Test Manager - Energy Programmes

Company Description

Hi! We're UW. We’re on a mission to take the headache out of utilities by providing them all in one place. One bill for energy, broadband, mobile and insurance and a whole lot of savings!

We’re aiming to double in size as we help more people to stop wasting time and money. Big ambitions, to be delivered by people like you. 

Got your attention? Read on…

We put people first. It’s all about you..

The Market-wide Half-Hourly Settlement (MHHS) Programme is a major industry transformation initiative led by Ofgem and delivered by industry parties, aiming to introduce half-hourly electricity settlement for all customers in Great Britain. The programme is a critical enabler for the UK’s net zero ambitions, supporting smarter energy use and more efficient system operation.

We are seeking a highly experienced and proactive Test Manager to cover parental leave and support the planning, coordination, and execution of testing across one or more MHHS programme phases. The role will be integral to ensuring that systems, processes, and interfaces meet the expected standards and industry requirements ahead of go-live. You will also own the assurance of UW’s end-to-end smart meter and related energy systems. 

You will need to be an experienced Test Lead or Manager and be able to demonstrate technical skills and aptitude, have a passion for getting to the root cause of issues, and the drive to find solutions. We are looking for someone with solid experience in SDLC and experience working with smart metering hardware. You will have:

• Knowledge of energy supplier flows and MHHS business processes is essential.
• Solid experience working in a Test Lead or Manager role, ideally in an Energy Supplier or Consultancy.
• You’ll have management experience and the skills and desire to take on a leadership role, using your expertise and motivational skills to guide and mentor the Test team to deliver to high standards.
• Experience implementing testing best practices, with an ability to apply appropriate standards, methods, tools and approaches on a project.
• The ability to work with and coordinate key stakeholders and third parties to achieve positive testing outcomes.
• Understanding of UK energy market.
• Understanding of UK Smart Metering ecosystem and supplier testing obligations with Smart DCC.
• Familiarity with key industry technical documentation, including; SMETS, GBCS and DUIS.
• Relevant testing certification and knowledge of SDLC.

This is a 12 month fixed-term contract to cover a period of parental leave, starting in August 2025.

We work together. Your team and the people you will work with…

This role reports to our Energy Programme Manager and will manager a small team of testers. You'll work closely with our internal commercial and technology teams as well as external parties such as hardware and firmware vendors, Smart DCC and other 3rd party suppliers.

We deliver progress. What you’ll do and how you will make an impact.

You will manage a team of testers and play a key part in the overall delivery of energy department projects and enduring service performance.

This role will focus on supporting our MHHS and smart meter implementation projects and ongoing DCC adapter and device firmware release assurance.

Marketwide Half Hourly Testing (MHHS):

• Lead the planning and execution of PIT and QT testing within the Marketwide Half Hourly Settlements (MHHS) Programme.
• Responsible for daily ownership and completion of integration and regression testing for all energy programme projects, 
• Create test plans and identify test scope, including defining success criteria and completion timescales and ensuring these are aligned to overall project/programme delivery.
• Collaborate with third-party testing teams to ensure consistent testing frameworks and defect management processes.
• Identify and manage test dependencies across multiple parties and workstreams.
• Prepare and present test status reports, metrics, and dashboards to stakeholders and governance forums.

Smart Meter Testing:

• Oversee testing of smart meter hardware, firmware, communications protocols (e.g., DCC, SMETS1/SMETS2), and backend systems.
• Push through triage and defect resolution to ensure testing progresses in a smooth and timely fashion.
• Manage and develop team members- Resource planning and management.
• Responsible for designing and coordinating testing governance and administration, developing artefacts and utilising the team for daily calls, test dashboards and exit reports, defect logs, traceability and progress reporting.
• Always be looking to innovate and improve the way testing is conducted, including the recommendation of alternative tools, solutions and methods.
• Liaising with Operations, Project Managers and Technology to communicate progress and notify of issues.
• Managing a Test Lab with multiple test slots and device-model combinations.

This is a hybrid role working from one of our London hubs regularly.

So why pick UW?

We’ve got big ambitions so there’s going to be plenty of challenges. There are also a lot of benefits: 

• An industry benchmarked salary. We’ll share it during your first conversation.
• Hybrid working, with 2 days in the office. (We’re definitely open to discussing flexible working arrangements)
• Discount on our services and you get our coveted Cashback Card for free. 
• A matched contribution pension scheme and life assurance up to 4x your salary.
• Family-friendly policies, designed to help you and your family thrive.
• Discounted private health insurance, access to an Employee Assistance line and a free Virtual GP.
• Belonging groups that help UW shape an even more inclusive future.
• A commitment to helping you develop and grow in your role.

Apply here!  

You’ve got this far… Hit apply - we can’t wait to hear from you! Worried you don’t hit all the criteria? We welcome applications from diverse and varied backgrounds so get your application in and let’s chat!

Claire Fennell will be your point of contact throughout the recruitment process.  

Additional Information

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do.

We provide equal opportunities, a diverse and inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone. You are welcome to apply no matter your age, disability, gender, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered.

Please note, if you are successful and offered a role at UW, you will be subject to a background check. Where checks are unsatisfactory or incomplete and/or a failure to reveal information relating to convictions that you are required to identify as part of the background checks, could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.