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