Lead QA Automation Engineer / Hands-On Test LeadContract: 6 months Rate: Up to 550 per day, Outside IR35, depending on experience Working arrangement: Hybrid - two days in the office, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and three days from home. Flexibility is required to meet business needs.Our client is seeking a technically hands-on QA Automation Lead to take ownership of testing for an integration project, combining practical test delivery with strong supplier and stakeholder management.You will define the testing approach, establish test automation frameworks and carry out testing across interconnected systems. Alongside this, you will liaise with up to 20 third parties and three external contractors, coordinating testing activity, challenging delivery quality and ensuring issues are resolved.The roleDefine and deliver the test strategy, plans and quality standards across internal and supplier-led delivery.Set up, develop and maintain automated test frameworks, integrating automation into CI/CD pipelines.Lead and carry out integration, API, functional and regression testing, supporting UAT and performance testing.Review test cases, automation scripts, coverage and supplier testing evidence.Own defect management, prioritising issues according to business risk and driving resolution.Coordinate test environments and test data, supporting release readiness decisions.Communicate progress, risks and quality issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.Hold suppliers and ..... full job details .....