Test Lead

We're looking for an experienced Test Lead to join our Technology area within our Protection & Equity Release function, where you'll play a key role in leading and shaping high-quality testing across complex systems and projects.

This is a leadership role with responsibility for managing end-to-end testing activities, defining test strategy, and supporting Agile delivery teams. You'll also lead and develop a team of Test Analysts, ensuring strong performance, engagement, and continuous improvement across the function.

This role is within our Protection & Equity Release.

As Test Lead, you will take ownership of the overall testing lifecycle-ensuring effective planning, execution, and delivery of system and acceptance testing across projects and programmes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the planning and execution of testing activities across Agile squads and specialist teams
• Defining and communicating the test strategy, ensuring alignment with business and project objectives
• Managing all aspects of test delivery, including plans, resources, timelines, and risks
• Acting as a key point of contact for stakeholders, providing expert advice and guidance on testing approaches
• Driving continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to enhance testing processes and standards
• Championing test automation and modern testing techniques to improve efficiency and scalability
• Collaborating with internal teams, third parties, and stakeholders to ensure quality outcomes
• Leading, mentoring and developing a team, including performance management, coaching, and career development .

You'll be a confident and experienced testing professional with strong leadershipcapability and a passion for delivering high-quality outcomes.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience leading testing teams and managing end-to-end test delivery across complex environments ideally within financial services
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies, tools, and best practices across the full development lifecycle
• Experience in test automation frameworks and modern delivery approaches (e.g. Agile/DevOps)
• The ability to assess risk, make informed decisions, and drive quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge, influence, and advise at all levels
• A track record of coaching and developing high-performing teams
• Strong analytical thinking, with the ability to break down complex problems and drive solutions
• A continuous improvement mindset, with a passion for enhancing processes and ways of working.

We're the UK's largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.

We're an inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected - whatever their background