Test Lead

**Important notice**

In line with our redeployment policy, we'll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

We're looking for a skilled and motivated Test Lead to join our team and play a key role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our systems and services. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong technical testing experience and leadership capabilities to shape and deliver robust testing strategies across a variety of platforms and technologies.

As a Test Lead, you'll be responsible for designing and implementing effective test approaches for a range of IT projects, from internal business applications to customer-facing services. You'll work closely with delivery teams to ensure that all software releases meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and accessibility.

What it's like to work here:Technology is central to how we operate and deliver value across the organisation. Our IT department is fast-paced and collaborative, supporting a wide range of services that help us meet the needs of our staff, members, and visitors. You'll be part of a team that's passionate about innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality solutions.

Your contractual location will be our head office in Swindon, with flexibility to work remotely for part of the week. You'll be expected to work from a National Trust location for 40–60% of your time, which will be discussed further at interview.

What you'll be doing:You'll lead testing activities across multiple projects, providing both strategic direction and hands-on expertise in manual and automated testing. Working within delivery teams, you'll collaborate with Product Owners, Delivery Managers, developers, and other stakeholders to define quality criteria, assess risk, and plan appropriate test coverage.

You'll champion modern testing practices, including shift-left testing, continuous integration, and test automation. Your role will involve designing and executing test plans, building automation frameworks, and ensuring compliance with accessibility and data protection standards.

As a key member of the Testing Community of Practice, you'll contribute to the development of testing standards and share your knowledge to help improve testing across the organisation.

Who we're looking forApplications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• Owning the full testing lifecycle — from strategy to sign-off.
• Thriving in both Agile and Waterfall setups, flexing your approach while keeping quality front and centre.
• Driving test automation with smart tools and frameworks (Selenium, Java).
• Applying accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 Level AA).
• Defining and tracking quality metrics that matter.

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• Communicating clearly with both techies and non-techies.
• Managing test resources — forecasting, onboarding, and building the right skill mix.

The packageThe National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme

• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most Trust places

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)