Test Lead

Working alongside the Test Manager, the main purpose of the role is to take ownership of the planning, monitoring, and controlling of the Test activities and tasks, for their area of responsibility. The Test Lead is a 'hands on' role, working alongside other Test Team members in the analysis, design, and execution of Testing tasks. The Test Lead also has line management responsibilities of a small number of Test Analysts within the team. The Test Lead provides leadership and guidance to the Test Team on best practice, provides mentorship, and supports with training and growth plans. We are Tandem - Where impact meets innovation Tandem is the UK's greener digital bank on a bold quest to revolutionise the way we save, borrow, spend, and share - all while nurturing our planet, our people and our customers. As one of Europe's fastest growing digital banks, our values of being Brave, Enterprising, Simple, and Together (BEST) ensure our 500-strong team collaborate to drive a brighter, greener future. Tandem also leads the way with a secondary app called Loop. Loop gives customers a simpler, hassle free and awkward free way to share money among friends. Your team: Collaborators in change Tandem is proud to offer a workplace with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds which leads to a unique company culture for our people and a better experience for our customers. Reporting to the Test Manager, The Test Lead role sits within the Bank's (manual) Test Team. The Test Team is small, but diverse in terms of expertise and experience, which supports testing activities across several different business lines and platforms. Your Impact: Building a greener tomorrow As a Test Lead at Tandem your focus will be on:

• Line management of Test Analysts within the Team, including regular performance reviews, one-to-one sessions and objective setting
• Support with the development and mentorship of Test Team members
• Work collaboratively with delivery teams to plan, coordinate and deliver new or upgraded software, at the highest possible quality standards
• Define and produce Test Plans and other Test artifacts that align with the agreed Test methodology and processes for all applicable Test Phases
• Provide comprehensive peer reviews of applicable Test artifacts produced by team members
• Take ownership of, and support Team member with Test Case creation, Test Execution and Issue resolution within the area of responsibility
• Produce key Test Metrics to support with Test monitoring, and produce required Stakeholder Reporting
• Ensure applicable risks and issues are escalated to the appropriate Senior Stakeholders
• Support Live implementation activities
• Support with continuous improvement activity which support in the enhancement of the testing processes, and assist with their implementation
  
  Extensive practical experience within a Software Testing role including defining and creating Test Cases, completing Test Execution, and proven strong Defect/Issue Management skill
• Experience in a Test Lead role, or a Senior Test Analyst/Test Analyst looking to take the next step into a Lead role
• Detailed understanding of the Software Development Lifecycle and different delivery methodologies
• Strong working knowledge of the Software Test Lifecycle
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience of understanding and analysing complex business processes, complex data, and requirements
• Knowledge in understanding test efforts and producing Test Estimates at different levels, and for different Test Phases
• Experience in contributing to the management of Test activities and Test Reporting
• Experience in System, Integration Testing and Acceptance Testing/Acceptance Testing, or have a comprehensive understanding of the Test Phases (with a strong desire to improve the end user experience)
• Experience in Stakeholder Management
• Adept at learning new systems and processes, and technically 'hands-on'
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a team
• A curious and proactive individual, with strong attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong logical and critical thinking skills, with a panache for challenging views and opinions
It would be great, but not essential if you have:
• ISEB/ISTQB Certified in Software Testing (Foundation Level or higher)
• Testing experience within a Financial Service environment, and understanding of associated regulations, financial processes and terminology
• Experience in API Testing and API Test Tooling (e.g. Postman)
• Experience with SQL queries (MS SQL Server)
• Experience in testing web services, and working with XML files
• Experience with Planning tools (e.g. use of Jira for planning and Issue/Bug Management)
• Experience with Test Planning/Management tools (e.g. Zephyr)
• Experience in People Management
• Experience in developing and mentoring teams/team members
  
  Rewards that reflect your value, what's in it for you?
At Tandem, your hard work is rewarded in many ways and we have an enhanced employee benefits package on offer from your very first day with us:
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 days Bank Holiday
• An additional day off for a 'celebration day' including, but not limited to, birthdays, weddings, religious holidays, graduations etc
• Buy or sell up to 5 days holiday a year
• Healthcare cash plan through Westfield Health worth a minimum of £750 per year
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to Work salary sacrifice scheme and a free helmet
• Salary sacrifice Pension contribution, 4% employee contributions matched with 4% Tandem contribution (Subject to salary eligibility)
• Smart Tech scheme (buy goods with 0% interest)
• 10% discount on solar panels
• Tandem Hub for treats, cash back and discounts on UK retailers
• 2 days per year paid volunteering
• Free cereal, snacks and drinks in all offices
• Quarterly team social budgets
Our Green Deal: Your Impact Amplified A little welcome gift from us to you, we'll plant a tree in the Tandem Grove and you can enter into our "Green Deal" below:
• Volunteer 2 days a year for charity
receive an early Friday finish
• Raise £200 per annum for charity
Tandem provide PR and marketing support
• Have renewable energy at home
receive an additional 1 day annual leave
• Drive an electric car
receive £500 towards a home charger Ready to make your mark? Apply now and let's pave the way to a greener world, together. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.Sourcing Model Recruitment at Tandem works primarily on a direct sourcing model and does not accept resumes from recruitment agencies which are not on the preferred supplier list. We are not responsible for any related fees for resumes submitted to job postings, our employees, or any other part of our company. You can find our Applicant Privacy Policy on our Careers page. Tandem is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to meeting our responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010). We respect the diverse experience and talents that every individual brings to our Company, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable. Please be aware that background checking (including credit, criminal records and CIFAS Internal Fraud Database Checks) form part of our recruitment process. We will adhere to our duties under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.