Test Lead- Bristol

FDM is a global business and technology consultancy seeking a Test Lead to work for our global consultancy client. This is initially a 6 month contract with the potential to extend and will be a hybrid role based in Bristol.

Our client is seeking an experienced Test Lead to join a client-facing programme and coordinate testing activity across multiple suppliers. The successful candidate will work directly with the customer to ensure all test artefacts are well-structured, communicated effectively, and fit for purpose. This role requires strong stakeholder engagement, cross-supplier coordination, and the ability to drive a consistent and high-quality testing approach across all workstreams.

Responsibilities:

Test Strategy, Planning & Documentation

• Lead the creation, review, and maintenance of key test documentation including Test Strategy, Test Plans, Defect Management Plans, and TSI.
• Design and manage comprehensive test schedules, ensuring alignment with programme timelines and deliverables.
• Define and manage the overall test approach with stakeholders, suppliers, and delivery partners.
• Plan and oversee Non-Functional Testing (NFT) and System Integration Testing (SIT).

Stakeholder Management & Coordination

• Act as the primary liaison between the authority’s test assurance team and delivery partners, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Work with partners to ensure timely and successful delivery against milestones.
• Engage with the authority to secure approvals for different workstreams as required.
• Coordinate testing activities across teams, including managing test environments, release requirements, and communications around changes.
• Work closely with the Solution Director and Programme Manager on testing needs for both digital and non-digital workstreams.

Test Execution & Oversight

• Oversee User Acceptance Testing (UAT), including identification and engagement of UAT testers.
• Lead defect management, triage, prioritisation, and reporting across suppliers and internal teams.
• Work with Product Owners (POs) and Scrum Masters (SMs) on test-related user stories, Test Readiness Reviews (TRR), and ongoing reporting.
• Oversee and support test automation within the digital workstream.

Leadership & Quality Assurance

• Guide, mentor, and support the test team to ensure high standards of testing quality and delivery.
• Ensure consistent delivery of testing, quality assurance, and compliance across all programme workstreams.
• Drive continuous improvement and promote best practices across the testing function.

• Proven experience as a Test Lead, Test Manager, or similar senior testing role on large programmes.
• Strong ability to coordinate multi-supplier or multi-vendor test activities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills, including client-facing experience.
• Solid understanding of test planning, strategy creation, defect management, and test governance.
• Experience with UAT, SIT, NFT, and end-to-end testing in complex programmes.
• Ability to work across digital and non-digital workstreams.
• Eligible for or already holding SC clearance.

We are a business and technology consultancy and one of the UK's leading employers, recruiting the brightest talent to become the innovators of tomorrow. We have centres across Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, and a global workforce of over 3,500 Consultants. FDM has shown exponential growth throughout the years, firmly establishing itself as an award-winning employer and is listed on the FTSE4Good Index.

Diversity and Inclusion  

FDM Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, provincial or local laws.