Head of Test

Employment type: Contract. Head of Test (Permanent) About Indra Group UK & Ireland Indra is a leading global technology and consulting company, and a trusted technological partner for the core business operations of its clients worldwide. It stands at the forefront of key sectors including Transport, Defence, Air Traffic Management and Space, alongside advanced Information Technology services delivered through Minsait, and cutting-edge capabilities in Sovereign AI, Cybersecurity, and Cyberdefence via IndraMind. The company’s business model is built around a comprehensive portfolio of proprietary products, combining strong innovation with a high-value focus for customers. With more than 2,500 projects implemented across 50 countries and over 100 cities, Indra is a global benchmark in innovative transportation and mobility solutions. It is recognised as one of the world’s top three companies in public transportation management systems. Indra’s technology supports the daily journeys of over 78 million people, helping to reduce more than 10 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, and helping save nearly 3,000 lives through improved traffic management and road safety. Indra Group is paving the way to a more secure and better-connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the very best talent. Sustainability sits at the heart of its strategy and culture, driving efforts to address current and future social and environmental challenges. In the 2024 financial year, Indra achieved revenues of €5.5 billion, over 60,000 professionals, maintained a local presence in 46 countries, and operated across more than 140 countries worldwide. As the technological partner for its customers’ key operations, Indra is at the core of their business, and Indra’s four values guide everything we do: Innovation - Our capacity for innovation, cutting-edge solutions, and specialised team of professionals enables us to drive a safer, more connected future through technology. Trust - We work with strength, commitment, and reliability, delivering quality solutions to build trust with customers, employees, partners, investors, and society. Connection - We harness the power of collaboration, connect ideas and solutions, and adapt to our customers’ needs, supporting them on the path to a better future. Foresight - We anticipate future needs to make the world safer and more connected, transforming our experience and knowledge into solutions for a better tomorrow. About the Project Transport for London (TfL) has awarded Indra a long-term contract to operate, develop, enhance and expand ticketing and access control systems across London’s transport network through to 2034, with extension options to 2039. This programme covers the maintenance, operation and evolution of a large-scale, complex ecosystem, including turnstiles, validators, ticket machines, sales terminals, back-office systems, payment gateways, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity that supports over 8.6 million daily journeys. Therefore, Indra will become TfL’s strategic technology partner to guarantee the operation and evolution of the world’s largest and most sophisticated ticketing system. Following a transition period of approximately two years, Indra will serve as the sole provider across the network that includes more than 8,500 buses, nearly 400 Underground stations, around 300 rail stations (Overground, DLR, Elizabeth Line and suburban services), 4,000 Oyster Card outlets, seven customer service centres, and 24 river boat boarding points. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in urban public transport solutions, Indra will manage and evolve all aspects of the system. The project also envisages, in partnership with TfL, the implementation of new technologies to develop the system, make it more efficient and automate key processes; in short, to jointly create the next generation of the ticketing system for London. Role overview The Head of Test will be responsible for defining, establishing and leading the end-to-end System Test capability, ensuring that all testing activities are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with contractual and operational requirements. The role will lead the transition of the existing testing capability into Indra, establish the new test laboratories and environments, and ensure the testing function is fully prepared to support operational services from Day One. Working closely with engineering, service management and programme teams, the Head of Test will drive testing strategy, operational readiness, quality assurance and continuous improvement across the full service lifecycle. Key duties include: Define and implement the overall System Test Strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and contractual requirements. Lead the mobilisation and transition of the testing capability from the incumbent supplier into Indra. Establish and manage the new System Test laboratories, environments, test assets and supporting infrastructure. Lead and develop the System Test organisation, providing technical leadership, mentoring and direction to Test Managers, Test Leads and Test Engineers. Ensure the testing function supports operational services, software releases, infrastructure changes and future service evolution. Define and maintain testing governance, quality assurance processes and operational readiness activities. Coordinate testing activities across engineering, software development, infrastructure, service management and third-party suppliers. Oversee test planning, execution, defect management, reporting and service acceptance activities. Ensure all test environments, tools, assets and documentation are maintained and available to support project delivery and operational services. Act as the senior technical authority and escalation point for all System Test activities, working closely with customers, suppliers and programme stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement and innovation across testing processes, methodologies, automation, and operational efficiency. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience). Experience delivering and leading testing activities for complex Automatic Fare Collection (AFC), ticketing or revenue collection complex systems. Proven experience leading large System Test organisations within complex software, systems integration or critical infrastructure programmes. Strong experience defining and implementing System Test strategies, governance and operational processes. Demonstrable experience establishing and managing test laboratories, test environments, test assets and supporting infrastructure. Experience leading operational transition, service mobilisation and organisational change within large-scale programmes. Strong understanding of software testing, systems integration, defect management, test automation and quality assurance principles. Experience managing multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinating activities across multiple suppliers and stakeholders. Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills. Strong planning, organisational and decision-making capabilities within complex delivery environments. Desirable certifications: ISTQB Test Management, ISTQB Advanced Level, ITIL Foundation or equivalent. Desirable experience: Safety-critical environments, complex systems integration programmes and multi-supplier service delivery. Benefits Holidays: 25 days per annum + 8 days bank holidays (options to buy/sell days). Pension – 4% employee and 4% employer. Private medical insurance (including dental & optical). Life assurance. Income protection. Employee assistance programs. Flexible/remote working options. Charitable initiatives. Social events (formal & informal). Learning and development programs. Innovative & collaborative work environment. Indra is an equal employment opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, origin, disability or other characteristics protected by law.