Senior Test & Assurance Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Test & Assurance Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION: IT
SALARY: £56,512 – 64,640/ Grade: ML2:SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York or Leeds
HOURS: 37 per week

When technology works well, people don’t notice it. Trains run on time, systems talk to each other, and customers get where they need to be without a second thought. Behind the scenes, that takes careful planning, smart testing, and the confidence to challenge when something isn’t quite right.

As part of our team at Northern, you’d lead how we make sure every technology change is ready for the real world. You’ll shape how quality assurance works across the business, bringing together internal expertise and external partners to create a joined-up, reliable approach. This role sits at the centre of change delivery, helping teams move quickly while keeping risk in check and standards high.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll take ownership of how testing and assurance works across Northern, setting the direction and making sure it delivers real value.

• Define and evolve our QA (Quality Assurance) and testing strategy, making sure it fits our goals, risk appetite and budget
• Build and run a clear operating model with the right standards, controls and governance in place
• Lead and support a small team of Test Engineers, helping them grow and deliver their best work
• Manage external QA and testing partners – setting expectations, reviewing performance and making sure we get value for money
• Prioritise testing activity across projects, balancing demand, capacity and risk
• Provide independent oversight of quality across technology change, ensuring the right level of testing is applied
• Act as a trusted advisor to teams across the business, helping them embed good QA practices into their work
• Track and report on performance, giving clear insight into quality, risks and readiness for release
• Drive continuous improvement, introducing smarter ways of testing such as automation and risk-based approaches

About you

Quality matters to you – not just ticking boxes, but making sure things genuinely work for the people who rely on them.

You’ll bring experience of leading or shaping a QA or testing function, ideally across both internal teams and external partners. You’re comfortable setting direction, but just as confident getting into the detail when needed.

Here are some of the things you’ll bring:

• Experience leading QA or testing in a complex environment – that’s your foundation
• Confidence managing suppliers and holding them to account for performance and value
• A strong understanding of testing approaches across different delivery styles such as Agile and waterfall
• The ability to balance risk, cost and delivery pressure without compromising on quality
• Experience leading and developing a team, helping people grow and succeed
• The confidence to influence and challenge stakeholders, even when you don’t have direct authority

Qualifications like ISTQB, Agile certifications or ITIL are helpful, but what matters most is how you apply your knowledge in the real world.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.

Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.

Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.

Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.

Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.

Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.

Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.

Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.