Lead Digital Test Engineer Location: Plymouth, South West England, PL6 Salary: Circa £74,100 per annum (includes capability allowance) Pension: A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Job Type: Full-time (Minimum 30 hours per week) Are you an expert in test automation looking for a leadership role where your technical vision will impact millions? Do you want to spearhead the testing architecture for a major transformation programme shaping the future of land and property ownership in England and Wales? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Why Join Us? HM Land Registry (HMLR) is at the forefront of digital innovation, aiming to become the world’s leading land registry. Our software systems form part of the UK’s critical national infrastructure, safeguarding land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion and enabling over £1 trillion in lending. This role is eligible for the Government Digital and Data Profession Pay Framework, offering a non-pensionable allowance based on your assessed proficiency. The Role As a Lead Test Engineer, you will be a visionary leader within our Quality and Test Function. You won’t just manage testing; you will define the technical strategy, lead improvements in test architecture, and act as the ultimate escalation point for complex technical challenges. Your responsibilities will include: Technical Leadership: Providing expert guidance on test automation and collaborating with technical leads to deliver shared, high-quality test components. Strategy & Risk: Maintaining oversight of programme-level testing, identifying high-level risks, and developing quality metrics to shape future strategy. People Management: Line managing a team of Test Managers and Senior Test Engineers, mentoring them to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Networking: Building strong connections across HMLR, government, and industry to ensure our practices remain world-class. Practice Development: Managing capability gaps and supporting professional development across the wider testing practice. What We’re Looking For To be successful, you must hold an ISTQB Advanced Test Manager certification and demonstrate "Expert" level proficiency in: Test Engineering: Expert experience with automated testing tools and architecting solutions for complex, high-risk systems. Full-Stack Testing: Experience testing from user interfaces through to APIs, services, and data layers. Lifecycle Management: Mastery of all testing levels (Unit to OAT) and integration practices. Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams in both Agile and traditional methodologies, with a passion for training and mentoring. Communication: The ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders. Our Culture & Benefits Competitive Pay: Total package starting at £65,700 (Developing) or £74,100 (Proficient). Flexible Working: A hybrid work model—at least 60% of your time will be office-based in Plymouth. Unrivalled Pension: A generous Civil Service Pension scheme with 28.97% employer contributions. Impactful Work: A chance to lead the technical quality agenda for one of the UK’s most vital digital transformation projects. If you are a technical leader passionate about automation and excellence, apply now and help us shape the future of property ownership in the UK! What next? Interested? Click apply now! GEN