Test Automation Lead

Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water: 

• We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£48,558 - £60,698) 
• Annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year)
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution) 
• Development opportunities in line with the Test Automation Lead progression plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day! 
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary 
• A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
• Retail savings scheme  
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more! 

Location: West Yorkshire / Hybrid Working (2-3 days in the office a week – Bradford / Leeds)

Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday. 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Test Automation Lead to join the Technology Team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?

What we do:

Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year, can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this.
We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity. New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Technology function is a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators.  

We’re looking for a skilled and proactive Test Automation Lead to join our team and drive the development and delivery of high-quality automated testing solutions across our change portfolio. This role is ideal for someone who combines hands-on technical expertise with strategic thinking and leadership.

Where you fit in:

As our Test Automation Lead you will:

• Develop and implement the test automation strategy, standards, and best practices. 
• Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks, integrating them into CI/CD pipelines. 
• Write and execute automated UI and API tests to support quality assurance efforts. 
• Lead and mentor automation engineers, fostering team development and efficiency. 
• Collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to align testing with requirements. 
• Manage all test automation activities within project scope, ensuring timely and successful delivery. 
• Identify and mitigate risks, escalating where necessary to the Test Manager. 
• Drive continuous improvement through test process reviews and implementation of best practices. 
• Provide clear reporting on test progress, coverage, and outcomes to stakeholders. 
• Monitor and analyse test performance data to inform KPIs and support decision making. 
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout planning, development, and testing phases. 
• Investigate and resolve issues impacting test execution, using initiative and discretion. 

What skills & qualifications you will need:

• Proven experience designing and implementing test automation frameworks. 
• Strong proficiency in automated testing tools and scripting languages (e.g. .NET, Java, Python). 
• Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines. 
• Excellent communication skills, able to present technical information to varied audiences. 
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ITIL, ISTQB, CMMI/TMMi. 
• Knowledge of test management tools and automation platforms. 
• Analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving. 
• Ability to influence and collaborate across teams to achieve shared objectives.

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!

Do we sound like your cup of tea? 

If you’ve got experience in a Test Automation and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.  If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.  All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. 

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.

Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

No agencies please.