Test Automation Lead

To design, develop, and execute testing strategies to validate functionality, performance, and user experience, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve defects, and continuously improve testing processes and methodologies, to ensure software quality and reliability. 

• Development and implementation of comprehensive test plans and strategies to validate software functionality and ensure compliance with established quality standards.
• Creation and execution automated test scripts, leveraging testing frameworks and tools to facilitate early detection of defects and quality issues.         .
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams to analyse requirements, participate in design discussions, and contribute to the development of acceptance criteria, ensuring a thorough understanding of the software being tested.
• Root cause analysis for identified defects, working closely with developers to provide detailed information and support defect resolution.
• Collaboration with peers, participate in code reviews, and promote a culture of code quality and knowledge sharing.
• Stay informed of industry technology trends and innovations, and actively contribute to the organization's technology communities to foster a culture of technical excellence and growth.

• To advise and influence decision making, contribute to policy development and take responsibility for operational effectiveness. Collaborate closely with other functions/ business divisions.
• Lead a team performing complex tasks, using well developed professional knowledge and skills to deliver on work that impacts the whole business function. Set objectives and coach employees in pursuit of those objectives, appraisal of performance relative to objectives and determination of reward outcomes
• If the position has leadership responsibilities, People Leaders are expected to demonstrate a clear set of leadership behaviours to create an environment for colleagues to thrive and deliver to a consistently excellent standard. The four LEAD behaviours are: L – Listen and be authentic, E – Energise and inspire, A – Align across the enterprise, D – Develop others.
• OR for an individual contributor, they will lead collaborative assignments and guide team members through structured assignments, identify the need for the inclusion of other areas of specialisation to complete assignments. They will identify new directions for assignments and/ or projects, identifying a combination of cross functional methodologies or practices to meet required outcomes.
• Consult on complex issues; providing advice to People Leaders to support the resolution of escalated issues.
• Identify ways to mitigate risk and developing new policies/procedures in support of the control and governance agenda.
• Take ownership for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation to the work done.
• Perform work that is closely related to that of other areas, which requires understanding of how areas coordinate and contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the organisation sub-function.
• Collaborate with other areas of work, for business aligned support areas to keep up to speed with business activity and the business strategy.
• Engage in complex analysis of data from multiple sources of information, internal and external sources such as procedures and practises (in other areas, teams, companies, etc).to solve problems creatively and effectively.
• Communicate complex information. 'Complex' information could include sensitive information or information that is difficult to communicate because of its content or its audience.
• Influence or convince stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

All colleagues will be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship – our moral compass, helping us do what we believe is right. They will also be expected to demonstrate the Barclays Mindset – to Empower, Challenge and Drive – the operating manual for how we behave.

Join us as a Test Automation Lead. At Barclays, we don’t just adapt to the future, we create it. As a Test Automation Lead, you will support the organisation, achieve its strategic objectives by the identification of business requirements and solutions that address business problems and opportunities.

• Strong hands-on experience in Core Java and automation development
• Strong working knowledge of automation frameworks and tools such as Selenium, RestAssured, TestNG, Maven etc
• Experience integrating automation into CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins or GitLab CI, with solid Git version control skills
• Strong understanding of RESTful API concepts and JSON/XML data formats.
• Proven experience in API testing, database testing, and end-to-end test validation across complex systems.
• Experience with GitLab Duo and modern automation tooling.
• Experience in supporting, maintaining, and enhancing automation frameworks across iterative development, system testing, and regression cycles.
• Hands-on experience with test management tools (e.g., JIRA) to manage testing lifecycle and report testing metrics.
• Work closely with developers, product owners, and QA teams to ensure high-quality releases
• Strong understanding of Software Testing Lifecycle (STLC) and defect management processes
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
• Develop and execute automated test scripts for project releases independently.
• Contribute to test strategy, planning, estimation, and execution
• Perform defect analysis, debugging, and root cause identification
• Drive continuous improvement in test coverage, execution efficiency, and framework scalability

• Good understanding of performance testing concepts and tools.
• Basic knowledge of the payment’s domain, preferably within financial services.
• Basic working knowledge of Unix/Linux commands
• Awareness of AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitLab Duo, GitHub Copilot)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across global teams
• Ability to manage risks, dependencies, and timelines in a fast-paced delivery environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

You may be assessed on key critical skills relevant for success in role, such as risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen, strategic thinking and digital and technology, as well as job-specific technical skills.

This role is based in Pune.