QA LEAD

WHAT IS ON OFFER

Alfred H Knight has an exciting opportunity for a QA Lead to join our thriving and expanding IT department based at our Head Office in Prescot, Liverpool.

This is a pivotal appointment where you will sit at the intersection of leadership and technical execution. As the "Champion" of QA, you will have the autonomy to make this role your own, driving a culture of "working smarter, not harder" through technical innovation and excellence.

Why join our team?

• Flexibility that works for you: We offer a balanced hybrid working model, with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home per week.
• Lead the Way in AI: You will be the driving force behind AI-augmented testing, leveraging LLMs for autonomous test case creation and smart data generation.
• Close-Knit Collaboration: Our Chapter and Squad model ensures strong, face-to-face working relationships with Developers and Delivery partners.
• Impactful Leadership: Beyond technical execution, you will be responsible for the professional growth, coaching, and wellbeing of our talented QA engineers.

ABOUT US

Alfred H Knight is a totally independent, family owned business spanning five generations. A global network of strategically placed offices and laboratories enable global trade by providing independent inspection, analysis and consultancy services to the metals and minerals, solid fuels and agriculture industries.

We have honed and carefully crafted our reputation. Delivering knowledge and professionalism in all aspects of weighing, sampling and analysis. We thrive by continuing to re-invest in our facilities, technology and people. Click here to find out more about AHK.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

To be successful at Alfred H Knight you will need to display the following:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven QA Expertise: Comprehensive experience across the full testing lifecycle, including manual testing methodologies, advanced automation, and the integration of AI-driven processes. 
• Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of automation frameworks such as Playwright, Cypress, or Selenium. 
• AI Innovation: Proven experience leveraging LLMs for test data generation and autonomous test case creation from natural language requirements. 
• Agile Frameworks: A strong understanding of agile models, specifically the practical application of Chapters and Squads. 
• Quality Standards: Ability to define and maintain the highest standards for testing methodologies and tool selection

Required Competencies

• Leadership & Coaching: Ability to line manage, mentor, and develop a team’s professional growth and wellbeing.
• Pragmatic Collaboration: A team player who works proactively with Developers and stakeholders to remove bottlenecks and add value. 
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills with the ability to influence and align capability with demand.  Strategic Thinking:
• Ability to establish and measure KPIs like defect escape rates and automation coverage to drive continuous improvement.

Required Work Experience

• Extensive experience in QA, with significant time spent in a leadership or management or lead role. 
• Experience in recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning to build a high-quality talent pipeline. 
• Demonstrated ability to be "hands-on" when needed, diving into complex architectural challenges or proof-of-concept

BENEFITS

We are offering an excellent opportunity with a salary and benefits package to match including pension, life assurance and an employee assistance programme.

If you are invited to interview, please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to the recruitment process that will enable you to perform to the best of your ability.

Alfred H Knight is committed to creating a diverse & inclusive environment and hence welcomes applications from all sections of the community.