Position description
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Test Lead to join our team and play a key role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and successful delivery of ESB's technology solutions. The successful candidate will be an experienced testing professional with a proven track record of leading testing activities across complex projects and programmes, ideally with 5+ years' experience in software testing and quality assurance, including experience managing teams and stakeholder relationships.
As Test Lead, you will be responsible for defining and implementing test strategies, coordinating testing activities across multiple workstreams, managing defects and quality risks, and ensuring that solutions are delivered to the highest standards. You will work closely with business stakeholders, project managers, developers, solution architects, and operational teams to ensure that systems are thoroughly validated and fit for purpose before release.
The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, extensive knowledge of testing methodologies and tools, experience working in Agile and Waterfall delivery environments, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in testing practices. Experience in test automation, enterprise systems, and critical infrastructure environments would be highly advantageous.
In support of ESB's strategic objectives of decarbonising electricity, building resilient infrastructure, and empowering customers and communities, the Test Lead will play a critical role in ensuring that the technology solutions underpinning ESB's operations, networks, and customer services are delivered to the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the overall test strategy and test plans for projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with business objectives and quality standards.
- Lead and manage testing activities across the full project lifecycle, including functional, integration, system, regression, performance, and user acceptance testing.
- Coordinate and mentor test teams, providing leadership, guidance, and support to ensure effective delivery and professional development.
- Define, monitor, and report on testing progress, risks, defects, and quality metrics to project stakeholders and senior management.
- Collaborate with business, project, development, and operational teams to ensure requirements are understood, testable, and adequately validated.
- Manage defect lifecycle processes, ensuring issues are logged, prioritised, tracked, and resolved in a timely manner.
- Drive continuous improvement in testing practices whilst ensuring compliance with organisation standards, tools, and methodologies, promoting industry best practices and automation where appropriate.
- Provide quality assurance leadership and sign-off recommendations, ensuring solutions meet agreed acceptance criteria and are fit for release into production.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in software testing/quality assurance, with significant experience leading testing activities on complex IT projects.
- Proven experience managing and coordinating test teams, including planning, resource allocation, and delivery oversight.
- Strong knowledge of software development and testing methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid delivery approaches.
- Experience with test management and defect tracking tools such as Azure DevOps, JIRA, HP ALM, or equivalent platforms.
- Relevant professional certifications such as ISTQB Test Manager, ISTQB Advanced Level, Agile Testing certifications, or equivalent are desirable.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence decisions and work effectively across technical and business teams.
Desirable
- Experience in test automation frameworks and tools (e.g., Selenium, Playwright, Cypress, Tosca, or similar), with a strong understanding of automation best practices.
- Knowledge of cloud, infrastructure, and enterprise application testing, including experience with Azure, AWS, SAP, or large-scale business systems.
- Experience working within the utilities, energy, or critical infrastructure sector, with an understanding of regulatory, operational, and cybersecurity requirements.
Location
This position will be based in ESB’s Head Office at Fitzwilliam 27, Dublin 2. Possible travel to Santry when required.
Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.
Occasional travel to Santry may be required as part of this role.
Reporting To
Test Service Manager
Why Work with Us?
- Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
- Career development through mentoring and training
- Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
- Sports and Social Clubs
- Networking opportunities
- Credit Union
- Generous Pension
- Access to staff well-being programmes
- Generous parental leave entitlements
- Strong values-based and inclusive culture
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
- Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
Salary
€59,900 - €70,500 per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date
8th September 2026
Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:
- Accountable and Ethical
- Collaborative
- Growing and Adaptive
- Proactive
- Respectful and Supportive
Notes
Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.
The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland / UK prior to commencement of employment.
