Test Lead (Digital Front Door Programme)

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) is seeking two highly skilled Test Leads to join the NES Technology Service (NTS). This is a vital leadership role within the Digital Front Door programme, a strategic initiative transforming how health and care professionals and the public interact with digital services in Scotland. You will lead a talented team in an agile environment, shaping robust testing strategies for cloud-based products that prioritize safety, security, and innovation.

Core Requirements and Skills

Leadership: Confident leader with developed skills in decision-making, motivation, conflict management, and adaptability.
Specialist Experience: Extensive software testing expertise, including planning, execution, and documentation.
Agile Proficiency: Broad understanding of agile roles and experience working within multi-disciplinary teams.
Exploratory Testing: Extensive experience in structured exploratory testing methods.
Platform Testing: Experience testing web and mobile applications across multiple browsers, operating systems, and accessibility standards.
Technical Analysis: Ability to break down technical solutions to facilitate discussion and test ideas.
Soft Skills: Honesty, integrity, and the ability to utilize tact and persuasion with a wide range of stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Implementation: Shape and lead the implementation of testing strategies essential for high-quality digital solutions.
Team Leadership: Provide exceptional leadership to the Test Team within the Product & Delivery Business Unit.
Collaboration: Partner with stakeholders to solve problems and deliver maximum value in a changing landscape.
Quality Assurance: Ensure all work meets high standards of security, usability, and technical integrity.
Service Improvement: Continually improve testing processes to align with the Scottish Government’s technology strategies.

Diversity and Inclusion Data

NHS Scotland is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves. According to the NHS Scotland Workforce Diversity Report (2023):

Ethnicity: Approximately 4.5% of the total NHS Scotland workforce identifies as being from a racially minoritised background. NES actively encourages applications from these groups to improve representation in digital and technology roles.
Disability: Around 1.1% of staff have declared a disability, though the organization recognizes significant under-reporting and is focused on improving accessibility and support for disabled candidates.

Benefits and Contract

Salary: Agenda for Change Banding (Competitive).
Location: Flexible/Remote-friendly across Scotland (Hybrid/Office options available).
Work Week: 37 hours (reducing to 36 hours on 1/4/26 with no loss of pay).
Duration: Fixed-term or Secondment until 31/03/2028.
Leave: 27 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus 8 public holidays.

To apply for this job please visit apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk.