MHPD Programme Test Lead
£85,000 per annum
Bedford
12 month FTC
Hybrid Working
Join us at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) as a Programme Test Lead. The MHPD Programme Test Lead is responsible for managing and executing all testing activities within the programme, ensuring quality outcomes are achieved to time and scope.
They take ownership of test delivery for this in-flight programme, assuming responsibility from the Principal Test Manager who has provided the initial setup, frameworks, and strategy. The Programme Test Lead ensures that the delivery teams adhere to those standards, while managing day-to-day testing operations, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. This includes leading (from a test perspective) 2x MHPD squads and the wider industry, moderated and unmoderated testing.
Key Responsibilities:
Programme Test Ownership
- Take full ownership of testing for MHPD (including functional, NFT, OAT).
- Manage and oversee all phases of testing: SIT, NFT, OAT, Industry, Moderated, Unmoderated
- Maintain the Programme Test Strategy, ensuring the programme is adhering to the standards set in the document.
- Identify and manage test risks, dependencies, and issues
- Stakeholder engagement and management - particularly DWP/TPR/FCA
Execution & Delivery
- Oversee test execution across the MHPD delivery squads.
- Drive daily defect triage, ensuring efficient defect management and resolution.
- Coordinate with Development, Environment, and Release teams to maintain readiness and stability.
- Report accurate test progress, metrics, and readiness to programme governance forums.
- Ensure teams are following defined best practices, templates, and reporting standards.
Key Deliverables
- Test Progress Reports & Dashboards
- Test Completion Reports
- Defect Metrics and Quality KPIs
- Risk & Issue Log (QA-specific)
Essential Skills and Experience:
Essential:
- Influencing and Relationship Building
- Stakeholder Engagement and Leading challenging discussions
- Risk Management
Desirable:
- Coaching
- Setting and Maintaining Standards
About Us
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is based in Bedford, in a recently renovated modern office. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become an integral part of a dynamic organisation, working to help people across the UK.
At the heart of the Money and Pensions Service are our values – caring, connecting, and transforming, which are the foundation of our success. They permeate every area of our work and define all our business relationships and the way we work with each other. We’re not only looking for the best people to come and work for us, but we need people who align themselves with our values:
- Caring
We care about our colleagues and the people whose lives we are here to transform.
- Connecting
We will transform lives through our ability to make positive connections.
- Transforming
We are committed to transforming lives and making a positive societal impact.
Our Inclusive Working Environment
By fostering our values, we are immensely proud of the inclusive working environment that we have created. The diversity of our people is a strength that we embrace and wish to build upon, so we are committed to attracting people of all backgrounds. We work hard to ensure that we have a progressive approach to inclusion, equity, and belonging. We really do want our colleagues to “bring their whole selves to work.”
Our colleague and ally networks encompass LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health, ethnicity, and diversity.
What We Offer
- Generous Annual Leave – 30 days plus Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (employer contribution up to 10% of your salary)
- Interest-free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
- Life assurance scheme
- Give as you earn scheme
- Employee assistance programme (EAP)
- PAM Assist and PAM Life scheme (Wellbeing)
- Enhanced family and sick pay
- Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
- Recognition Scheme
- Discounts portal to numerous retailers
Flexible Working
At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per month. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Recruitment Process:
- Initial Review: Our recruiter will review your CV. If it looks like a good fit, they'll reach out to arrange a call.
- Hiring Manager Review: If the recruiter thinks you're suitable, your CV will be passed to the hiring manager, who will decide whether to invite you for an interview.
- Interview: If selected, you'll participate in a virtual interview. This single-stage process allows you to demonstrate your skills and experience through competency-based questions. This will also require you to deliver a short presentation.
Career Development
In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which means that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.
Reserve List
If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a vacancy come available in that time with the same essential criteria, reserve list candidates will be offered that position with no further assessment required.
Application Process
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact the Money and Pensions Service via email: [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.
Job Reference: MaPS01127
Close Date: 24/08/2026
