About this role
<p><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Test Automation Lead</span></strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water: </span></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£50,622 - £63,277) </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Annual incentive related bonus (£1000 maximum bonus opportunity for the performance year)</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution) </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Development opportunities in line with the Test Automation Lead progression plan</span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra 2 wellness days! </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Retail savings scheme </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more! </span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Location:This role will initially be based in Bradford but we’re moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you’ll be based there in the future - Hybrid Working (2-3 days in the office a week – Bradford / Leeds)</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday. </span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">We have an exciting opportunity for a <strong>Test Automation Lead</strong> to join the <strong>Technology Team</strong> at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you?</span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">What we do:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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.</span><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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. </span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Where you fit in:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">As our Test Automation Lead you will:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Develop and implement the test automation strategy, standards, and best practices. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Design, build, and maintain automated test frameworks, integrating them into CI/CD pipelines. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Write and execute automated UI and API tests to support quality assurance efforts. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Lead and mentor automation engineers, fostering team development and efficiency. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Collaborate with developers, product managers, and stakeholders to align testing with requirements. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Manage all test automation activities within project scope, ensuring timely and successful delivery. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Identify and mitigate risks, escalating where necessary to the Test Manager. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Drive continuous improvement through test process reviews and implementation of best practices. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Provide clear reporting on test progress, coverage, and outcomes to stakeholders. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Monitor and analyse test performance data to inform KPIs and support decision making. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout planning, development, and testing phases. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Investigate and resolve issues impacting test execution, using initiative and discretion. </span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">What skills & qualifications you will need:</span></strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Proven experience designing and implementing test automation frameworks. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Strong proficiency in automated testing tools and scripting languages (e.g. .NET, Java, Python). </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Experience integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Excellent communication skills, able to present technical information to varied audiences. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Familiarity with industry standards such as ITIL, ISTQB, CMMI/TMMi. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Knowledge of test management tools and automation platforms. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Ability to influence and collaborate across teams to achieve shared objectives.</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><strong><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">Do we sound like your cup of tea? </span></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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. </span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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. </span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black"> All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required. </span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><br><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color:black">No agencies please. </span></p>