Software Test Lead - MES

Software Testing Lead – MES

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Software Testing Lead to oversee QA activities on our client site across an MES programme within a regulated manufacturing environment. You will lead a testing team, define the overall test approach, and work closely with development, DevOps, business, and quality teams to ensure solutions are fit for release.

Experience with off-the-shelf MES platforms, particularly Syncade, is highly desirable, along with exposure to DevOps and automated testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the testing strategy and approach across MES implementations, upgrades, and integrations.
• Lead and mentor a team of test professionals.
• Plan and manage functional, integration, regression, performance, and UAT activities.
• Develop test plans, scenarios, cases, and supporting documentation.
• Work with DevOps and development teams to introduce automation and integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines.
• Manage defects through investigation, prioritisation, and resolution.
• Provide testing status, risks, and quality metrics to project and senior stakeholders.
• Ensure testing supports regulatory and validation requirements, including GxP where applicable.
• Work with business and manufacturing teams to ensure testing reflects real-world processes.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Test Lead, QA Lead, or Senior Test Engineer on enterprise-scale systems.
• Strong knowledge of testing methodologies and best practice.
• Experience working within Agile/DevOps environments .
• Hands-on experience with test planning, execution, and defect management.
• Experience using tools such as Azure DevOps, Jira, Zephyr, or qTest .
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience within a regulated industry , ideally pharmaceutical, life sciences, or manufacturing.

Desirable

• Experience with MES platforms, particularly Emerson Syncade .
• Knowledge of GxP, CSV, and GAMP 5 .
• Experience with CI/CD and test automation tools such as Selenium, Playwright, or Cypress .
• Understanding of MES integrations with SAP, LIMS , or other enterprise systems.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing processes.

Personal Attributes

• Quality-focused and detail-oriented.
• Strong leadership and coaching capability.
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative and confident working with technical and business stakeholders.
• Pragmatic, with a risk-based approach to quality and delivery.