Test Lead

hastingsdirect; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Competitive bonus scheme

Private medical insurance (PMI)

Financial wellbeing support

Job summary

Hastings Direct is seeking a dedicated testing specialist for the Loans business. You will own end-to-end testing across customer journeys, APIs, integrations and data, building automated smoke and regression coverage and leading defect management.

The role focuses on hands-on testing rather than management, with the opportunity to shape the testing capability as the business grows and to influence release risk discussions with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience owning end-to-end testing across multiple systems.
• Strong hands-on UI, API, backend and data-testing capability.
• Ability to listen, influence and challenge stakeholders constructively.
• Ability to communicate technical quality risks clearly.
• Able to learn complex customer journeys, systems and processes quickly.

Responsibilities

• Own test planning, execution, evidence, defect triage and reporting.
• Test across customer 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.

Skills

End-to-end testing

UI testing

API testing

Data testing

Stakeholder communication

Test automation

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 we would love to hear from you.

The ideal candidate will be the dedicated testing specialist in the loans business, working across customer journeys, APIs, integrations, data and supplier‑provided platforms. This is not a people‑management or test‑coordination role. You will define the approach, perform testing yourself, build pragmatic automation, lead defect management and give stakeholders an honest view of release risk.

As the Loans business continues to grow, the scope and influence of the role may develop with it. This is an opportunity to establish the testing capability now and help shape how quality evolves as the business grows.

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.
• 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.

We need someone who:

• Takes ownership and acts without waiting for every detail to be provided.
• Is bright, curious and enthusiastic about understanding how things work.
• Brings energy and momentum while remaining thorough and evidence‑led .
• Works well in a small team and is willing to operate beyond narrow role boundaries.
• Listens to different perspectives but has the strength of character to challenge when needed.
• Communicates clearly, particularly when the message is difficult.
• Remains pragmatic and calm when priorities or circumstances change.
• Looks for better ways of working rather than accepting inefficient processes.

This role will suit someone who wants to shape and own a testing capability while remaining hands‑on. It will not suit someone looking primarily to manage a test team or work within an already mature QA function.

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive - what this means to you is if you’re applying for a job with us, you’ll have fair access to support and adjustments throughout your recruitment journey. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS). For more information on the DCS, please visit our inclusive business page on our careers website.

Regrettably, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Benefits:

• Flexible working - we champion a flexible hybrid working approach.
• Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.
• Physical wellbeing - as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.
• Financial wellbeing - as well as provi