Test Lead

Hastings Direct; Leicester; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Annual bonus

Life assurance

Income protection

Pension contributions up to 10%

Discounts & cashback

Mortgage advice

Wellbeing support

25 days annual leave

Job summary

Hastings Direct is seeking a versatile Test Engineer to own end-to-end testing across multiple systems, including UI, API, backend and data testing. You will coordinate testing with business SMEs and technology suppliers, assess coverage and risk, and drive improvements in testing maturity.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality customer journeys within a hybrid working model. Strong communication skills to articulate quality risks and influence stakeholders are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience owning end-to-end testing across multiple systems.
• Hands-on UI, API, backend and data-testing capability.
• Ability to listen, influence and challenge stakeholders constructively.
• Ability to communicate technical quality risks clearly.
• Ability to learn complex customer journeys, systems and processes quickly.
• Adaptability across projects, delivery approaches and test maturity levels.

Responsibilities

• Own test planning, execution, evidence, defect triage and reporting.
• Test across customer-facing journeys, APIs, integrations and data.
• Build maintainable automated smoke and regression coverage.
• Coordinate testing by business SMEs and technology suppliers.
• Assess coverage and residual risk, make release recommendations.
• Improve testing maturity without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy.

Skills

End-to-end testing

UI testing

API testing

Backend testing

Stakeholder influence

Quality risk communication

Learn complex journeys

Test maturity adaptability

Tools

CI/CD

Job description

Welcome to Hastings Direct You’ll probably know Hastings Direct as a digital insurance provider, but did you know we also have a growing unsecured lending business? We have a competitive product on market‑leading systems offering customers guaranteed eligibility and real rates through price comparison websites (PCWs).We have over four million customers but know there’s even bigger opportunity out there and have ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure

Job Details:

Own test planning, execution, evidence, defect triage and reporting. Test across customer‑facing journeys, APIs, integrations and data. Build maintainable automated smoke and regression coverage. Coordinate testing by business SMEs and technology suppliers. Assess coverage and residual risk, making clear release recommendations. Improve testing maturity without introducing unnecessary bureaucracy.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience personally owning end‑to‑end testing across multiple systems.
• Strong hands‑on UI, API, backend and data‑testing capability.
• Experience personally owning end‑to‑end testing across multiple systems.
• Strong hands‑on UI, API, backend and data‑testing capability.
• The confidence to listen, influence and challenge stakeholders and suppliers constructively.
• The ability to communicate technical quality risks clearly.
• The ability to learn complex customer journeys, systems and business processes quickly.
• Adaptability across different projects, delivery approaches and levels of test maturity.

Desirable:

• Financial services, lending or another regulated environment.
• Supplier‑hosted platforms and third‑party integrations.
• Cloud‑based applications and CI/CD.
• Decision engines, workflow systems or complex digital journeys.
• Performance or other non‑functional testing.

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary you will also receive… Flexible working –we champion a flexible hybrid working approach – please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail Competitive bonus scheme- all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus Financial wellbeing – as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award winning package which includes – discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support Mental wellbeing programme – we have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs There's more! – 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more …. Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things.

We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve. Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks. At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date: 03/10/2026

Would you like to learn more about how we value diversity and inclusion at Hastings Direct and what our rewards and benefits package looks like? Are you interested in how we engage with and support our local communities and the wonderful wellbeing programme you will have access to? Check out the what we offer tab to learn more. Hastings Direct is a fast growing, agile, digitally focused general insurance provider of products and services to over 4 million customers in the UK, employing over 4,600 colleagues. Our vision – to be the best and biggest digital insurance provider in the market. It's our attitude and the way we run our business that makes us different. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. It's a dynamic, flexible, fun and constantly changing environment. You'll enjoy the scope to make a real difference for our customers, influence our company, benefit the communities we work in and have fun along the way. If you enjoyed the video and would like to learn more about #LifatHD, check out our colleague stories