Head of Test (and DevSecOps)

Head of Test (and DevSecOps) - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

The starting salary is £86,485, which includes allowances totalling £2,841.

The salary is broken down as £83,644 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £92,192 Plus, a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: Birmingham

Technology is playing an ever-greater role in Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) - and so can you. As Head of our new Test and DevOpsSec team, you’ll deliver high quality business-facing applications across the Counter Terrorism (CT) Network, shaping the function as you go. It’s a golden opportunity to be a strategic leader as we take an exciting new approach to application testing and development. By leading this change, you can play a part in keeping the UK safe.

In this key role, you’ll take on the day-to-day management of Test and DevOps teams across the technology lifecycle. Working in a dynamic environment, you’ll own the Test and DevOps strategy for CTP HQ and drive automation across all development and testing processes.

Day to day, you’ll oversee effective project delivery, making sure the CT network gets the best possible tech and apps. This means taking responsibility for test improvement and DevOps optimisation across the organisation and building the Quality Assurance Testing (QAT) community.

To succeed, you’ll need a good understanding of automated testing and how to embed it within the testing/development culture. You’ll also need a range of Test-related skills and methodologies: Functional and Non-Functional testing techniques; experience of Test Analysis; and a good grasp of the DevOpsSec environment. In short, a breadth of technical knowledge.

In the past, you’ll have worked with teams using some of the following:

• NET (VB, C#, ASP.NET, .NET CORE)
• Python
• JavaScript (REACT, Bootstrap Frameworks, node.js)
• Database design
• SQL / SQL Server
• NoSQL technologies e.g. Elasticsearch
• GitOps
• Containerisation (e.g. Kubernetes Environment, Yaml, Helm, Docker)

Whatever your background, it’s vital that you understand the DevOps model and how testing is used throughout the DevOps cycle. If you also have strong organisational and collaborative skills, this could be the role for you.

Job Summary

Day to day management and leadership of complex test and DevOps teams across the technology lifecycle within a dynamic and flexible environment, to agreed parameters (time, cost, quality).Owning the test and DevOps strategy across CTP HQ Technology and driving automation across all of the development and testing processes.

Key Tasks

The post holder will be required to do the following:

Champion and implement effective project delivery, supporting the vision to deliver effective technology to counter terrorism, including:

• Be responsible for test improvement and DevOps optimisation across the organisation
• Actively promote and advocate test and DevOps capabilities internally and outside the organisation
• Take responsibility for talent, succession planning and supplier management
• Make important decisions relating to test and DevOps within the context of the delivery environment
• Own continuous improvement, researching new technology and new techniques to implement change
• Build the Quality Assurance Testing (QAT) community and provide organisational leadership
• Define appropriate test methodologies for varying programmes and projects
• Own test responsibilities/artefacts across the organisation project lifecycle.

How to apply

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement, and online application form. Your personal statement should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 14 February 2024.

The Met is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority groups and females.
As a Disability Confident employer, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. If you consider yourself to have access, workplace or reasonable adjustment requirements that need to be accommodated, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence and will not affect any recruitment decisions.