Head of Test and Release
London – Hybrid
Up to £130,000 + bonus
A leading financial services organisation is seeking a Head of Test and Release to lead the transformation and maturity of their CIO Test & Release Management Centres of Excellence. The successful manager will sit at the heart of testing and quality initiatives, responsible for embedding best practices, driving adoption of industry-standard approaches, and ensuring business stakeholders benefit from high-quality delivery across technology programmes. You will lead a team of direct reports and influence a wider group of 70 FTE, setting standards, shaping capability, and fostering a culture of shared responsibility for quality across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities of the Head of Test and Release:
* Lead and transform the Test & Release Management Centres of Excellence, embedding industry best practices and improving ways of working.
* Directly manage and coach a team of ~8, while inspiring and influencing a wider team of ~70 to deliver high-quality testing and release management services.
* Partner with senior stakeholders, portfolio teams, and delivery directors to understand demand, optimise capability, and drive continuous improvement.
* Own sourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and development of team members, ensuring the right mix of skills and capabilities.
* Manage vendor relationships and ensure services adhere to governance, quality, and performance standards.
* Use data-driven insights to track performance, demonstrate improvements, and inform strategic decisions.
* Represent the Test & Release function at committees and across the enterprise, driving alignment and consistency.
Key Requirements of the Head of Test and Release:
* Proven experience leading and transforming large testing teams (50+ people) within complex organisations.
* Strong track record in improving testing practices, embedding quality, and driving change across enterprise teams.
* Experience in Test & Release Management, with hands-on understanding of industry best practices and frameworks.
* Skilled in senior stakeholder management and influencing across matrix organisations.
* Experienced in managing vendors and balancing insource/outsource strategies.
* Data-driven mindset, able to measure, monitor, and communicate improvements effectively.
* Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills, with the ability to create high-performing teams.
* Passionate about quality, agile delivery, and building shared ownership of outcomes.
Apply now to speak with VIQU IT in confidence. Or reach out to Katie Dark via the VIQU IT website.
Do you know someone great? We’ll thank you with up to £1,000 if your referral is successful (terms apply). For more exciting roles and opportunities like this, please follow us on LinkedIn @VIQU IT Recruitment
Head of Test and Release
London – Hybrid
Up to £130,000 + bonus