Head of Testing
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 14, 2026. First seen by Alion on Nov 13, 2026. Isio scores B on the Alion truth index.
Head of Testing
The Head of Testing is responsible for establishing and leading the organisation's quality assurance, testing and operational acceptance capability across all IT and business change initiatives.
The role ensures that technology and operational change is delivered to a high standard of quality, meets business requirements, and can be successfully adopted into Business-as-Usual (BAU) operations. The post holder will provide governance, oversight and assurance across testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), operational readiness, service transition and post-implementation support activities.
Working closely with the PMO, Development and Business Units, the role acts as the organisational gatekeeper for deployment readiness and operational acceptance.
What does the role entail?
Testing & Quality Assurance Leadership
Define and maintain the organisation's Test Strategy, standards and governance framework.
Establish consistent testing approaches across project, TMG, Admin and BAU change delivery.
Oversee all phases of testing including System Testing, Integration Testing, End-to-End Testing and User Acceptance Testing.
Develop testing KPIs and quality reporting for delivery governance and executive forums.
Keep up to date with emerging testing tools, technologies and industry practices, evaluating and adopting solutions that improve the testing function’s quality, coverage and efficiency.
Lead the development and implementation of test automation frameworks, including automated regression testing, and assess opportunities for AI-enabled testing to support continuous improvement.
Establish a business-led UAT model across all change initiatives.
Ensure appropriate business ownership and accountability for UAT activities.
Ensure business requirements and operational processes are fully validated prior to deployment.
BAU Transition & Service Readiness
Lead service transition activities from project delivery into operational support teams.
Ensure support models, SLAs, knowledge articles and operational procedures are established prior to go-live.
Coordinate business, operational and service management sign-off.
Oversee hyper care and post-implementation support activities.
Ensure lessons learned are captured and embedded into future delivery practices.
Stakeholder Management
Act as the senior point of contact for quality, testing and readiness matters.
Build strong relationships across PMO, IT Delivery, Business Units and Third-party suppliers
Provide independent assurance to Steering Groups and Executive Sponsors.
Influence delivery decisions through evidence-based risk and readiness assessments.
Governance & Risk Management
Identify and manage delivery risks associated with testing, operational readiness and deployment.
Ensure quality and readiness standards are consistently applied.
Provide independent challenge where delivery teams are not meeting agreed quality thresholds.
Support audit, regulatory and compliance reviews where required.
What we’re looking for?
Essential skills and experience
Significant leadership experience in Testing, Quality Assurance or Operational Readiness functions.
Experience delivering large-scale business and technology transformation programmes.
Experience operating within regulated environments.
Strong understanding of project, programme and change delivery methodologies.
Experience leading testing and business readiness processes.
Strong governance and risk management capability.
Experience managing third-party suppliers and delivery partners.
Ability to evaluate testing tools and technologies, keep knowledge current and translate emerging practices into measurable improvements in the testing function.
Desirable skills and experience
Experience in Pensions Administration, Financial Services or similar regulated industries.
Knowledge of ITIL Service Transition and Service Management practices.
Experience selecting and implementing test automation tools and frameworks, including automated regression testing and integration into delivery processes.
Understanding of Agile, Waterfall and Hybrid delivery methods.
Experience supporting digital transformation and data migration programmes.
Why Join Isio
Isio is a fast-growing professional services business, that offers career development through an evolving client base, diverse and meaningful work, nationwide opportunities, and a culture that rewards high performance and accountability.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards and our values guide how we advise our clients, how we operate as a business and how we work together as a team. We call it the Isio Attitude. We encourage our people to be bold, to communicate with conviction, and to deliver advice that matters.
Here, growth brings opportunity - more responsibility, more clients, and work that stretches and develops you. We invest in training and development so you can expand your skills and explore different career paths across diverse markets to make your mark. Isio is a place to realise your potential and build a career with impact. You can find out more about Isio and the benefits we offer on our career's websiteIsio - Careers & Benefits.
About Isio
A progressive advisory firm, partnering with clients of all sizes to deliver expertise in pensions, employee benefits and wealth advisory services.
Working with pension trustees, employers, individuals, families and their offices, we are supported by talented colleagues across 10 UK offices. With a Big 4 heritage we combine a strong focus on quality with a fresh perspective challenging traditional thinking.
Our culture shapes our work; we foster a supportive environment where we develop our people to grow and fulfil their potential. We invest in our services, products and technology, and provide clear, expert solutions for our clients. This brings clarity, confidence, and better outcomes for everyone.
At Isio, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and diverse workplace, in which our colleagues feel they belong, regardless of background or difference. We uphold the values of respect, fairness, and inclusion in our actions and decisions. We believe that by adhering to these principles, we will create a stronger, more innovative, and supportive environment for all, as well as ensuring that the advice and support we provide to our clients is more creative, more insightful and leaves a lasting impact.
We can offer a hybrid, flexible approach to work, supporting a work-life balance that works for you. Isio Group is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
If you think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made for any reason at any stage of your recruitment process, please ask us [email protected]