on defining strategy, expanding automation capabilities, and enabling faster, higher-quality releases across howdens.com and other platforms.

You will lead a team of automation specialists, own enterprise automation platforms, and collaborate with technology and business stakeholders to deliver value-driven solutions.