Interim Head of Testing

Job Description

Interim Head of Testing - Dublin (Hybrid) - Contract - Duration (4 to 5 months) - Utilities Sector Experience highly advantageous 

 ** DUE TO BPSS BACKGROUND CHECKS, WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT APPLICANTS WHO POSSES 3 YEARS UK/IRELAND ADDRESS HISTORY AND HOLD THE RIGHT TO WORK **

We are looking for a high-calibre Interim Head of Testing to lead and transform the test function across a large-scale Utilities transformation programme during a critical delivery phase. This is a hands-on, executive-facing role with immediate impact: you will stabilise the function, drive Go Live readiness, and leave behind a stronger, more sustainable capability.

This is an opportunity to shape testing at the highest level, working directly with C-suite and Executive Directors, while influencing delivery outcomes that affect thousands of customers.

Why This Role Matters

• Lead a high-visibility programme where testing is critical to Go Live success
• Take ownership of the entire test function, including strategy, governance, and delivery
• Define and embed “what good looks like” for testing in a fast-moving, complex environment
• Coach and uplift the team, leaving a lasting legacy of capability and confidence

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Accountability

• Own the test function, with authority over scope, priorities, and quality decisions
• Present test status, risks, and recommendations confidently at Executive and Board level
• Act as a trusted advisor on risk, readiness, and Go Live decisions
• Resolve conflicts and trade-offs with clarity, credibility, and delivery focus

Delivery Oversight & Governance

• Provide oversight across multi-vendor, multi-workstream testing
• Establish and enforce robust governance, including quality gates, metrics, and risk management
• Ensure testing aligns to programme milestones and supports critical delivery outcomes

Defining “What Good Looks Like”

• Assess current test maturity across people, process, tooling, and governance
• Define and implement a pragmatic uplift plan balancing immediate delivery needs and long-term capability
• Apply modern, fit-for-purpose testing practices that drive confidence and efficiency

Leadership & Capability Uplift

• Mentor, coach, and challenge the existing Test Lead and team
• Build trust, confidence, and alignment across the wider testing community
• Role model clarity, decisiveness, and disciplined execution

Go Live Readiness & Risk Management

• Drive focused, risk-based testing aligned to business, customer, regulatory, and operational priorities
• Provide clear visibility of residual risk and Go Live readiness
• Act as the single accountable authority for test-related recommendations

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

• Be a visible and credible presence in the programme leadership team
• Build strong relationships with delivery, technology, product, and vendor partners
• Communicate complex information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Provide calm, confident leadership under pressure

Key Experience & Attributes

• Proven Head of Testing or equivalent leadership experience on large-scale, complex transformations within the Utilities Sector Ideally
• Strong executive and board-level presence with experience influencing senior stakeholders
• Deep understanding of modern testing practices in regulated, multi-vendor environments
• Pragmatic, delivery-driven, and capable of building sustainable capability under pressure
• Highly credible, decisive, and able to make and own tough decisions

Qualifications

Additional Information