Lead QA Engineer - Basingstoke

Job Description

Company description Location: Basingstoke (hybrid working 3 office days per week)
Employment Type: Permanent, full time
Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance

Join Our Data & Analytics Team: Transforming Data into Our Superpower!
Are you passionate about data and eager to make a significant impact? The AA is a well-loved brand with a range of driver services much wider than most people realise. We have an enviable set of data assets from breakdown, service, repair, insurance, telematics, digital interactions, car dealers, and driving school!
If that’s not enough, we’re focused on making Data our new Superpower as one of only 4 strategic priorities for the Group.

Our growing team is modernising our data infrastructure to a cutting-edge cloud platform and enabling machine learning and GenAI. Join us at an exciting time and be part of a team that is driving meaningful change for our customers, colleagues, and shareholders.

This is the job
As a Lead QA Engineer, you will provide technical guidance and leadership to our talented team of QA engineers. You will be central to the success of our data team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality technical outputs and the implementation of a modern data ecosystem.

This role involves:

1. Providing clear direction and set measurable objectives, ensuring team members understand expectations and have the necessary skills and capabilities.
2. Guiding the team to consistently deliver high-quality technical outputs and lead by example with hands-on testing.
3. Establishing the data Lakehouse as a trusted, stable, and reliable source of insight by creating and implementing data test strategies.
4. Embedding test automation, ensuring all processes align with testing policies and frameworks.
5. Addressing underperformance and supporting team members to succeed, fostering personal and professional growth.
6. Demonstrating great leadership and relationship management, operating with a high degree of ownership and promoting best practices in testing.

What do I need?

1. Proficiency in Azure, SQL, and cloud data platforms (e.g., Databricks, Snowflake, RedShift, Azure Synapse).
2. Experience with test plan and case review, event-driven architecture, and data streaming.
3. Implementing QA standards, best practices, and test automation frameworks within Agile delivery methodologies.
4. Knowledge of data Lakehouse and pipeline development best practices.
5. Proven ability to balance speed of delivery with long-term technical solutions, managing multiple tasks autonomously.
6. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to build relationships across the business, demonstrating credibility.

Additional information
We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including:

1. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
2. Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
3. Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
4. Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
5. Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
6. Company funded life assurance
7. Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
8. Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!
We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers.

We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.