Test Lead

Hastings Insurance Services; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

Annual performance bonus (4Cs)

Life assurance and matched pension

Job summary

Hastings Direct is seeking a dedicated testing specialist for the Loans business, focusing on end-to-end testing across customer journeys, APIs, integrations, and data. You will define the testing approach, perform testing hands-on, build pragmatic automation and lead defect management while providing clear release risk insights.

The role offers a hybrid working arrangement within the UK and opportunities to shape the testing capability as the business grows.

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Backend testing

Data testing

Stakeholder communication

Test automation

Job description

Welcome to Hastings Direct

You’llprobably knowHastings 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 millioncustomers butknow there’s even bigger opportunity out there and have ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market.We’vemade huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture.We’reproud of the journeywe’reon as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.

The factyou’renow reading this job advert meanswe’vetempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, andyou’lljoin 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 ifyou’renot 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.

• 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:Inadditionto a competitive salary you will also receive…

Flexibleworking–we champion a flexible hybrid working approach–please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail

Competitivebonusscheme-all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus

Financialwellbeing–as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover,income protectionat no extra cost,and matchedpension contributionsup to 10%, we are proud to provide you with anaward winningpackage which includes – discounts,cashback,free independent mortgage adviceand free access to financial wellbeing support

Mentalwellbeingprogramme–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!– 25days 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