Job Description
Job Summary
Are you looking for a great opportunity to be at the forefront of contributing to our test management process to support our transformation to a DevSecOps approach? This will be alongside supporting current test management activities in a waterfall approach to ensure we deliver quality products to our production environment.
You will be working on a programme of work to convert our main critical infrastructure blood supply system from a Delphi to C# code base where donor, patient and colleague safety is paramount. The system provides our colleagues functionality to support business processes from controlling donor records and appointments, blood product manufacture and testing, stock control through to fulfilment of orders.
You will utilise your leadership, negotiation and communications skills to liaise with wider SDLC teams to deliver change.
This is a 6.5-year programme which started in 2021 and there is plenty of scope for you to bring your experience and knowledge to the management, maturity and development of our test management capability. There is every opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive environment. If you thrive in a high energy environment and are deeply committed to safeguarding people, assets, and our organisational reputation, have people, management, technical skills, and defect management expertise, we want you to be part of our close-knit team. Your success is our success.
This is a rewarding role in an organisation dedicated to saving and improving lives. Join us and let us shape the future of test management for this programme together.
Note: This role offers a hybrid working arrangement. However, you will be assigned a base location at one of NHSBT’s main centres. The final base location will be confirmed after the final interview and mutually agreed upon with the line manager during the verbal offer stage.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will play a key role in the modernisation of blood technology, which includes the conversion to a .net / C# code base. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading a team of senior testers to deliver a thorough and robust testing capability within the blood technology product centre to ensure the safe and secure delivery of technology change to a national critical application into the business.
- Acting as a line manager and mentor for all senior test engineers and test engineers within the blood technology product centre as well as for the wider testing community of practice within DDTS.
- Focussing predominantly on test planning and management but will still be expected to participate in testing delivery work when required
- Ensuring the agreed test management process is correctly followed in a timely nature by all stakeholders.
- Providing regular progress updates and metrics to inform the test function and provide input into regular Programme updates.
- Running stand up meetings with all stakeholders to ensure testing is running effectively and actively support the team remove any blockers to test progress.
- Providing a single point of contact for management of testing.
You will be required to travel and spend time away from base, which may involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required (approx. once per month).
About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Significant direct experience in the role of system test engineer/software manager or equivalent.
- Expert knowledge in “black box” and “white box” testing.
- Good knowledge of test management, estimation, monitoring and control.
- Significant experience in testing software systems utilizing Oracle and Microsoft .NET technologies, along with extensive proficiency in using Microsoft Office.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and its application e.g. GMP.
- Knowledge of software testing in an Agile/Lean software development environment.
- Good knowledge of software testing standards e.g. BS7925-1 & BS7925-2
Qualifications and Training
- Masters Degree level qualification in a related subject or equivalent experience.
- Postgraduate diploma in software testing or equivalent relevant experience
- Certification in software testing or test automation from a recognised body (e.g. ISTQB) or equivalent experience
- Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)
Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.
About Us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.
By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work – and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What we offer:
- Opportunity to work and influence in a supportive transformational environment on our journey to adopting a DevSecOps approach.
- NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
- 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.
- NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
- We’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 6th July 2025
Interviews are anticipated to be held on 22nd – 23rd July 2025 – subject to confirmation
For informal enquiries please contact – Name: Joanne Batsford, Job Title: Head of IT Product Centre Testing, Contact Details: jo.batsford@nhsbt.nhs.uk
