Test Lead

Welcome to Hastings Direct

You’ll probably know Hastings Direct as a digital insurance provider, but did you know we also have a growing unsecured lending business? We have a competitive product on market-leading systems offering customers guaranteed eligibility and real rates through price comparison websites (PCWs).

We have over four million customers but know there’s even bigger opportunity out there and have ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.

The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead. We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you are excited about joining us and think you have some of what we are looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure we would love to hear from you.

Job details:

• Create and manage the release test schedules for a number of systems.

• Develop, Automate and Own test suites on web, portal and remote based applications to help regression test each change/release and reduce manual effort

• Understand requirements, solution designs and define appropriate test plans for review and sign off by systems owners, often across multiple systems.

• Help identify any gaps in testing and support the business in developing solutions which could reduce manual test effort.

• Undertake testing against test plans and coordinate any testing by system SME’s where required, ensuring test evidence is recorded.

• Lead the logging, triage of defects identified in UAT and ensure that any blockers are well communicated and being prioritized by the system supplier.

• Conduct manual and exploratory testing where required.

• Ensure all testing pre-requisites are identified and met before the development and testing begins.

• Help manage the test environments and ensure the environment suite is cost-efficient.

• Send daily test execution reports to stakeholders that present a true position of UAT testing.

Essential skills/experience:

• Demonstratable experience in frontend, backend and API testing.

• Understanding of different methodolies like Agile, waterfall and Hybrid

• Test Automation experience with programming language like Java or Python, SQL and Selenium Web-driver

• Knowledge and experience in using tools like IntelliJ or Virtual Studio Code, Jmeter and Postman

• Atleast basic understanding of how cloud architecture works

• Adaptable and able to respond effectively to a changing IT, project and business environment.

• Actively listens to the views of colleagues and business leaders, but also have the strength of character to challenge where required

• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to understand the Loans e2e customer journey

• Flexibility adjust to different projects and business areas where the test process may vary.

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive – what this means to you is if you’re applying for a job with us, you’ll have fair access to support and adjustments throughout your recruitment journey. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).For more information on the DCS, please visit our inclusive business page on our careers website.

Regrettably, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Benefits: In addition to a competitive salary you will also receive…

Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach – please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail

Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus

Financial wellbeing – as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award winning package which includes – discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support

Mental wellbeing programme – we have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs

There's more! – 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date:

16/07/2026