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Job summary

Main area
Digital - Digital Systems
Grade
Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
387-CONSULTATION7562-SC
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Digital HQ
Town
Bristol
Salary
£49,387 - £56,515 Per Annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
04/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Testing Manager

Band 7

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Are you an experienced Software Test Lead or Manager with a passion for quality, assurance and digital transformation?

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Test Manager to lead testing across a portfolio of digital systems and transformation programmes.

Reporting to the Test & Release Senior Manager, you will lead the Testing Team and oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of testing across multiple projects. You will manage all aspects of the testing lifecycle, including planning, execution, defect management and reporting, ensuring solutions meet functional requirements before deployment into operational and clinical environments.

Working with project teams, suppliers and stakeholders, you will coordinate testing across SIT, ST and UAT while promoting best practice.

We are looking for an experienced testing leader with strong knowledge of testing methodologies, Agile delivery and software development lifecycles. You will have a proven track record of leading testing activities in complex environments and influencing stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes.

As part of the newly formed Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, this role offers an opportunity to help shape and develop the Testing & Release function. You will support major digital transformation programmes, influence testing standards and governance, and help deliver high-quality digital services for patients, clinicians and operational teams.

Main duties of the job

Lead and manage the Testing Team, providing effective line management, performance oversight, appraisals, leave management and staff development. Deputise for the Senior Testing and Release Manager and hold delegated responsibility for approving timesheets and expenses. Develop, implement and maintain testing policies, procedures and change control processes in line with best practice, while fostering a culture that embraces technology and continuous improvement. Provide expert leadership in software testing, supporting major digital programmes and embedding Agile methodologies across the team. Oversee testing activity across multiple test levels, including system, integration and user acceptance testing, ensuring accurate planning, estimation, monitoring and reporting of progress. Work closely with suppliers and stakeholders to resolve defects and enable successful delivery of testing activities. Develop and refine testing processes, produce reports and testing documentation, and provide mentoring, guidance and support to colleagues across the Trust in test script development and execution. Coordinate and influence resources beyond direct line management to ensure testing objectives are achieved and high-quality outcomes are delivered.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.  

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.  

 Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Training, Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Highly developed specialist knowledge in testing knowledge, through degree qualification, or significant experience of working at similar level.
  • ISTQB Foundation/ ISTQB Advanced Qualification or equivalent experience.
  • Leadership of Testing within a large and complex IT environment.
  • Experience of producing test artefacts to support testing for a large integrated suite of systems.
  • Experience managing defects and working with suppliers to take them through to resolution.
  • Knowledge and understanding of testing best practice across different levels of testing.
  • Knowledge and understanding of clinical systems such as EPR systems and/or Theatre systems.
  • Knowledge of SDLCs such as SCRUM and SAFe.
  • Knowledge and understanding of how testing works with the various teams involved in a large project such as Analysis, Business Intelligence and Data Warehouses, Development/Config, Data Migration, Training and Project Management.
Desirable criteria
  • Experience in using tools such as Azure DevOps or similar for the management of testing and defects would be desirable
  • Knowledge and understanding of how systems integrate and familiarity with HL7 would be advantageous

Communication Skills

Essential criteria
  • Have excellent communication skills, sufficient to impart highly complex information to a wide range of audiences.
  • Excellent communications skills, with the ability to understand and interpret customer requirements and deliver the correct level of information dependent upon the audience.

Analytical Skills

Essential criteria
  • Be able to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of solution options
  • Excellent communications skills, with the ability to understand and interpret customer requirements and deliver the correct level of information dependent upon the audience

Planning Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to translate local and national requirements into an information plan.
  • Ability to plan allocation of resources against changing priorities and emerging pressures.

Management Skills

Essential criteria
  • Significant expertise in staff management, coaching, team building and change management.
  • Experienced manager with substantial experience at a senior level.
  • A leader and motivator with a successful history of building, developing and motivating teams to perform at the highest level.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jon Bodenham
Job title
Test & Release Senior Manager
Email address
[email protected]
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