Automation Test Lead

Pbt Group; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking tech company in Pretoria is looking for a QA Automation Lead to oversee testing strategies and mentor a QA team. You will define the automation testing strategy and work closely with development and DevOps teams. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in software testing, strong leadership skills, and expertise with automation tools like Selenium and CI/CD processes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software testing, with at least 4–5 years in a lead role.
• Hands-on expertise with Selenium (TestNG).
• Strong knowledge of JavaScript / TypeScript.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the automation testing strategy.
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable automation frameworks.
• Monitor and report test coverage and quality metrics.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Test automation

Software testing

Education

Computer Science degree or equivalent

ISTQB Certification

Tools

Selenium (TestNG)

Cypress

Python

Jenkins

Docker

Job description

We're Hiring : QA Automation Lead

Do you thrive in leading teams, building robust automation frameworks, and ensuring seamless delivery?

If so, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced QA Automation Lead to oversee end-to-end testing strategies, champion test automation, and mentor a growing QA team.

In this role, you'll ensure quality standards across planning, development, and delivery, while collaborating closely with development, DevOps, and business teams to align QA efforts with overall project goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the automation testing strategy, ensuring alignment with product and project objectives.
• Identify automation opportunities, perform ROI analysis, and prioritise test cases.
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable automation frameworks (Hybrid, BDD, POM).
• Lead the creation of automation test plans, including scope, tools, timelines, and risk mitigation.
• Mentor QA engineers in automation and best practices.
• Monitor and report test coverage, quality metrics, and drive process improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate requirements into effective test cases.
• Participate in agile ceremonies—planning, grooming, retrospectives.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 10+ years in software testing, with at least 4–5 years in a lead role.
• Automation Tools: Hands‑on expertise with Selenium (TestNG), plus experience with Cypress, Playwright, or equivalent.
• Frameworks & Languages: Strong knowledge of JavaScript / TypeScript; Python is a plus.
• Proficiency in TestNG, JUnit, Cucumber. API & Performance Testing: Solid RESTful API testing, plus exposure to K6, JMeter, or Gatling.
• DevOps & CI / CD: Experience with Git-based systems (GitHub / Bitbucket / GitLab), Jenkins, Azure DevOps, or GitLab CI.
• Other Skills: Mobile testing (Appium), cross‑browser/device testing (BrowserStack, Sauce Labs), Docker / Kubernetes, OWASP ZAP security testing.
• Soft Skills: Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Nice to Have: Computer Science degree or equivalent.
• ISTQB Certification.
• 2+ years in short‑term insurance projects.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of automation strategies, lead innovation in QA practices, and shape a culture of quality.

You'll work in a collaborative environment where your expertise directly impacts the success of projects and products.

• In order to comply with the POPI Act, for future career opportunities, we require your permission to maintain your personal details on our database.

By completing and returning this form you give PBT your consent.

If you have not heard from us in two weeks, please note that you were unsuccessful for the role. However, we will keep your resume on file and reach out if any other suitable opportunity arises in the future.