Our main Defra DDTS hubs are in York, Warrington, Newcastle, Reading and Bristol, however the successful candidate may be contractually based at any Defra office.
Please be aware that space within the London office is restricted and it may not be possible to be based in this location.
Job Summary
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food & farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.
We have around 1,000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Find Out More About Us On
Defra Digital Blog
LinkedIn
DefraJobs
Job Description
As our ServiceNow Test Manager, you will lead testing across our ServiceNow platform. Based in the Service Tooling team, you will support the delivery and improvement of several critical business services across Defra group. You will shape and deliver the platform's strategy, ensuring every change is thoroughly tested and meet user needs.
You will manage testing for new features, upgrades, and fixes, working closely with developers, business teams, and other testers to ensure testing is planned, carried out, and improved over time. You will lead the use of Automated Test Framework (ATF) and support the wider Quality Assurance and Testing (QAT) approach across the platform. You will also help teams define clear and testable acceptance criteria for user stories.
This is a key role in helping us deliver high-quality services that are safe, reliable, and easy to use. You will work in both agile and project environments, supporting teams to deliver changes quickly and with confidence.
Please note this post requires Security Check (SC) clearance. To gain (SC) clearance all applicants are required to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years.
As our ServiceNow Test Manager, you will lead testing across our ServiceNow platform. Based in the Service Tooling team, you will support the delivery and improvement of several critical business services across Defra group. You will shape and deliver the platform's strategy, ensuring every change is thoroughly tested and meet user needs.
You will manage testing for new features, upgrades, and fixes, working closely with developers, business teams, and other testers to ensure testing is planned, carried out, and improved over time. You will lead the use of Automated Test Framework (ATF) and support the wider Quality Assurance and Testing (QAT) approach across the platform. You will also help teams define clear and testable acceptance criteria for user stories.
This is a key role in helping us deliver high-quality services that are safe, reliable, and easy to use. You will work in both agile and project environments, supporting teams to deliver changes quickly and with confidence.
Please note this post requires Security Check (SC) clearance. To gain (SC) clearance all applicants are required to have been a UK resident for a minimum of 5 years.
Person specification
Responsibilities
* Lead testing for changes to the ServiceNow platform.
* Own and deliver the test strategy and QAT approach.
* Manage and improve use of Automated Test Framework (ATF).
* Create and manage test plans and schedules.
* Support teams in defining clear acceptance criteria for user stories.
* Make sure testing is carried out properly and on time.
* Support and guide other testers.
Skills And Experience
* Certification in ServiceNow ITSM or equivalent experience, with a commitment to work towards the qualification.
* Certification in ITILv4 or equivalent experience.
* Experience managing testing in digital or IT projects.
* Strong understanding of test planning, delivery, and QAT practices.
* Experience working with ServiceNow and integrations to other platforms.
* Good working knowledge of using ATF for automated testing.
* Ability to thrive in agile and dynamic project environments.
* Good communication skills, collaboration and problem solving skills.
* Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Application
As Part Of The Application Process, You Will Be Assessed On Your Experience. This Will Be Evaluated By Looking At Your CV And Personal Statement, So Please Provide The Following And Ensure Your Experience Is Clearly Demonstrated
* A CV
* A 750-word personal statement: Referring to the 'skills and experience' sections of the job advert, please demonstrate how you are suitable for the role by providing relevant examples.
Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your statement of suitability, how you meet these requirements, as the information you provide will form a key part when the panel is scoring your application. Please make sure you draw on your ServiceNow experience.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Sift will begin shortly after the advert closes.
Should there be a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted using your personal statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview
If successful at sift stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the
Behaviours
and
Technical Skills
listed below.
As part of the recruitment process you will be required to do a presentation, the exact presentation topic will be provided prior to interviews.
Interview dates are to be confirmed. Please note that these may be subject to change
Interviews will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams.
For further information on Success Profiles, you visit the links below and watch our videos on DefraJobs.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Managing a Quality Service
* Communicating and Influencing
* Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Presentation - Testing
Alongside your salary of £42,665, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes £12,360 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* 25 days' leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) plus bank holidays.
* A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
* A day off per year for the King's birthday.
* Access to a range of retail discounts (these include supermarket, tech, gym, holiday, phone and more).
* Flexible working options such as condensed hours, part-time and flexi time.
* 3 paid volunteering days per year.
* Funding for professional membership of a recognised professional body.
* Learning and development tailored to your role and budget for training or qualifications.
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Health cash plan to help you manage health costs for a reduced monthly fee.
* Access to the Employee Assistance Programme open 24 hours, 7 days a week, that provides support to you during any times of stress or difficulty.
* Free access to Headspace for wellbeing.
* Season ticket loan for public transport.
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy
Check out the video below from Jane McGeagh, Chief Operating Officer on why DDTS is a great place to work:
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
For further information on the selection process for this role, please refer to the person specification section of the job advert.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).
Where the location is 'National' the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra's location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Our main Defra DDTS hubs are in York, Warrington, Newcastle, Reading and Bristol.
Please also be aware that space within the London office is restricted and it may not be possible to be based in this location.
Reserve list
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the 'Assistance required' section in the 'Additional requirements' page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another government department, a criminal record check maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre- stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the Demystifying Vetting website.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
* Name :
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email:
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here