We have an excellent opportunity for a QA Automation Engineer to join our growing Technology team at Howdens.
This is a full-time, permanent role based onsite at least 3 days per week from either our Northampton office or our Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire office.
If you're passionate about quality, automation, and continuous improvement, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering reliable, high-quality technology solutions across one of the UK's most successful businesses. Working within our QA function, you'll help shape and expand our automation capability while collaborating closely with Product, Development, Infrastructure, and Project teams.
What will I be doing as a QA Automation Engineer?
- Designing, creating, maintaining, and executing automated test scripts using TOSCA and other automation tools
- Supporting the ongoing development of our automation framework, standards, and strategy
- Assessing new requirements and identifying opportunities for automation coverage
- Working closely with Product Owners, Developers, and Business Analysts to ensure quality is embedded throughout the delivery lifecycle
- Planning, preparing, and executing automated test activities across multiple projects and systems
- Creating and maintaining test data to support effective test execution
- Investigating, logging, tracking, and reporting defects, helping teams understand business impacts and risks
- Supporting continuous integration and delivery practices within an Agile environment
- Contributing to the growth of our automation catalogue and helping increase test coverage across business-critical applications
- Collaborating with third-party suppliers and technology partners where required
What we need from you
- Proven experience in a QA Automation Engineer, Test Automation, or Software Test role
- Strong hands-on experience with TOSCA automation testing tools
- Experience designing, building, and maintaining automated test suites
- Understanding of software development lifecycles and testing methodologies
- Experience working within Agile environments
- Knowledge of test management and defect tracking tools such as Azure DevOps or Jira
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- ISTQB/ISEB certification would be advantageous
- Experience with Playwright, C#, .NET, Java, or other scripting languages would be beneficial
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary and annual bonus
- Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Staff discount and colleague benefits package
- ShareSave scheme
- Subsidised restaurant facilities at key locations
- Free onsite parking
- Exceptional career development opportunities within a FTSE 100-sized business
- Access to industry-leading technology projects and transformation initiatives
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is the UK's number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe, making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Last year our sales reached circa £2.3bn, and we have an ambitious growth agenda.
As well as the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment, you will be part of a rewarding organisation recognised for excellence in the workplace in the Best Big Companies to Work For .
How to Apply
We're building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then we're keen to hear from you.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned . We're working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email [email protected] with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
About Howdens:
Howdens Joinery is a highly successful FTSE 100 business, with more than 900 depots nationwide and more than 11,000 staff. Last year our sales reached circa 2.3bn, and we continue to experience significant growth and success. Despite our scale, Howdens remains a local business with traditional values.
There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email [email protected] with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Please note that candidates applying for this role must have a valid right to work in the UK, we do not offer sponsorship of employment for any depot positions at this time. We appreciate your understanding.
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